During Patti Smith's set at Glastonbury Festival 2015, the singer-songwriter welcomed a very special guest to the Pyramid Stage Sunday afternoon. After performing her fifth song ("Pissing In A River") while dedicating it to "all our friends in Wikileaks," she welcomed none other than the harmonious Dalai Lama to the stage.
Explaining to the audience that the spiritual leader's 80th birthday was creeping up on July 6, she stated "we are grateful to him for all his love of humanity and making people aware of the importance of saving the planet," she said in the YouTube video below, reading a poem she penned for him afterward. Glastonbury's own show-runner Emily Eavis introduced The Dalai Lama onto the stage, drawing an abundance of cheers from the audience."I think it would be nice if Glastonbury wished The Dalai Lama a happy birthday," said Smith, before launching into her own stirring rendition of "Happy Birthday."
The Dalai Lama blew out the singular candle placed on top of his fruit cake before cutting into it. "Thank you, thank you," he said. "Dear brothers and sisters, I really appreciate so many people's expression of warm feeling." He continued to joke about Smith and the band's age. "These singers and musicians have white hair, but they look very youthful! That gives me encouragement, I should be more like you—more active!"
Following the impromptu birthday celebration, Smith went on to play "People Have The Power", "Land"/"Gloria" and "Redondo Beach." The 68-year-old covered The Who's classic hit, "My Generation," wrapping up the hour-long performance, notes NME. The last song brought Smith to the ground as she accidentaaly tripped and fell. "Yeah, I fell on my f*cking arse at Glastonbury," she boasted. "That's because I'm a f*cking animal!"
"This is the most awesome and beautiful sight," she said early on. "We've been on tour for a month and a half and this is the moment I've been dreaming of. I'm afraid I'm losing my voice, but I promise I'll give you the last bit of voice that I have." To close the set, Smith tossed rose petals into the air and exited the stage.
Patti Smith's set list:
'Privilege (Set Me Free)'
'Redondo Beach'
'Ain't It Strange'
'Beneath The Southern Cross'
'Pissing In A River'
'Happy Birthday'
'People Have The Power'
'Land/Gloria'
'My Generation'
