Fred Sonic Smith
Fred Sonic Smith was an influential American guitarist and songwriter, best known as a member of the iconic punk rock band MC5. Born in 1949, he was a pioneering figure in the Detroit rock scene and was instrumental in shaping the sound of the genre. Smith's partnership with Patti Smith, both romantically and musically, profoundly impacted the punk landscape, particularly with their collaborative efforts and family life. After stepping back from the spotlight, he found fulfillment in a quieter life, ultimately returning to music until his untimely death in 1994.
Not in the pool (under ¢1).
Recent news mentions
Fred 'Sonic' Smith was the husband of Patti Smith and a guitarist for the rock band MC5, described by her as a 'tormented man'.
Patti Smith: una mujer de memoria | "Pan de ángeles", nuevo libro de la artista
Peru· 2026-03-07
Patti Smith's late husband, Fred Sonic Smith, inspired many of her songs and artistic expressions.
Pati Smit: Ljubavno pismo kume panka ljudima koji su uticali na nju
Serbia· 2025-12-01
Fred Sonic Smith was a musician and Patti Smith's husband, whose memory deeply influences her writing.
Patti Smith: “En mi vida he visto un mundo tan movido por el poder y el dinero” | EL PAÍS Semanal
Spain· 2025-11-06
Fred 'Sonic' Smith was Patti Smith's husband and co-writer of the song People Have the Power.
Trailblazer Patti Smith on influencing artists like Taylor Swift
United Kingdom· 2025-11-04Fred Sonic Smith was a musician and Patti Smith's husband with whom she had two children.
Patti Smith, la poeta que se convirtió en leyenda del rock | IdeasSpain· 2025-06-14
