It has been over three decades since the passing of Fred “Sonic” Smith, the legendary guitarist of MC5 and beloved husband of rock icon Patti Smith. However, the grief and longing he left behind remain deeply embedded in her heart. In a recent interview, Patti Smith opened up about the profound impact of his loss, revealing that she still feels his absence in her daily life.
“I feel lost without him,” Patti admitted, her voice heavy with emotion. “Fred was my anchor, my partner in everything. Losing him was like losing a piece of my soul.”
Fred Smith passed away on November 4, 1994, at just 45 years old due to heart failure. At the time, the couple had built a quiet life together in Michigan, stepping away from the music industry to focus on their family. Patti and Fred shared two children, Jackson and Jesse, and their love story was one of deep artistic and personal connection.
Patti described how Fred was more than just her husband—he was her creative muse and greatest supporter. “Fred always believed in me, even when I doubted myself. He encouraged me to write, to sing, to keep pushing forward. Without him, I had to find my own strength.”
The loss was devastating, and Patti took a long hiatus from music as she mourned. However, she eventually returned to the stage, channeling her pain into her work. Albums like Gone Again (1996) and Banga (2012) feature deeply personal reflections on love, loss, and resilience.
Even now, at 78, Patti continues to honor Fred’s memory through her music and poetry. “Grief never truly goes away,” she reflected. “You just learn to carry it with you.
Leave a Reply