Patti Smith Joined by Springsteen at NYC Event
Patti Smith took the stage in New York this week for a high-profile performance that turned into a rare multi-artist moment, as the legendary singer was joined by Bruce Springsteen and R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe during a celebratory night for the long-running news programme Democracy Now!
Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary event was held Monday at Riverside Church, and Democracy Now! reported that the night closed with Smith performing “People Have the Power” with Springsteen, Stipe, Hurray for the Riff Raff and The National’s Aaron Dessner also joining in.
Host Ms. Amy Goodman introduced the performance as a “rare joint appearance,” naming additional musicians involved, including Alynda Segarra and Smith’s bandmates Tony Shanahan and Jesse Paris Smith. The segment capped the broadcast’s anniversary programming, with the outlet noting it would share more material from the celebration in the days ahead.
The event underscored Smith’s continued role as a galvanising live presence, with “People Have the Power” serving as an especially pointed closer given its long history as a political anthem and rallying cry.
With Springsteen and Stipe both appearing alongside Smith in a single performance, the collaboration is likely to stand out as one of the more talked-about moments from Democracy Now!’s anniversary festivities, especially for fans tracking rare cross-generational rock team-ups in New York’s live circuit.
