Bruce Springsteen joined Patti Smith and Michael Stipe for a rare performance of “People Have the Power” at Democracy Now!’s 30th anniversary celebration on March 23, 2026, at the historic Riverside Church in New York City, marking a surprise appearance by the rock legend at the independent news organization’s milestone event.
More than 2,000 people packed the venue to celebrate three decades of Democracy Now!, the independent news program founded and hosted by Amy Goodman. The evening featured performances by multiple artists and speakers, with the highlight coming when Springsteen took the stage alongside Patti Smith, Michael Stipe, Aaron Dessner of the National, Alynda Segarra of Hurray for the Riff Raff, and Patti Smith’s bandmates Tony Shanahan and Jesse Smith.
Springsteen’s appearance was not announced in advance. According to Democracy Now!, Amy Goodman introduced him by saying, “I couldn’t think of a way to end tonight. But then I saw someone in the audience, and I realized this is how we give thanks. Let’s bring on ‘The Boss,’ Bruce Springsteen!” The artist opened his remarks by saying, “Hello! Happy anniversary, Democracy Now! Happy anniversary, Amy. It’s so wonderful to be here.”
Before joining the ensemble performance of “People Have the Power,” Springsteen performed a solo rendition of “Streets of Minneapolis,” a song he wrote in response to federal immigration enforcement actions in Minneapolis. The performance included references to Renée Good, a mother of three, and Alex Pretti, a VA nurse, both killed by federal immigration agents in the winter of 2026, according to Springsteen’s remarks.
The collaborative “People Have the Power” performance brought together the artists for what Democracy Now! described as a rare joint appearance. The song, written by Patti Smith, became a central moment of the evening, with Smith having earlier performed “Peaceable Kingdom,” a song she wrote in 2003 in response to the Israeli demolition of Palestinian homes in Gaza and the death of American activist Rachel Corrie.
The 30th anniversary event also featured appearances by activist Angela Davis, Palestinian poet Mosab Abu Toha, and performances by Hurray for the Riff Raff. Michael Stipe performed “No Time for Love Like Now” with Aaron Dessner earlier in the evening. The event was broadcast and remains available on Democracy Now!’s website.
Sources
- Democracy Now! — Full transcript and video of the 30th anniversary celebration, including Bruce Springsteen’s surprise appearance, “Streets of Minneapolis” performance, and the ensemble “People Have the Power” finale
- Democracy Now! — Article featuring highlights from the celebration with performances by Angela Davis, Patti Smith, Mosab Abu Toha, Michael Stipe, and Bruce Springsteen
