Patti Smith
Dublin Vicar Street
13th April, 2007

View: balcony, centre

Attired in obligatory tie and jacket, and armed with an oboe wielded like a marching baton, Patti and her band are on electric form. Promoting her covers album, she’s justifiably unapologetic, and her version of Hendrix’s Are You Experienced? replaces the iconic guitar solo with a stunning oboe slot. Consistently powerful and intense, her excitement in performing great music is palpable and contagious. Included are an absorbing tribute to George Harrison (Within You, Without You), while, from Pissing In The River to the anthemic Because The Night, her own intelligent music stands the test of time. My Blakean Year follows surreal announcements (ramblings?) before White Rabbit. Her conclusion is Smells Like Teen Spirit, which retains the energy and venom of the original, before tearing through Gimme Shelter and the riveting Rock’N’Roll Nigger. No Horses, but plenty of animal magnetism from the first lady of punk.

Reviewed by James Masterson
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