An unofficial news blog for Neil Young fans from Thrasher's Wheat with concert and album updates, reviews, analysis, and other Rock & Roll ramblings. Separating the wheat from the chaff since 1996.
by Thrasher Wheat@PermaLink: 7/19/2006 09:21:00 PM
116 comments
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said...
I was at the Tweeter Center last night for the opening date. They went on at EXACTLY 8:00 PM (no opener) there was a 20 minute planned break and they played until almost 11:30, the set list was huge.
The crowd was a true cross section, I'm 44 and brought my kids (9 & 12).
Neil Young brought so much energy to the show, he fueled the performance. His guitar work was particularly notable last night.
It's true that Crosby and Nash have lost some of the sweetness in their voices, but they they still pull off their classics reasonably well. Neil and Stills vocals were very strong (after Stills warmed up).
Surprisingly, there was not as much political commentary as I expected. They let most of their message carry through the selection of their songs. There was a moving video and tribute to our soldiers in Iraq, and Neil's lyrics to "Let's Impeach The President" were projected (just in case you did not know the words.)
There were two encores. It was really a great show and they put out 110%.
said...
I was on the lawn (opening night) at the Tweeter Center in Camden. First time I'd seen them since the tour (without Neil) in 1977 or 78.
They all showed great energy and passion. Their vocals were a little shaky at first, but after a margarita, they sounded much better!
I counted 14 songs in the first set, and lost count at 20 in the second. But I remember only one encore, "Teach Your Children." Bill, what was the second one?
The songs from Living With War were as good as the CSNY classics. "The Restless Consumer" got my vote for best performance of any of the new songs. There were a few stretches of newer songs or solo efforts that were not as well appreciated, but the crowd never got restless or impatient.
The highlight of the show for me came toward the end of the second set, when they did "Chicago" followed by "Ohio."
As someone who worked his way through grad school as a proofreader, I must point out that when they flashed the words to "Let's Impeach the President" on the video screens they forgot to do a grammar check, using "there" instead of "their." Twice. (ouch)
Just before the show started, the average age on the lawn was about 60. By the end of the night, it had dropped to about 40.
As a 48 year old who has struggled to appreciate new music for the past 20 years or so, the concert reminded me why the 60s and 70s were my favorite decades for music.
They played close to three hours. A great show.
said...
Damn ferry from Philly to Camden got stuck on the jersey side and we had to cab from the Hyatt to the Tweeter. Missed the first four songs. Once we grabbed a nice spot on the left side of the lawn and settled in for the show. I am a much bigger Neil fan than CSN. I felt that Stills still has the magic. I especially enjoyed Stills and Young doing Treetop Flyer acoustically. All the songs from LWW were huge highlights and it was nice to see that Neil was enjoying playing them live for the first time. He wandered around the stage like the mother hen making sure that everybody was in the groove. At times you could see him smile and you knew he was there!! Chicago, Ohio, Imagration Man were a few of the highlights as well. My only complaint when going to see CSN&Y is that at times you feel as though Neil is a caged tiger awating to escape and pounce on any availble prey at any given moment... but it never seems to occur. Now I still enjoy to see the guys play and it is always a good time, but it was not a super moving experince. When I left the Tweeter after the first Greendale show i left and knew i was touched and that was a real special experince. I really wanted to get that feeling again and guess I will have to wait til 9-30-06 when Farm Aid comes to NJ. Well two more shows in the near future... HOMDEL and HERSHEY and looking forward to those shows. LONG MAY YOU RUN and THANKS for all the great music.
Ed said...
Thanks for keeping everything fresh, Thrasher - I wonder what the show in Ottawa was like last night.
For the record, I was also at the Camden, NJ show - here's the set list with my comments:
Flags Of Freedom (from Neil's latest Living with War - big cheer for the Mexican & Canadian flags)
Wooden Ships (a beaut - a real chestnut - Graham sang Stephen's lead parts - obviously SS has no upper register anymore - Neil & Stephen centerstage jamming - Buffalo Springfield redux, after all these years)
Woodstock (SS forgets opening line, "I'm going down to Yasgur's farm" instead - the boys just keep churning behind him till he gets it right)
Long Time Gone (Crosby in fine form)
Military Madness (from Nash's first solo effort "Songs for Beginners" - Neil adding feedback laden bursts on the chorus) -- Wounded World (from SS's latest solo effort "Man Alive")
After The Garden (from Neil LWW)
Living With War (Neil LWW)
The Restless Consumer (Neil LWW - "No More Lies!")
Shock And Awe (Neil LWW)
They Want It All (Crosby tune from 2004's "Crosby-Nash" - inspired by Enron scandal - Graham introduced it with "This is for Ken Lay, God bless him")
Feed The People (SS "Man Alive")
Immigration Man (from Crosby-Nash's first joint (hmmm, maybe not the first joint) effort "Graham Nash-David Crosby" - see the story behind the song at Neil's "Living with War" website )
Families (Neil LWW - Neil talks about loving your family & loving all families)
(Break)
Helplessly Hoping (another chestnut - dropped an octave for the harmonies & given a country tinge with SS's Gretsch white falcon leads, drums, bass & keys - SS does not even attempt the high notes any more - "they are 4 each other")
Our House (simply lovely)
Only Love Can Break Your Heart (Neil takes over the upright piano from Graham & delivers - CN harmony flawless)
Under the Milky Way Tonight(Nash tune from"Crosby-Nash" 2004 double CD)
Guinnevere (show-stopper - just perfect - Crosby thanks the audience for its quiet attention)
Carry Me (from CN's "Wind on the Water" - always makes me think of my Mom)
Treetop Flyer (from "Stills Alone" - an out of print CD from the late 90's - Stephen & Neil alone together - just great)
Roger And Out (Neil LWW)
Southbound Train (from the aforementioned initial crosby-nash release - great pedal steel by Ben Keith)
Old Man Trouble (SS "Man Alive" - SS complaining about the sound on the electric piano - "I want it bright, not muddy")
Teach Your Children (Crosby started playing the opening lick to a Byrds song - either "Turn, Turn, Turn" or "Mr. Tambourine Man" but SS plowed right into "Teach")
Southern Cross (high energy hit song complete with sing a long)
Find The Cost Of Freedom (video presentation of American casualties in Iraq - 2538 as of today - conservative estimate of Iraqi civilan deaths is around 38,000)
Star Spangled Banner by Hendrix (Outsized mike w/ yellow ribbon erected - reminded me of the Clash, "Know Your Rights" - "This is a public service announcement - with guitars!")
