Patti Smith Celebrates 50 Years of “Horses” in San Francisco

The atmosphere was electric as Patti Smith and her band took the stage at the Masonic in San Francisco on November 13, 2025. They celebrated the 50th anniversary of “Horses,” a groundbreaking album widely recognized as one of the greatest in rock history. The crowd, filled with longtime fans and newcomers alike, could hardly contain their excitement as they experienced an evening of music that resonated deeply with the legacy of this iconic record.

“Horses,” released in 1975, seamlessly blends rock and poetry, influencing generations of musicians from Michael Stipe of R.E.M. to Courtney Love of Hole. On this special night, Smith’s performance brought the essence of the album back to life, bridging the gap between the Velvet Underground and the punk rock movement. The sold-out show underscored the album’s enduring appeal, with ticket prices reaching upwards of thousands of dollars on the resale market, a rarity for a Patti Smith concert.

This tour marks the first time in two decades that Smith has dedicated her concert to “Horses,” heightening the anticipation among fans. Taking the stage shortly after 20:15, the 78-year-old Rock and Roll Hall of Famer launched into a vibrant rendition of Them’s classic “Gloria,” which merges seamlessly with her own “In Excelsis Deo.” The band, featuring original “Horses” musicians Lenny Kaye on guitar and Jay Dee Daugherty on drums, along with keyboardist/bassist Tony Shanahan and her son Jackson Smith on guitar, delivered a powerful reimagining of the album’s tracks.

During the first half of the performance, Smith focused primarily on the music, guiding the audience through each of the album’s eight tracks, including “Redondo Beach” and “Free Money.” As they transitioned into the latter half, Smith began to share anecdotes and reflections, enhancing the experience for her audience. “Now it’s time to take the record, turn it over and put it on the turntable,” she instructed, drawing fans into her narrative of the 1970s New York City arts scene.

Smith’s storytelling included personal connections to the tracks, such as her recollections of living with Tom Verlaine of Television, reminiscing about shared moments over coffee and chocolate donuts. These engaging tales added a rich layer to the concert, making it an immersive experience. Following “Break It Up,” the set included “Elegie,” which, although slightly out of place in the order, led into a powerful finale with “Land.”

After a brief intermission, the band paid tribute to Verlaine’s influence with a three-song set of Television classics: “See No Evil,” “Friction,” and “Marquee Moon.” Smith returned to the stage, delivering a stunning rendition of “Dancing Barefoot” before the performance was briefly interrupted by a technical issue. “Sorry, Tony fried the bass amp,” she joked, demonstrating her light-hearted approach to the situation.

As the night progressed, the band showcased their musical prowess with “Pissing in the River” and “Peaceable Kingdom,” which featured a preview of “People Have the Power.” Smith’s vocal performance remained exceptional throughout the evening, culminating the main set with a powerful version of “Because the Night.”

The audience was treated to a three-song encore, which included a playful rendition of “Happy Birthday to You” for her touring agent Frank Riley, followed by “Ghost Dance” and the inevitable return to “People Have the Power.”

This memorable performance not only celebrated the legacy of “Horses” but also reaffirmed Patti Smith‘s status as a pillar of rock music, inspiring a new generation while delighting long-time fans with her timeless artistry.