Patti Smith Discusses 'Bread Of Angels' at London Literature Festival with Dua Lipa

Published in 2022, Bread Of Angels follows Smith’s earlier works, including Just Kids, M Train, Devotion, and The Year Of The Monkey, along with several poetry collections. The memoir begins with Smith’s childhood in Philadelphia and traces her life through four dresses gifted to her by significant figures, including her late husband Fred Sonic Smith, her brother Todd, and friend Robert Mapplethorpe.

Lipa, who curated this year’s festival through her Service95 Book Club, explored various stories from the memoir during the conversation. Smith shared that the book allowed her to express gratitude to those who have influenced her, stating, “Even though it’s my own story, it shows that we are also a product of all the wisdom and all the experience that we have with others.”

Comparing this memoir to her earlier work Just Kids, Smith noted, “In this book, I wanted to give them all of the people that helped me along the way.” Referring to the writing process, she admitted to initially swearing off memoir writing due to its challenges but was inspired by a dream of a messenger delivering her own book.

The title Bread Of Angels was initially intended to be Dancing Barefoot, a nod to her song from the 1979 album Wave. However, after finding the title was taken, she selected the new title based on a reflection on gratitude found within her writing.

Smith recounted a recent gathering in Spain where 3,000 people sang her song ‘People Have The Power,’ expressing a poignant connection to Fred Sonic Smith, who hoped the song would empower those in need.

Throughout the conversation, Smith articulated her philosophy of questioning everything, a value instilled by her father. Reflecting on her upbringing, she recounted her first significant argument with him at the Philadelphia Museum of Art over artistic preferences, highlighting a desire for open-minded discussions.

Bread Of Angels features many musicians, including Richard Hell, Tom Verlaine, and Bob Dylan, with Smith recalling her early experiences with them. One notable moment was a Valentine’s Day call from Michael Stipe of R.E.M., which came shortly after Fred’s passing, illustrating the support she received during a difficult time.

The emotional dialogue touched on the impact of loss, with Smith moved when discussing Fred, describing their first meeting as a cinematic moment where time felt suspended.

As the event concluded, the discussion shifted to the differences in artistic journeys across generations. Smith asserted that freedom in creativity remains unchanged but acknowledged the increased pressure contemporary artists face. Lipa echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the fast-paced nature of the current music industry.

Finally, Smith advised aspiring writers to practice writing daily, comparing it to training as a runner. The London Literature Festival, continuing until November 1, features works from various writers, poets, and thinkers. Lipa expressed pride in curating the festival and highlighted the program's diverse voices.

Patti Smith is set to perform at the Roskilde and Open’er festivals in Europe next summer.