The Latest Breaking News from Fred Sonic Smith

Patti Smith’s new memoir, Bread of Angels, arrives on a significant date. On November 4, 1946, Smith’s artistic soulmate and first true love, the late photographer Robert Mapplethorpe, was born. Forty-eight years later, on the same day, her “king among men”, beloved husband and fellow musician, Fred “Sonic” Smith, died…

As the punk poet prepares to tour and reissue Horses for its 50th anniversary, we count down the best of her rich, rabble-rousing work

In 1968 the MC5’s Kick Out The Jams album was a grenade thrown into the music scene. Wayne Kramer acted as guardian of the band’s legacy until he died earlier this year, after making one final album

Though Smith’s legacy spans six decades, she still has plenty to contribute to the current conversation

Whether she’s dancing, eulogising Kurt Cobain or covering Lana Del Rey, Smith remains such a compelling and moving live performer

Thompson was the last surviving member of the group after the death of guitarist Wayne Kramer in February

Founder member of the influential rock band MC5 whose explosive live act was captured on the album Kick Out the Jams

The co-founder and guitarist of the influential Detroit band died at the age of 75 on February 2

Guitarist helped to give Detroit band their powerful, politically charged sound and continued their legacy into the 21st century