Patti Smith Delights Scottish Fans With Surprise Rendition

Posted on Mar 26th 2010 8:15AM by Andrew Kerr
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Patti Smith's Scottish fans were treated to that rarest of events on Wednesday. Appearing at Glasgow's Oran Mor venue, the former church provided the ideal backdrop for a truly beguiling display from the charismatic songwriter.

Here to promote her memoir 'Just Kids', Smith -- accompanied by guitarist and pianist Tony Shanahan -- was a magnetic presence throughout. From a retelling of her first encounter with Allen Ginsberg (he mistook her for a boy) to tales of the Chelsea Hotel and CBGBs, Smith's narratives proved integral in making tonight a real occasion.

Songs like 'Dancing Barefoot,' 'Pissing in a River' and 'Because the Night' played their parts too and ensured a fittingly reverential silence engulfed the auditorium, but the undoubted highlight came courtesy of one fan's persistence.

Having opened up the floor to questions, and after disclosing what her favourite cheeses were, a voice from the back of the room yelled, "Why don't you play 'Rock 'N' Roll N----r?'" The enthusiastic punter even offered￡20 to seal the deal.

Smith was quick to reply, "I've never done it acoustically before," but with the crowd urging her on she responded with a smile, "I made a big mistake when I asked for questions. Give me a second to learn it."

The 63-year old didn't disappoint, delivering the song to an ecstatic crowd.

The night's defining moment, it capped off what was an entirely captivating performance from the iconic singer and one which makes her promise to "return here real soon" a thought to be cherished.