How music became a 'balm' for New York in the aftermath of 9/11

Bruce Springsteen performs during the annual 9/11 Commemoration Ceremony at the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum in New York on 11 September 2021. © AFP - CHIP SOMODEVILLA

The 9/11 attacks changed not only New York's skyline but the music Americans used to make sense of tragedy. From Bruce Springsteen's songs of collective grief to Jay-Z's defiance and the Beastie Boys' love letter to their city, musicians responded in very different ways – helping to shape how the attacks are remembered 25 years later.

The Twin Towers had long been part of New York's visual identity, appearing in films, music videos and on album covers.