The legendary poet of rock music and free-spirited sage of art, Patti Smith, is preparing to take the stage in Istanbul once again after a long hiatus. Widely regarded as one of the most influential artists of our time for the profound marks she has left on both literature and music, Smith will meet music lovers on Sunday, 17 May 2026, at Bonus Parkorman, presented by Stagepass.
Smith’s career began with her groundbreaking 1975 debut album Horses, which changed the course of rock music and has now spanned more than fifty years. With timeless anthems such as “Because the Night” and “People Have the Power,” she became both a musical and political icon, earning four Grammy® nominations along the way. Her artistic influence extends far beyond Morrissey, Madonna and Nirvana; the new generation, from Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers to Dua Lipa, sees her as a muse and a living symbol of freedom.
Beyond music, Smith achieved rare literary success with her 2010 memoir Just Kids, which won the National Book Award. Still actively creating, writing, performing and supporting human rights and environmental causes, the artist will share this multifaceted creative energy with the Istanbul audience.
On stage, she will be joined by the Patti Smith Quartet, the masterful musicians who have accompanied her for decades: guitarist Lenny Kaye (her creative companion since 1971), drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, bassist/keyboardist Tony Shanahan and guitarist Jackson Smith. This concert represents a long-awaited and deeply meaningful reunion for Turkey.
Artist: Patti Smith Quartet
Venue: Bonus Parkorman, Istanbul
Date & Time: Sunday, 17 May 2026, 18:00
