Patti Smith Marks 50 Years of Horses with an Unforgettable London Show Featuring Johnny Depp

London — Music legend Patti Smith took the stage at the historic London Palladium on Sunday, October 12, delivering a powerful and emotional performance as part of her global tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of her groundbreaking 1975 album Horses. The evening became even more memorable when actor and longtime friend Johnny Depp joined her for a surprise collaboration that had the audience on its feet.

As Smith launched into her timeless anthem People Have the Power, the crowd erupted with excitement when Depp appeared during the encore, guitar in hand. Standing alongside Smith’s daughter, Jesse Paris Smith, who played keyboards, the actor-turned-musician added an extra spark to the night. The crowd roared with applause as Smith introduced her guest with a grin and a playful reference to one of her most famous lyrics:

“And Johnny? And Johnny Depp? The original Johnny.”

The moment was both nostalgic and electrifying — a reminder of Smith’s enduring ability to unite art, activism, and rock ‘n’ roll spirit in a single performance.

A Creative Bond That Spans Decades

Johnny Depp’s surprise appearance in London adds another chapter to his long and creative friendship with Patti Smith. The two have shared numerous stages and recording sessions over the years, forging a connection rooted in mutual respect and artistic curiosity.

Earlier this year, Depp appeared at People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith in New York, joining Alison Mosshart of The Kills for a rendition of Dancing Barefoot. It was a moving tribute to Smith’s influence — one that showed how her music continues to inspire artists across generations and genres.

Their partnership dates back more than a decade. In 2010, Depp performed alongside Smith and Pearl Jam’s Eddie Vedder at the Voices for Justice rally in Little Rock, Arkansas, once again playing People Have the Power. Two years later, he collaborated on Smith’s acclaimed 2012 album Banga, contributing both guitar and drums. Over the years, their shared performances have come to symbolize a rare blend of friendship and artistry — two kindred spirits who see music as a tool for connection and defiance.

Revisiting a Masterpiece

The Horses 50th Anniversary Tour brings Patti Smith together with her longtime bandmates, including original Horses musicians Lenny Kaye and Jay Dee Daugherty, as well as bassist and keyboardist Tony Shanahan, who has been a key part of Smith’s ensemble for over 30 years. Together, they reimagine the songs that changed the landscape of rock music while maintaining the raw energy that made Horses a cultural milestone.

When Horses was released in 1975, it redefined what rock could be — poetic, rebellious, and deeply personal. The album not only earned Smith international acclaim but also influenced generations of musicians, from punk pioneers to indie poets. Over the decades, it has received some of the highest honors in music: the Charles Cros Award in France, induction into the Library of Congress National Recording Registry, and a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021. It was also ranked 12th on NME’s list of the greatest albums of all time.

In August, Smith announced a special 50th anniversary reissue of Horses, featuring never-before-heard material, including the newly unearthed track Snowball. For fans, the release offers a rare glimpse into the creative spirit that made the album a timeless classic.

A Global Celebration Continues

After her sold-out London dates, Patti Smith will continue her 50th anniversary tour across Europe and the United States. Upcoming shows include major stops in Brussels, Oslo, and Paris, followed by performances across key U.S. cities such as Seattle, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and Boston. Each concert promises not only nostalgia but a celebration of an artist who continues to challenge convention and inspire new generations.

As the London crowd cheered her final bow, one thing was clear — five decades after Horses, Patti Smith remains every bit the revolutionary poet she was in 1975. With Johnny Depp by her side and her daughter playing beside her, she turned a night of music into something bigger: a tribute to art, endurance, and the unstoppable power of rock ‘n’ roll.