So, I went to the Neil Young and Crazy Horse concert at the Air Canada Centre last night. Let me tell you, that was quite a rocking show. To start it off they played the entirety of the new Greendale album, which was really interesting. The whole album tells a story about a family in the his made-up town of Greendale. The story then morphs into a political comment on current issues in the world and specifically the United States. Neil has also directed a movie by the same title, which is debuting at the Toronto Film Festival. On the stage during this part of the performance were actors who mouthed the words and did their thing while Neil was singing all their parts. Some people have said that this whole story and album isn't very good, but I was impressed. You don't see many concept albums coupled with a film and concert/play.
Following that performance with the final anthem Be the Rain the crowd was cheering like mad for more. Neil and the band finally came back out and played the second set of the evening. They kicked it off with a incredibly energetic version of My My, Hey Hey that got everyone really excited. The second set was excellent with highlights being Cinnamon Girl and Down by the River.
This performance wasn't what some might expect of Neil Young. There was only one acoustic song in the entire show. This was Bandit off Greendale. The rest of the time it was at a much higher pace (and volume level). I think he did more of his hard rock stuff due to the fact that Crazy Horse was there with him.
Now I only wish I had seen CSNY when they played here last year so that I could have experienced the other side of Neil Young.
Saw Neil at Montage Mountian (Scranton, Pa) He did the entire greendale ablum, then came back for three standing ovations. Actually I thought the concert was over after the Greendale part. I went to hear the older stuff but I would have been very happy with just Greendale. It was a remarkable concept. I love Neils music throughout. It takes a few different twist and is a little blusie. But? Ok! I am a diehard fan and Neil's guitar playing gives me chills. So I finally made it to a Neil Young concert and it was so just what I thought it would be and more. There is just something that he does with a guitar that carries you to some other place. ("you know like over the rainbow and sends you away") Ok I got that out.---- But wait! He came back did a lot of his older songs(the really good ones). -----Wait! He came back again and player several more songs. Thought that would be it. ------WAIT! He came back and did a couple more songs. I believe he played from around 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM. By this time I was actually feeling sympathy for Neil and the band. Although, I could have stayed all night I was glad to see them get a well deserved break. Anyway I got what I came for and so much more. Best Luck and Thank You! to Neil and his crew. I think they were all "AWESOME".
Nothing but happy fans leaving that night. Thanks to Neil and Crazy Horse from all who attended.