News
19 July 2026 – Lenny Kaye Debuts At 79 With ‘Goin’ Local’
By Editorial Team - July 19, 2026
Summary
Legendary guitarist and compiler Lenny Kaye releases his first solo album 'Goin' Local' at the age of 79.
Key Facts
- Lenny Kaye releases debut solo album 'Goin' Local' at age 79.
- Features collaborations with Patti Smith and jazz pianist Matthew Shipp.
- The songs focus on community, local history, and scene memories.
- Entities: Lenny Kaye, Goin' Local, Patti Smith Group, Patti Smith, Matthew Shipp, Nuggets, Solstice
- Tags: lenny kaye, goin local, rock-and-roll, patti-smith, nuggets
<a href="/tags/lenny kaye">Lenny Kaye</a> releases 'Goin' Local', remarkably his first solo album despite a career stretching across decades as Patti Smith’s guitarist, a producer, writer and the curator of the foundational garage-rock collection <em>Nuggets</em>.
At 79, <a href="/tags/lenny kaye">Kaye</a> finally moves his own songs to the centre, building a record around community, memory, local identity and the traces people leave behind. Patti Smith appears on 'Solstice', while other collaborators bring jazz, roots and rock experience.
'Goin' Local' does not treat age as a novelty or turn the record into a victory lap. It sounds like the natural work of somebody who has spent a lifetime listening closely to scenes, neighbourhoods and musicians. The release is also reassuring for anyone concerned they are progressing too slowly.