Patti Smith

Last night Jackson, Seb, Tony Shanahan and I performed a small acoustic concert in Vienna. We decided to try our hand at trying out a stripped down version of Fireflies, a song I wrote with Oliver Ray for Gone Again. It speaks of a widows deep longing and I have always found it too difficult, too sad to perform. It’s hard, if not painful, l to try something new; the risk of failure walks with you, but it’s necessary to the process. The video was taken by Janine Bub at the side of the stage. It’s quite raw, delicate, and held together by the thread of determination.

As the song grows, develops and gains confidence I will send you another video. But I thought it may be interesting to hear as we all attempt new things and sometimes have to suffer the growing pains of the process publicly. But of course we prevail, don’t give up and keep our sense of humor.

So far in Vienna I’ve been concentrating on revisiting The Third Man filming locations. Also the graves of A few master musicians. I’ve been a little frazzled from travel but have had amazing moments. The young people of Istanbul. Sardines and a wild sea in Brighton, and the Hall of Philosophy and the cafes in Vienna. Just sending a few snapshots before I turn in, wishing you all good health and the strength to maintain peace of mind.

I will send more soon. Goodnight everybody

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I have to catch my train so here are some pictures. see you soon

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A little excursion with Nelio Biedermann in the rain to McNally Jackson’s for a happy book swap. Photos taken by Jesse Paris Smith….

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Say a prayer of gratitude to the Great Mother…Nature herself.

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Happy Robert Walser birthday. Sending a wave from the Swiss border among the wild flowers and chirping birds. Thinking of Robert Walser who died on Christmas Day, 1956. Below visiting his grave. Photograph by Janine Bub.

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It’s April Fool’s Day. All I can say is the people have the power to wrestle the world from fools. It’s decreed the people rule. Today at this moment the light stirs my senses. I send it to you all with a smile and a song.

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https://www.archives.gov/founding-docs/declaration-transcript

Beneath are shots from Riverside Church to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Democracy Now . Tony and Bruce lead the way to People have the Power. Stay strong and healthy and vigilant.

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TO STREAM:

https://www.democracynow.org/live/democracy_now_30th_anniversary_event

TONIGHT: Monday, March 23, 2026

Join Amy Goodman, Juan González, Nermeen Shaikh and the entire Democracy Now! family for a special live streaming event at the historic Riverside Church to celebrate 30 years of independent journalism.

Special Guests & Performers

* Legendary Activist and Scholar Angela Davis

* Rock Legend Patti Smith

* Michael Stipe with Aaron Dessner

* Pulitzer Prize winning Writer and Poet Mosab Abu Toha

* Renowned Playwright V (formerly Eve Ensler)

* Hurray for the Riff Raff

* And more!

https://www.democracynow.org/live/democracy_now_30th_anniversary_event

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Hi everybody,

Somehow the video ending while I was still talking. Mostly saying nothing just trying to take a picture from my window. Really just saying hi, snowed in today. Oh I remember. I was saying how much my mom loved watching the Oscars. I am thinking of her and her birthday which is very soon, March 19th.

So happy blizzard before spring. Hopefully I will get home tomorrow, but if not I am happy to be in Minnesota. So, let it snow….

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Here is part one of the pictures I took for you in Paris. More to come.

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