Micheal Stipe, Flea and Kim Gordon announced for Patti Smith tribute show
The impact of Patti Smith, not just on music but on art and poetry in general, is colossal. After paving the way for the punk rock revolution back in 1975 with the release of her seminal album Horses, Smith has continued to write, record, and perform some of rock music’s most groundbreaking anthems, inspiring countless other artists in her wake.
Reflecting that seismic impact on the musical landscape, a benefit concert has now been announced that will honour her life and work. With a line-up featuring the likes of Kim Gordon, Flea, Michael Stipe, Karen O, and many more, the tribute concert speaks to the all-encompassing influence of Patti Smith, who has herself been on the road this year reaffirming her position as a legendary performer.
People Have The Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith is scheduled for March 26th, 2025, at New York’s Carnegie Hall, a stone’s throw away from where Smith made her first defiant marks on the city’s music scene. The show will be the latest in the venue’s annual ‘Music Of…’ benefit concerts, which will send 100 per cent of net ticket proceeds to music education for underprivileged youth.
The main line-up for the concert includes Courtney Barnett, Matt Berninger of The National, Kim Gordon and Bill Nace, Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, Michael Stipe, Karen O, Ben Harper, Kronos Quartet, and The Kills’ Alison Mosshart.
However, these performers will be backed by a supergroup of a house band consisting of The Rolling Stones’ touring drummer Steve Jordan, Smith’s longtime band member Tony Shanahan, and Red Hot Chill Peppers bassist Flea.
Currently, the event’s poster claims more will be added to this already stacked line-up before it takes place in March next year. At the time of writing, it is not known whether Smith herself will make an appearance over the course of the evening, but her recent concerts have certainly shown that the songwriter still has undeniable prowess as a performer, and her stagecraft has certainly not dropped over the decades.
Sharing the news on her social media channels, Alison Mosshart wrote, “[It’s] going to be an absolutely magical night. I’m so honoured to be on the bill,” before thanking Patti Smith for a discography of “brilliant songs.”
Tickets for People Have The Power: A Celebration of Patti Smith are currently on sale. Depending on seating, they start at $60 and go up to $195.
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