Neil Young and Crazy Horse
Not fading away
On a mild spring evening with a fine mist in the air, Neil Young and Crazy Horse played a classic rock n’ roll show to a sold-out amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT. Neil played the opening notes to Cortex the Killer as he strolled on stage. It was a fan’s transcendent moment. As the band joined in for the sonic intro, and Neil sang the opening verse, it was clear that his vocals were right on, sounding as good as ever over his 5-decade career. Although the two original Crazy Horse members looked their 80 years, the addition of Willie’s son Micah Nelson, with his grunge meets overalls look, provided the perfect complement to Neil’s favorite “Old Black” Gibson guitar.
He followed that with a chord bashing Cinnamon Girl, never one of my favorite songs, but it took on a new life with this live performance. Most of our rock icons take their songs to a different level when performed live, which is why we keep going back to see and feel how they are reinvented, rejuvenated, and touch our soles in ways we wouldn’t have expected.
The setlist included many classics, some rarities (When you dance, I can really love, Danger Bird), along with extended jams that never felt too long. The 4 band members played within 6 feet of each other, creating an electric intimacy seldom seen in today’s large stage sets; no theater here, just 2 guitars, a bass, and drums — the ultimate garage band.
After Neil reminded us, “I’m the ocean, I’m the giant undertow” (yes, you are), and went Down by the River, fans could feel the spirituality of a classic rock moment, born 45 years ago, with its dueling electric guitar sermon sounding as fresh and powerful as ever. Neil barely took time to catch his breath as he belted out “Look out mamma, there’s a white boat coming down the river” — a perfectly raucous Powderfinger.
Neil gave the band a break as he donned his harmonica and acoustic guitar, treating the crowd to 3 sing a long worthy classics: Heart of Gold, Comes a Time, and Human Highway. The band (and Neil’s 1953 Gibson) returned and brought the house down with the Hey, Hey, My, My power chords reverberating through every fan’s soul.
For all of his career’s ups and downs, in and out of critical praise, on this night, Neil reminded us what an iconic force he’s been in the history of Rock n’ Roll. And true to his word, he is determined to not fade away.
Note: Neil and Crazy Horse played two more shows after this one before canceling the rest of the tour due to illness. Go see the artists who touch your soul, whoever and wherever they are, while you and they still can.
