Updated
Updated · Deadline · Jun 13
Bruce Springsteen Accepts Tribeca Social Justice Award, Performs With 2 Music Icons
Updated
Updated · Deadline · Jun 13

Bruce Springsteen Accepts Tribeca Social Justice Award, Performs With 2 Music Icons

3 articles · Updated · Deadline · Jun 13

Summary

  • At the Tribeca Festival, Bruce Springsteen accepted the Harry Belafonte Voices For Social Justice Award and dedicated it to residents of Minneapolis, Los Angeles and Portland who he said resisted a federal "invasion" of their cities.
  • Bono presented the honor, then joined Springsteen, Patti Smith and Tony Shanahan for a performance of "People Have the Power" that drew standing ovations before Springsteen closed solo with "Land of Hopes and Dreams."
  • Robert De Niro, a Tribeca co-founder, used his introduction to denounce Donald Trump and his "feckless enablers," prompting Springsteen to praise De Niro's attacks on the president.
  • Springsteen framed the moment as an extension of his activism, saying the E Street Band and his songwriting were built for "hard times" and arguing that art can shape culture, politics and the nation.

Insights

Can a protest song truly change society, or does it simply reflect the times?
When a superstar sings of struggle, how does it compare to the art created by those living through it?