UPDATED Johnny Depp was the surprise performer tonight at Michael Dorf’s Carnegie Hall tribute to Patti Smith.
The star studded show went crazy when no less than Bruce Springsteen appeared and sang “Because the Night,” the 1978 hit he and Patti wrote together.
The annual show raises money for music related charities.
Other performers included Michael Stipe, Susannah Hoffs, Glen Hansard, Maggie Rogers, and Ben Harper among others.
Reading Patti’s poetry were Scarlett Johansson, Michael Shannon, Jim Jarmusch, and Sean Penn.
It was a jubilant night that ended with Patti and Lenny Kaye rocking out with the A list house band that included Charlie Sexton, Tony Shanahan, and Patti’s son, Jackson.
All the performances were terrific but Angel Olsen (who I don’t know) killed it on “Easter,” any early Patti Smith song and title of her second album (the one with “Because the Night”).
Another standout was Maggie Rogers, on “Frederick.” I know Rogers has a big following, but she needs that breakthrough hit now. Sensational, same as Alison Mosshart.
Patti Smith brings a message of peace, love, and resistance to all her music and poetry. She’s defiant and encouraging at the same time, reassuring that the world can change for the better.
