Bruce Springsteen had a meeting across the river on Saturday (6/13) at the Tribeca Film Festival.
The Boss had been summoned to be interviewed in Manhattan by Bono during a ceremony where the New Jersey native was to receive the Harry Belafonte Social Justice Award.
The film fest said the singer songwriter deserved the honor because, "the award recognizes artists who don’t just speak out, but actively use their platform to advance equality, dignity, and human rights. There are few figures who embody that mission more completely than Bruce Springsteen."
Since the 1970s, Springsteen has been an activist musician who has used his platform over the decades to support human rights around the globe, unions, veteran causes, food banks, and, most recently, justice for those who were shot down by federal agents.
“I’m a little embarrassed to get this award,” Bruce told Bono. “I’m just a concerned citizen.”
During the chat, Bruce admitted there was something he regretted.
Bono told him that over the years, there were several petitions he asked the rocker to sign, and he turned them down. He also was shut down after he asked Bruce to allow him to use his 2007 tune “Girls In Their Summer Clothes” for a GAP ad that would benefit his (PRODUCT) RED campaign, which uses donations to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa.
“That was a big mistake, too,” Springsteen explained.
“I should have said yes,” he said about a tune that was a favorite of his, even though it didn't chart high. “I should have fucking done it. I have to apologize.”
After the chat, the legendary Patti Smith joined the fellas and they sang her 1988 hit "People Have The Power."
Of all the people Springsteen has covered in concert, Patti Smith is the artist he's covered the most. Over 650 times he's done "Because The Night" a song he co-wrote with her in '77 and has kept in his setlist ever since.
To wrap it up, Bruce sang "Land of Hope and Dreams" alone on his acoustic guitar.
It's a song he live-debuted 27 years ago, but he named his 2025-2026 tour after it because it fit the rebellious activist spirit he has been ratcheting up over the last few years.
Bruce isn't done mixing music with activism. In October, he will be the star of the show for the Power to the People festival.
Curated by his pal Tom Morello, the Boss will be joined by Joan Baez, Brittany Howard, Jack Black (alongside Tom's son Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma and Hugo Weiss), Serj Tankian, Cypress Hill, Killer Mike, Taylor Momsen, Matt Cameron, The Linda Lindas, Darryl “DMC” McDaniels and others in Columbia, Maryland.
Tickets are sold out, but you can get on the waitlist here.
