Bruce Springsteen Graciously Honors Patti Smith, Rocks Out with Johnny Depp at Carnegie Hall

What is the way to reach Carnegie Hall?

You've got to rock 'n' roll.

On March 26, Bruce Springsteen took part in a tribute to fellow New Jersey musician Patti Smith. The event featured performances from Michael Stipe, Johnny Depp, Flea, Sean Penn, Karen O, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Shannon, Jim Jarmusch, and others at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

The event titled "People Have the Power: A Tribute to Patti Smith" took place in the evening. The Boss expressed his gratitude to Smith for her collaboration on "Because the Night," which he played during the show.

According to social media videos of the performance, Springsteen stated, "We love you, Patti! 'Patti gave me this huge hit with her powerful vocals,' he continued, pointing at himself. ‘If I had performed this song myself, it wouldn’t have become popular. Her distinctive voice and remarkable lyrics were essential for making it a success.’ He paused before adding affectionately, ‘So, Patti, I must express my deep gratitude for giving us our only major hit together. Thanks so much, sweetheart.’”

Springsteen played an electrifying rendition of the track backed by a group featuring Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers on bass; Tony Shanahan, a fellow New Jersey resident originally from Milltown and longtime bassist for Smith, on keyboards; and Steve Jordan, the esteemed drummer for the Rolling Stones, maintaining the rhythm section.

The build-up before the last chorus caused Flea to jump. Take a look. YouTube here .

At the conclusion of the performance, Springsteen joined for an ensemble session of Smith's iconic "People Have the Power," with Depp also making an appearance onstage.

About 15 years back, Smith and Depp crossed paths and developed a bond where their relationship extended to Smith celebrating Depp’s birthday through social media posts. Inspired by the multifaceted artist—who occasionally dabbles in music—Smith composed and performed the track "Nine" as a tribute to Depp.

During "People Have the Power," Springsteen and Depp embraced on stage while playing guitar. Also present was Lenny Kaye from North Brunswick, who has been a longtime collaborator with Smith. Take a look at it here. YouTube here .

Smith, who hails fromDeptford and Pitman, infused punk rock with a poetic essence during the 1970s and has maintained the vibrancy of her musical and artistic pursuits—including her writings and poems—ever since.

The program was included in the Music Of series, created by Michael Dorf to showcase the compositions of legendary musicians and support nonprofits focused on music education.

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Chris Jordan, who hails from the shores of Jersey, focuses on entertainment and feature stories for the USA Today Network New Jersey. Reach out to him viacjordan@app.com.

The article initially appeared in the Asbury Park Press. Bruce Springsteen expresses gratitude to Patti Smith and jams with Johnny Depp at Carnegie Hall.