In May 1976, during the live recording featured in "PATTI SMITH GROUP - Horses, Hey Joe - Live BBC Studios," Patti Smith was riding the wave of her burgeoning impact on rock music, following the release of her groundbreaking debut album, *Horses*, which came out in late 1975. This album is often credited with bridging the gap between rock and punk, marking Smith as a pivotal figure in the emerging punk scene. The performance at the BBC Studios showcased her raw energy and poetic lyricism, further solidifying her reputation as a compelling live artist. Interestingly, the live performance of "Hey Joe," a classic cover, reflects her ability to reinterpret established rock narratives through her unique artistic lens. At this point in her career, Smith was not only defining her identity as an artist but was also influencing the next waves of musicians with her bold, avant-garde style in the evolving landscape of rock music.