A Surprise Throwback on Stage: Patti Smith Stuns With “My Generation”
Often hailed as the Godmother of Punk, Patti Smith has spent decades shaping the sound and spirit of modern rock. So when she surprised fans at a recent concert by performing her own raw, powerful take on “My Generation” — one of The Who’s most famous tracks — it felt like a perfect full-circle moment.
A Rare Performance Caught on Camera
A video shared by Leather Saints Archive captured the scene from Smith’s November 22 show at the Beacon Theatre in New York City. At 78 years old, Smith took the stage with guitar in hand and delivered a fiery rendition of the 1965 classic. According to the post, it was the first time she had performed the song on her current tour.
She was backed by a full band, including guest guitarist Charlie Sexton, well known for his longtime work with Bob Dylan.
Fans React: “She Is Ageless”
The reaction online was immediate and emotional. Fans flooded the comments with praise:
- “Mind blowing moment.”
- “May or may not have tears in my eyes.”
- “She is ageless.”
- “Could I love her more?”
For longtime followers, Smith’s connection to the song runs deep. She has been covering “My Generation” since the 1970s, and her 1976 single “Gloria” even featured a live version of the song recorded in Cleveland as its B-side.
Watch the Video Below
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Pete Townshend’s Complicated Relationship With “My Generation”
While the song is one of rock’s most iconic anthems, not everyone in The Who looks back on it fondly. In a March 2025 episode of the Switched on Pop podcast, guitarist Pete Townshend shared his mixed feelings.
“I hate playing it,” Townshend admitted. “For me and the band members, it became a burden.”
He explained that even as they reached their late 20s, the band was still closing shows with it — and the message no longer felt aligned with the moment. “It felt to us that the conversation was over.”
Changing Times, Changing Meaning
Townshend reflected on how the cultural context shifted. When The Who arrived in New York in 1967, young Americans were still being drafted to Vietnam. But by the time they continued performing “My Generation” into 1968, the world had changed, and the band’s guitar-smashing theatrics no longer carried the same impact.
The song also faced early criticism. Some listeners believed Roger Daltrey’s stuttering vocal mocked those with speech disorders. Townshend pushed back:
“It wasn’t meant to be a piss-take.”
He explained that the stutter came from his own environment growing up. “I grew up in this group of boys who took so much amphetamines that they couldn’t speak.”
Setting the Record Straight
Townshend also commented on how bands handled interviews during the early rock era. “When you look at early interviews with The Beatles, every time they were asked a serious question, they made a joke.” He added that while he tried to be sincere, there were certain topics he wasn’t comfortable addressing.
A Punk Legend Meets a Rock Classic
Even after decades of debate and evolution, “My Generation” remains one of the most recognizable songs in rock history. And Patti Smith’s recent performance proved that its rebellious energy — and its cultural impact — continue to resonate.
Her raw, emotional delivery brought new electricity to The Who’s classic anthem, reminding audiences that truly great songs never lose their edge.