Patti Smith serenades New York voters with stripped back rendition of ‘People Have The Power’
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04.11.2020

Patti Smith serenades New York voters with stripped back rendition of ‘People Have The Power’

Words by Tom Parker

The punk legend randomly appeared on a Sixth Avenue street alongside longtime collaborator Lenny Kaye.

If you haven’t been living under a rock, you’ll be aware that the US is currently amidst arguably their most significant presidential election yet.

Given the events of 2020 and the current displeasure with how the nation is being run, there’s never been more anticipation for an election result as punters plead for a certain bigot to finally be upended.

Artists across the US have taken to their social media pages in a last ditch effort to implore their peers to vote. Then there’s Patti Smith who decided to take a more personal approach to her advocacy.

Randomly appearing on a New York street, Smith performed a special stripped back rendition of ‘People Have The Power’ alongside her longtime collaborator and friend Lenny Kaye.

As early voting New Yorkers waited patiently on a Sixth Avenue intersection, there was Smith with a smile and a strong message to boot. The song’s chorus drew singalongs from the crowd as passersby got behind the seminal songwriter.

Smith concluded the performance with the final plea, “Don’t forget it. Use your voice. Vote!”

Check it out below.

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