Today it’s one of our most iconic protest songs, but Patti Smith’s “People Have the Power” didn’t start out that way.
Not for lack of intent, though–Patti remembers the inspiration for the song:
“We had both protested the Vietnam War when we were young. We had been part of the ’60s, where our cultural voice was really strong, and we were trying to write a song that would reintroduce that kind of energy. It’s sad for me but quite beautiful. It was really Fred’s song – even though I wrote the words, he wrote the music; the concept was his, and he wanted it to be a song that people sang all over the world to inspire them for different causes. And he didn’t live to see that happen, but I have. I’ve seen people. I’ve walked in marches all over the world where people spontaneously started singing it, you know, whether it’s been in Paris or with the Palestinians or, you know, in Spain or New York City, Washington D.C. – and it’s so moving for me to see his dream realized.”
At the time, “People Have the Power” didn’t attract much attention upon its release in 1988–it peaked at #19 on the Mainstream Rock chart but otherwise received only modest radio airplay.
Patti is often quoted stating that her husband never lived to see their song performed live, but the pair actually did perform it once in 1990 at a special concert for Arista Records at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall.
Over time, though, “People Have the Power” became one of Patti Smith’s most recognized and frequently covered songs, and when R.E.M. and Bruce Springsteen toured together in 2004 as part of the Vote for Change network of tours, it wasn’t surprising that “People Have the Power” became a nightly encore ensemble piece for the assembled artists. (Both Bruce and Michael Stipe are Patti’s long-time friends and fans.)
But as amazing as those 2004 performances were, the absence of the song’s co-writer and original singer was notable.
Bruce and Michael fixed that fourteen years later when they both joined Patti on stage at her concert at New York City’s Beacon Theater.
There’s a lot that I love about their performance that night, but I think my favorite is how Patti tries to encourage Bruce and Michael to take the spotlight several times during the song, and how each time they refuse–rightfully ensuring that Patti remains the center of attention in a sign of respect and admiration among rock royalty.
People Have the Power
First performed: October 1, 2004 (Philadelphia, PA)
Last performed: April 23, 2008 (New York City, NY)
Ken – I absolutely think this is a song that should go down in history as one of the best “protest song” ever written. I always liken it to “What’s so Funny About Peace, Love and Understanding.” Of the versions I have heard to now, I never thought the drums were powerful enough, although Patti at the Beacon Theater you posted hinted at what drums could have done for this song! Hence, I think my favorite version is now Patti’s and Fred’s version at the 1990 Arista Records concert…simple and to the fact. Thanks for sharing this!