Celebrating Patti Smith: Star-Studded Tribute Concert Rocks Carnegie Hall

NEW YORK CITY, NY — A star-studded tribute concert honoring rock icon Patti Smith took place at Carnegie Hall on Wednesday night, March 26. The event, titled “People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith,” featured an array of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Depp, and Michael Stipe, celebrating Smith’s influential music and career.

The concert lasted for two and a half hours and was attended by a sold-out audience eager to honor Smith’s legacy. Alongside a variety of performances, the iconic singer herself joined other musicians on stage at times, creating poignant moments of celebration.

Smith, 78, was spotlighted amid a lineup that included other notable artists such as Susanna Hoffs, Chrissie Hynde, and the Kills’ Alison Mosshart. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Smith’s debut album “Horses,” which fundamentally changed rock music and influenced generations of musicians.

Photographer Taz Goldsmith, a long-time friend of Smith, documented rehearsal moments leading up to the event. One touching image captured Depp crouching down to kiss Smith’s hand, showcasing their deep friendship and respect. Goldsmith remarked, “There will be plenty of postings coming with the days here spent celebrating Patti… this one speaks for itself.”

Depp performed several songs during the concert, including a piece he originally collaborated on with Smith nearly 15 years ago. His participation in the event comes shortly after he was involved in an auction at a London-based house, where instruments owned by late guitarist Jeff Beck were featured.

“Walking through the history of Jeff’s life. He was the world’s greatest, most influential guitarist who just happened to become my beloved friend,” Depp reflected on Instagram while sharing a video related to the auction.

Michael Dorf, the founder and CEO of City Winery, organized the event to not only celebrate Smith but also to mark the 20th anniversary of his “Music Of” series, which has raised over $1.8 million for music education nonprofit organizations since its inception in 2004.

Springsteen and Smith share a long history, dating back to the late 1970s when Smith contributed to Springsteen’s song “Because the Night.” The show not only honored Smith’s career but also emphasized the importance of music and education in reaching out to communities.

As the tribute concluded, Smith expressed gratitude toward her fellow artists and fans who have supported her throughout her career. Following the Carnegie Hall concert, Smith is set to embark on a tour across Europe starting in Dublin on October 6.