A spectacular concert event honoring the legendary Patti Smith has been announced, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Karen O, Michael Stipe, Kim Gordon, Flea, and many more.
People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith will take place on March 26, 2025, at New York’s historic Carnegie Hall. The benefit show, organized by Music Of, aims to support music education programs for underserved youth, with 100% of net proceeds going directly to this cause.
Named after Smith’s powerful 1988 anthem “People Have the Power,” the event promises a night of electrifying performances. The house band will be led by Tony Shanahan, Smith’s longtime bandmate, alongside Flea and Rolling Stones drummer Steve Jordan.
The eclectic lineup features Matt Berninger of The National, Courtney Barnett, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, Alison Mosshart from The Kills, Ben Harper, the Kronos Quartet, as well as Kim Gordon and Bill Nace.
“I’m so honored to be on the bill,” wrote Mosshart on Instagram. “Thank you, Patti, for all your brilliant songs.”
While it’s unclear if Patti Smith herself will appear at the show, Music Of has hinted at more surprise guests and additions to the lineup.
Smith, a trailblazer for decades, has returned to the stage this year after recovering from a health scare in late 2023. Recent highlights include a heartfelt cover of Lana Del Rey’s “Summertime Sadness” and a nod to Taylor Swift, whose song “The Tortured Poets Department” references Smith.
Tributes to Smith continue to pour in, with Garbage’s Shirley Manson recently calling her “a touchstone” and praising her enduring power:
“Unlike every other artist I think I’ve ever seen in my life, she is augmented by her age, she’s not diminished by it. Every time she appears, she appears even more powerful, even more potent, even more challenging, and arresting. She’s taking us to task, but it also feels to me like it comes from a place of real generous love, I find that really beguiling in her.”
Photo: Judy Linn
