Patti Smith performs special New York shows

Punk-poetess Patti Smith played three shows at Bowery Ballroom last night (April 24) to mark the release of her new covers album ‘Twelve’. The 60 year-old singer treated fans to versions of ‘Soul Kitchen’ (The Doors), ‘Everybody Wants To Rule The World’ (Tears For Fears) and ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’ (Nirvana) - the only song played in all three shows.

The first set highlights included a shaky version ofStevie Wonder’s ‘Pastime Paradise’ during which Smith appeared to forget most of the lyrics. After finishing, she admitted it was “the worst version of that song ever played” and later jokingly explained that as a protest, her son had refused to have dinner with her during the subsequent intermission.

The second set featured versions of Lou Reed’s ‘Perfect Day’ (not included on ‘Twelve’) and her own track ‘Free Money’, both requests from the audience.

The final, hour-long show included Jefferson Airplane’s ‘White Rabbit’, The Beatles’ ‘Within You Without You’, The Rolling Stones’ ‘Gimme Shelter’ and REM.’s ‘Everybody Hurts’. Smith rounded off the night by playing her hit ‘Gloria’.

--By our New York staff.
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