“You guys probably think I’m weird for singing Happy Birthday to the Pier,” shared Patti Smith after engaging the crowd for a Happy Birthday sing-along in commemoration of the Santa Monica Pier’s centennial. “Well, back at CBGB’s I used to sing Happy Birthday all the time to Hilly Kristal’s dog!” The crowd cheered for Patti Smith, the iconic punk godmother, edgy singer/song writer writer who influenced a flurry of musicians today and will continue to do so tomorrow. She closed up the annual Twilight Dance Series at the Santa Monica Pier on a gorgeous, warm summer evening, glistened by a full moon above.
Similar to a couple of years back, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers joined Smith and her band on stage to deliver us a high-energy rock’n’ roll set. The Pier was packed with many old school fans clad in wrinkles and grey hair, remembering the golden days of the 60’s and 70’s when rock was at its prime. Smith’s voice is still so powerful, and her stage persona is out of this world. I don’t know how many times I heard the oldies say, “Wow, she’s still the same. I can so feel her energy.” It was truly inspiring.
Between songs, Smith was quite the comedian, sharing her honest stories of everyday life and tour stops. Throwing the word “fuck” around and a quick spit here and there, Smith is as real as they come and so fuckin’ badass. It was also great to see Lenny Kaye up there shredding on the guitar. Fans in the crowd were jazzed to see Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers in the crowd and enjoying the show.
