Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, Michael Stipe Perform at Democracy Now's 30th Anniversary

The iconic musicians joined the celebration at Riverside Church in New York City.

Mar. 24, 2026 at 10:15pm

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Bruce Springsteen, Patti Smith, and Michael Stipe were among the performers at Democracy Now!'s 30th anniversary event at Riverside Church in New York City on Monday night. Springsteen delivered a surprise performance of his new protest song "Streets of Minneapolis," honoring the resilience of the city's residents during recent federal crackdowns. Stipe joined The National's Aaron Dessner to perform "No Time For Love Like Now," while Smith read from her book and performed "Peaceable Kingdom" and "People Have the Power." The night ended with all the musicians coming together for an encore of Smith's iconic song.

Why it matters

Democracy Now!, the long-running independent news program, celebrated three decades of providing critical reporting and amplifying progressive voices. The participation of these renowned artists underscores the show's cultural significance and its role in giving a platform to social and political activism.

The details

The 30th anniversary event at Riverside Church featured surprise appearances and collaborations from some of music's most influential figures. Bruce Springsteen delivered an impassioned performance of his new protest song "Streets of Minneapolis," honoring the resilience of the city's residents during recent federal crackdowns. Michael Stipe joined The National's Aaron Dessner to perform "No Time For Love Like Now," while Patti Smith read from her book Bread of Angels and performed "Peaceable Kingdom" and "People Have the Power" with her daughter Jesse and guitarist Tony Shanahan. The night culminated in all the musicians coming together for an encore of Smith's iconic "People Have the Power."

  • The 30th anniversary event took place on Monday, March 23, 2026.
  • Springsteen's new protest song "Streets of Minneapolis" was performed at the event.

The players

Bruce Springsteen

A legendary singer-songwriter known for his socially conscious music and long-standing support for progressive causes.

Patti Smith

A pioneering punk rock musician, poet, and author who has used her art to advocate for social and political change.

Michael Stipe

The former lead singer of the influential alternative rock band R.E.M., known for his activism and support of progressive movements.

Aaron Dessner

A member of the indie rock band The National, who has collaborated with various artists on socially conscious projects.

Democracy Now!

An independent global news program that has been a leading voice for progressive and social justice issues for the past 30 years.

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What they’re saying

“This past winter when federal troops brought death and terror into the streets of Minneapolis they picked the wrong city. The power and the solidarity of the people of Minneapolis was an inspiration to the entire country. Their strength and their commitment told us that this is still America and the reactionary nightmare and the invasion of an American city will not stand.”

— Bruce Springsteen

“And for those who gave their lives, their bravery their sacrifice and their names will not be forgotten.”

— Bruce Springsteen

What’s next

Springsteen is set to embark on his "Land of Hope and Dreams" American tour, which will visit cities that "had to deal with ICE." He has also indicated he has "a few words to say to the f***** White House" when the tour concludes in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

The participation of iconic artists like Springsteen, Smith, and Stipe in Democracy Now!'s 30th anniversary celebration underscores the show's enduring cultural and political significance. Their performances and messages of solidarity with progressive movements and resistance to federal overreach demonstrate the power of art and media to amplify social justice issues and inspire collective action.