Punk icon Patti Smith has responded to criticism from members of a Christian group who have blasted her for planning to play at a Christmas concert for Pope Francis.
Smith will perform at the Auditorium Conciliazione venue in Rome, Italy on December 13, after reportedly receiving a personal invite from the Pontiff.
Leaders of Portosalvo, a local Catholic organisation, object to her performing for the Pope because of the lyrics to her 1975 hit 'Gloria', which includes the line, "Jesus died for somebody's sins, but not mine."
However Smith has now hit back at her critics, telling British newspaper The Guardian, "I'm not playing to the Pope. He may not even be there! But I expect there'll be a bunch of cardinals... It's a Christmas concert for the people, and it's being televised. I like Pope Francis and I'm happy to sing for him. Anyone who would confine me to a line from 20 years ago is a fool!
"I had a strong religious upbringing, and the first word on my first LP is Jesus. I did a lot of thinking. I'm not against Jesus, but I was 20 and I wanted to make my own mistakes and I didn't want anyone dying for me. I stand behind that 20-year-old girl, but I have evolved. I'll sing to my enemy! I don't like being pinned down and I'll do what the f**k I want, especially at my age."
WENN.com
source: newshub archive
