Patti Smith, an icon of many faces, was fittingly honored with a star-studded concert at Carnegie Hall’s revered Stern Auditorium on March 26.

The show, titled “People Have The Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith,” marks the 20th annual “Music of” tribute concert. The concert featured 27 guest artists who performed 25 renditions of famed songs by Smith. 

Highlights of the concert included Michael Stipe of REM’s performance of “My Blakean Year,” Karen O of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs performing a spunky rendition of Smith’s beloved hit “Gloria” and the stagings of “Reflecting Robert,” “The Golden Cockerel” and “Dancing Barefoot” by Scarlett Johansson, Sean Penn and Johnny Depp. 

None other than “The Boss” himself, Bruce Springsteen, made an appearance and caused quite the stir as he took the stage with the house band, consisting of Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, founding member of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Benmont Tench, famed percussionist Steve Jordan and Tony Shanahan. 

Springsteen and the band performed what would have been an exceptional take on Smith’s hit “Because the Night.” However, the amps for the guitar and bass were too quiet, inhibiting their ability to be fully appreciated. Springsteen himself was also difficult to understand. Whether it was a technical difficulty or Springsteen’s mumbling, his set was nearly unintelligible and overall disappointing for a musician of his caliber. What lacked in sound was made up for in energy. Everyone onstage had a contagious passion for the music and respect for Smith’s incredible contributions to the world of music and poetry. 

Flea, though not at the forefront of the band, stood out with his fluid movements and smooth approach to the music itself. The master bassist’s performance was riveting, sending audience members’ eyes straight to him.

Following Springsteen’s performance, Smith emerged from the bright lights of Carnegie Hall’s stage. After a powerful reading of one of her poems, urging audience members to listen closely and rise up, Smith rivetingly performed “Peaceable Kingdom” before closing out the show with “People Have the Power.” Her performance was proof that some things get better with age. 

Patti Smith has always been a powerhouse and continues to prove herself as such through her passion for music and performance.

Image from Wikimedia Commons via Elekes Andor