Patti Smith suffered a horrible fall on stage during a performance in São Paulo, Brazil

Patti Smith, 78, collapses on stage in Brazil. Credit: Per Ole Hagen / Getty

The 78-year-old music icon, best known for hit songs ‘Because The Night’ and ‘Dancing Barefoot,’ was performing at the Teatro Cultura Artística on Wednesday (January 29) night alongside Soundwalk Collective when she suddenly fainted.

Witnesses told Metropoles that the four-time Grammy nominee fell backward and hit her head on the stage.

Teatro Cultura Artística shared a statement on Instagram after the incident, revealing that Smith had been suffering from “severe migraines for the past few days”.

The venue assured concerned fans that she quickly rushed off stage in a wheelchair and “is being monitored by top doctors and staff”.

Smith fell backward and hit her head on the stage. Credit: Jim Dyson / Getty

Despite medical recommendations to abandon the show, Smith returned to the stage and delivered a stunning performance of her classic hit ‘Because the Night’.

The crowd erupted in applause as she powered through another song. “It was a very memorable moment for everyone present,” the theater added in its statement.

The ‘Gloria’ singer is scheduled to perform again with Soundwalk Collective on Thursday (January 30) night at the same venue. Organizers have promised to keep fans updated on her condition.

“We thank Patti Smith and Soundwalk Collective for taking care of the audience, and everyone for their support during the event. As soon as we have information about tomorrow’s performance, we will share it on our channels. We count on everyone’s understanding,” the venue concluded.

The experimental group also shared their own statement on social media, telling fans Smith “is tremendously grateful for your patience and forgiveness and she sends her love to all who attended”.

Soundwalk Collective put out a statement after the fall. Credit: Soundwalkcollective / Instagram

This isn’t the first time the singer-songwriter has faced health concerns.

Back in December 2023, Smith was forced to cancel a show at Teatro Duse in Bologna, Italy, due to a medical issue.

She later shared her gratitude for the hospital staff and fans who supported her through the ordeal.

Posting a smiling photo alongside the medical team, she wrote: “This is thanking all at the hospital for their help and guidance. I am so sorry that we had to cancel concerts in Bologna and Venice. I will return to fulfill my happy obligations.”

She also took a moment to acknowledge healthcare workers worldwide, adding: “This is also to thank all the medical teams globally, who attend to the people’s needs, especially those altruistically serving under fire, all healers, physicians, nurses, and attendants.”

“Also, I want to thank everyone for sending messages of love and concern,” she continued. “I am resting, as the doctor ordered, grateful to have had such care, though being painfully aware that many are not so fortunate.”

The Bologna Health Authority later confirmed that she had been discharged in “good health”, sharing their own message of support: “We hope to be seeing you on stage soon after an appropriate period of rest!”