Bruce Springsteen received the Harry Belafonte Voices for Social Justice Award at the Tribeca Festival 2026 on June 13, closing out the event with a night that blended music, activism and reflection.
The honour was presented during a special Tribeca Storytellers event in lower Manhattan, where Springsteen was joined by U2 frontman Bono, legendary singer-songwriter Patti Smith, and Tribeca co-founders Robert De Niro and Jane Rosenthal. The award recognises artists who use their platform to advocate for social change, a role Springsteen has embraced throughout his decades-long career.
During an onstage conversation with Bono, Springsteen reflected on civic responsibility, political engagement and the role artists play in public discourse. While accepting the award, he dedicated the recognition to communities he said had stood up against government overreach, adding that he views himself simply as “a concerned citizen.”
The evening also delivered several memorable musical moments. Bono revealed that Springsteen had once declined a request to license one of his songs for a charitable campaign supporting HIV/AIDS relief efforts. In a surprising turn, Springsteen admitted he regretted the decision and jokingly apologised to Bono onstage, prompting an embrace between the two rock icons.
Later, Patti Smith joined the event for a pair of performances, including her enduring anthem “People Have the Power.” Springsteen accompanied her on acoustic guitar, while Bono returned to contribute backing vocals.
Although no live performance from Springsteen had been announced, the audience was treated to a solo rendition of “Land of Hope and Dreams,” providing a fitting conclusion to the evening. He exited to a standing ovation, leaving attendees with one final message directed at his hometown crowd: “Go Knicks.”
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