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Star-Studded Lineup Honors Patti Smith at Carnegie Hall Tribute Concert
A constellation of rock legends and Hollywood stars filled the backstage area and dressing rooms of Carnegie Hall Wednesday night, assembling for a celebratory tribute concert to punk rock icon Patti Smith. From Bruce Springsteen and Kim Gordon to Sean Penn and Michael Stipe, a remarkable roster of talent gathered to honor the revered artist and delve into her extensive repertoire.
Backstage Preparations and Anticipation
Karen O could be found in her dressing room, preparing to deliver her rendition of “Gloria.” In a nearby hallway, Scarlett Johansson walked back and forth, rehearsing a reading of a letter Smith had penned to Robert Mapplethorpe. Jim Jarmusch, relaxing backstage amidst trays of tofu skewers and fingerling potatoes, studied a poem by Ms. Smith he was scheduled to recite.
Flea Leads House Band in Homage to Smith
Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea chose a quiet stairwell to warm up, playing his trumpet as the concert drew near. Dressed in a Dries Van Noten suit, he was slated to lead the house band, joined by Charlie Sexton, Steve Jordan, Tony Shanahan, and Benmont Tench.
Flea’s Admiration for Patti Smith’s Artistic Integrity
“This marks my first time performing as part of a house band for an event of this nature at Carnegie Hall, and Patti is the singular individual for whom I would undertake it,” Flea remarked. “Patti has dedicated her life to poetry as her guiding principle. Her performances are always authentic and deeply felt. Her life’s purpose is centered on uncovering fundamental truths. Tonight, everyone is giving their absolute best to celebrate her.”
Musical Reflections on Smith’s Enduring Impact
R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe mentally prepared in his dressing room for his performance.
“I’ve selected ‘My Blakean Year,’ a song I deeply admire,” Stipe stated. “It’s from one of her later albums, and I believe it resonates with many people’s feelings about the current political climate.” He further commented on interpreting Smith’s work: “When covering a songwriter of Patti Smith’s caliber, imitation is insufficient; one must personalize the material and make it your own on stage.”
Alison Mosshart of The Kills, who was set to perform “Ask the Angels,” reflected on the 50th anniversary of “Horses,” Ms. Smith’s seminal 1975 debut album, a focal point of the evening’s setlist.
“There’s an inherent draw to debut albums, perhaps because they often embody the most audacious or genuine expressions,” Ms. Mosshart observed. “’Horses’ was the first album of hers I encountered, and it profoundly impacted me.”
Performances Commence with Smith Observing from Balcony
Matt Berninger of The National initiated the evening’s performances with “Piss Factory,” a spoken-word piece with jazz undertones penned by Ms. Smith in the 1970s.
As he moved across the stage with Flea’s instrumental accompaniment, the audience erupted in applause as Mr. Berninger reached the powerful climax of the piece:
“I’m gonna be somebody, I’m getting gonna get on that train, go to New York City, I’m gonna be so big I’m gonna be a big star and I will never return,” he powerfully declared. “Oh, watch me now.”
Ms. Smith, at 78 years old, watched from her balcony seat with a smile, her daughter, Jesse Paris Smith, by her side, holding her hand.
Diverse Artist Roster Celebrates Smith’s Catalogue
The tribute concert showcased a diverse array of artists, including Courtney Barnett performing “Redondo Beach,” Angel Olsen singing “Easter,” and Glen Hansard offering a rendition of “Beneath the Southern Cross.” Additional performers included Sharon Van Etten, Johnny Depp, Maggie Rogers, and Jesse Malin. The event was part of the Music Of series, conceived by live-music promoter Michael Dorf, which supports music education non-profits.
Johansson’s Emotional Tribute to Mapplethorpe
Backstage, Scarlett Johansson further prepared for her heartfelt performance.
“I will be reading a letter to Robert Mapplethorpe, along with a poem in homage to him,” she shared. “One was written when his health was failing and he was nearing his end. I anticipate it will be emotionally challenging to deliver onstage without becoming overwhelmed.”
Youthful Musicians Embrace Smith’s Punk Legacy
As Ms. Johansson exited the stage, a young rock band composed of 7th and 8th graders from Lower Manhattan Community Middle School nervously prepared to take their place. Their participation was in collaboration with Music Will, a non-profit organization partially supported by the Music Of series. They performed “Paths That Cross,” a ballad with a pop sensibility from Ms. Smith’s 1988 album, “Dream of Life.”
Eliza Schwartz, one of the young vocalists, represented a new generation influenced by Ms. Smith’s enduring status as punk rock’s foremost poet. “Her lyrical artistry is incredibly captivating to me,” she expressed. “I admire her ability to infuse her voice with such profound emotion onstage, and that’s what I aspire to emulate.”
Springsteen and Smith Join Forces for Grand Finale
When Bruce Springsteen delivered a thunderous rendition of “Because the Night,” a song co-written with Ms. Smith nearly fifty years prior, a wave of glowing cellphones emerged throughout the auditorium to capture the iconic moment.
After Mr. Springsteen concluded his performance, Ms. Smith embraced him in a hug, finally getting ready to take the stage herself. She performed “Peaceable Kingdom” and concluded with an ensemble performance of “People Have the Power,” inviting all musicians present to join her onstage.
However, Ms. Smith began her set with a poem, presented without musical accompaniment.
“Cry, humanity, your song is done,” she recited with powerful resonance. “Blessed are the beasts that serve everyone. Blessed is the night that bleeds into day.”
The esteemed concert hall was hushed, every attendee hanging on each word she spoke.