Patti Smith Tribute Concert Unites Musical Legends at Carnegie Hall
On March 26, New York’s prestigious Carnegie Hall was the setting for an unforgettable celebration titled People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith. This tribute concert featured an impressive roster of artists coming together to honor the iconic musician.
A Benefit for Music Education
The event was organized as a Music Of benefit concert, with all net proceeds directed toward supporting music education for underserved youth. The night promised not just star power but also a significant cause.
Key Performances and Collaborations
Bruce Springsteen led an exceptional house band that included Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Steve Jordan, the drummer for the Rolling Stones, during a powerful performance of Because The Night. Footage of this mesmerizing rendition has surfaced, capturing the essence of the evening.
A star-studded line-up took to Carnegie Hall for a celebration of Patti Smith on Wednesday night – here’s Bruce Springsteen (@springsteen) and @flea333 performing ‘Because The Night’ pic.twitter.com/7fBrVRHEc1
— NME (@NME) March 27, 2025
Additions to the lineup included renowned artists like Matt Berninger, Kim Gordon, and Michael Stipe, among others. High-profile attendees such as Scarlett Johansson, Michael Shannon, and Sean Penn also joined the evening, reciting Smith’s poetry. Additionally, Karen O delighted the audience with a cover of Smith’s classic Gloria.
Unexpected Appearances
One of the highlights was the surprise performance by Johnny Depp, who teamed up with Flea and Alison Mosshart from The Kills to deliver a rendition of Dancing Barefoot. This unexpected collaboration showcased the spirit of creativity that the night embodied.
Johnny Depp made an unannounced appearance to perform ‘Dancing Barefoot’ with Alison Mosshart of The Kills and Flea pic.twitter.com/1yhJ2Gf3ga
— NME (@NME) March 27, 2025
Climactic Finale
To conclude this star-studded affair, Patti Smith herself graced the stage to perform People Have the Power, joined by a collective of the evening’s performers. This collaborative finale was a testament to Smith’s enduring influence and the camaraderie shared among these artists.
Performance Highlights
The concert featured an array of poignant performances, including:
- ‘Piss Factory’ – Matt Berninger
- ‘Free Money’ – Jesse Malin
- ‘Redondo Beach’ – Courtney Barnett
- ‘Pissing In A River’ – Sharon Van Etten
- ‘Dancing Barefoot’ – Johnny Depp and Alison Mosshart
- ‘Gloria’ – Karen O
- ‘People Have The Power’ – Patti Smith and friends
Upcoming Celebrations of Patti Smith’s Legacy
In conjunction with this remarkable tribute, Patti Smith has also announced a series of special concerts to commemorate the 50th anniversary of her debut album, Horses. These events will take place across various cities in Europe, the UK, and the US later this year. Notably, London shows are set for October 12 and 13 at the London Palladium.
For further details and ticket information, fans can find tickets to these highly anticipated events online.
