Bruce Springsteen Sings 'People Have the Power' With Bono, Patti Smith
Rolling Stone • • entertainment
Key Points:
- Bono presented Bruce Springsteen with the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, reflecting on Springsteen's influence on his youth and their longstanding friendship since 1987.
- Bono praised Springsteen as a quintessential American musician and poet who captures the voices of the people, highlighting his cinematic storytelling through music rather than traditional acting roles.
- In a conversation onstage, Springsteen addressed America's current divisiveness, emphasizing the importance of respectful disagreement and recognizing common humanity amidst political tensions.
- Springsteen expressed regret for declining Bono's suggestion to use his song “Girls in Their Summer Clothes” in a commercial, acknowledging it could have increased the song’s reach.
- The event concluded with performances by Patti Smith and Bruce Springsteen, ending with Springsteen’s hopeful rendition of “Land of Hope and Dreams,” symbolizing optimism amid contemporary challenges.