Neil Young is one of the most meticulous musicians I have ever seen in person. This should come as no surprise. Young has spent his life raising awareness about political issues, about the struggles of farmers and where food is sourced and how it’s grown, he co-founded Farm Aid, he took on streaming music companies with his own lossless, albeit now discontinued, Pono Music Service, helped start a school for children with speech and physical impairments, and some how in all of that he had time for one of the most successful rock careers in history.
On August 15, Neil Young came to Blossom Music Center. “Took Over” might be a better way to describe it. Neil didn’t just come to perform with his newly branded band, the Chrome Hearts; he brought a small army of activists with him. Concession stands were closed (the first time I’d ever seen that). Instead, Neil had locally sourced food from farmers selling their own concessions. Fans were able to register to vote and were informed about various political issues. But it wasn’t pushy or in your face; it was just there for those who wanted it. Before anyone heard a single note, you knew exactly where you were and what to expect.
Except I was wrong! I’ve seen Neil Young live before. I’ve seen him on TV. I’ve listened to his CDs (Sorry, I never got a Pono Player). This night, neil young and the chrome hearts blew me away. The stage was so simple yet elaborate. Amps and guitars everywhere, piano and organs, speakers hanging from the ceiling. It was exactly something that a meticulous person, who cares what they sound like and what the audience is going to hear, would do!
I must admit that I am not entirely familiar with all of Neil Young’s work. I think I’m more than a “wait for the radio to play it” listener, but I don’t own his whole discography. That didn’t matter tonight. Young was amazing. One could have simply sat and listened with their eyes closed, enjoying every moment. I was seeing this legend, in this legendary place, with thousands of people who love him.
My photo pit songs were, ‘Ambulance Blues’, ‘Cowgirl in the Sand,’ and ‘Be the Rain.’ A wonderful blend of solo and CSNY songs to kick off the show. Always important to hear in Ohio, IS ‘Ohio.’ This song, which, honestly, in today’s political climate, seems more meaningful than ever. It often dawned on me, “Is this the last time Neil Young will play in our town?” Age aside, he’s earned the right to stay home and relax, so I was really wondering if I was going to get to hear, ‘Rockin’ in the Free World.’ Even non-fans of Neil would love to hear him play that. But Neil was changing up set lists each night, so you never know! Well he didn’t play Rockin, but he DID PLAY, ‘Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)’. This was no consolation prize; this was as though he also couldn’t wait to play this as much as we all wanted to hear it!
Neil put on one of the better show’s i’ve been fortunate enough to see. And I have been fortunate to see hundreds of shows. But this one will stand out. It was a beautiful night, I was with my father and I was seeing a legend sound probably as good as he ever has. When I grow up I want to be Neil Young.
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