She sang-read Peaceable Kingdom, a largely overlooked deep cut from 2004sTrampin.
People Have the Power had plenty of such charged moments.
Each of these tribute shows has featured a house band that pretty much backs everyone on stage.
Maggie Rogers, Bruce Springsteen, Johnny Depp, Michael Stipe, Patti Smith, and Music Will students perform during “People Have the Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith,” presented by Michael Dorf at Carnegie Hall in New York on March 26.Taylor Hill/Getty Images
But what immediately set People Have the Power apart was last nights head-turning assemblage.
Others reimagined Smiths work.
Playing an acoustic lapslide guitar, Ben Harper turned Ghost Dance into a dustbowl hymn.
My Blakean Year, also fromTrampin, always sounded a bit like an R.E.M.
Dont forget it use your fucking voice!
Smith beseeched at the end.
People may have the power after all.