Let's Impeach The President (lyrics provided - with clips of Bush bull****ting on the "Living With War Network" - "Flip-flop" - Crosby: "Welcome to CSNY soapbox 2006")
For What It's Worth (Neil delivers the harmonics on his old Gretsch "Chet Atkins" Country Gentleman while Stills solos on the White Falcon)
Chicago (Graham at the electric piano - does not complain about its sound)
Ohio (Stephen & Neil rip into it, Crosby's voice ringing out "Why?")
What Are Their Names (a capella - a song from Crosby's first solo release "If I could Only Remember My Name"
"I wonder who they are
The men who really run this land
And I wonder why they run it
With such a thoughtless hand
What are their names
And on what streets do they live
I'd like to ride right over
This afternoon and give
Them a piece of my mind
About peace for mankind
Peace is not an awful lot to ask")
Lookin' For A Leader (Neil LWW)
Deja Vu (Crosby's acoustic takes the center stage - hippie dream come true - "we have all been here before")
Encore: Love The One You're With (revamped as a blues shuffle - SS clearly exhausted, Neil ready to play another set).
said...
Thrasher - Camden Show was great! The Restless Consumer was the best song out of all!! It was fresh from Neils Farm of new songs. Speaking of fresh, I had a chance to meet the rockin dude at Reading Terminal Market for the Farm Aid speech. I almost passed out being so close to him. He means that much to me. I lost my balance on my feet and became a little light headed! I gave him a letter, picture, and CD w/ originals. If you want a decent but slightly negative review of the Camden show go to the Philly Inquier site and search for CSNY. It will probaly be posted for another day or two before ya gotta pay money
Gene said...
The torrent for the first show is available to members of Dime a Dozen. It is a great recording of a fantastic show.
jimdc821 said...
I'm very grateful for all the comments being posted by concert goers -- I'll be at the 8/12 Bristow, VA concert... I wish they would expand the playlist a little (maybe drop a few of the lesser LWW songs, you know, the ones Neil should have taken a few more minutes to write). Anyway, it would seem appropriate for them to play the Byrd's/Dylan tune, Chimes of Freedom... wish I could get the message to Crosby -- and Neil..
Chimes Of Freedom Lyrics
by Bob Dylan.
Far between sundown's finish an' midnight's broken toll
We ducked inside the doorway, thunder crashing
As majestic bells of bolts struck shadows in the sounds
Seeming to be the chimes of freedom flashing
Flashing for the warriors whose strength is not to fight
Flashing for the refugees on the unarmed road of flight
An' for each an' ev'ry underdog soldier in the night
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
In the city's melted furnace, unexpectedly we watched
With faces hidden as the walls were tightening
As the echo of the wedding bells before the blowin' rain
Dissolved into the bells of the lightning
Tolling for the rebel, tolling for the rake
Tolling for the luckless, the abandoned an' forsaked
Tolling for the outcast, burnin' constantly at stake
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Through the mad mystic hammering of the wild ripping hail
The sky cracked its poems in naked wonder
That the clinging of the church bells blew far into the breeze
Leaving only bells of lightning and its thunder
Striking for the gentle, striking for the kind
Striking for the guardians and protectors of the mind
An' the poet an the painter far behind his rightful time
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
In the wild cathedral evening the rain unraveled tales
For the disrobed faceless forms of no position
Tolling for the tongues with no place to bring their thoughts
All down in taken-for granted situations
Tolling for the deaf an' blind, tolling for the mute
For the mistreated, mateless mother, the mistitled prostitute
For the misdemeanor outlaw, chased an' cheated by pursuit
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Even though a clouds's white curtain in a far-off corner flashed
An' the hypnotic splattered mist was slowly lifting
Electric light still struck like arrows, fired but for the ones
Condemned to drift or else be kept from drifting
Tolling for the searching ones, on their speechless, seeking trail
For the lonesome-hearted lovers with too personal a tale
An' for each unharmfull, gentle soul misplaced inside a jail
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
Starry-eyed an' laughing as I recall when we were caught
Trapped by no track of hours for they hanged suspended
As we listened one last time an' we watched with one last look
Spellbound an' swallowed 'til the tolling ended
Tolling for the aching whose wounds cannot be nursed
For the countless confused, accused, misused, strung-out ones an' worse
An' for every hung-up person in the whole wide universe
An' we gazed upon the chimes of freedom flashing.
said...
Hey Thrasher,
We went to the show in Ottawa Saturday - unbelievable. I have seen Neil on virtually every tour since 1987 and this concert is up there, as one of the best. They did have some technicial problems, but they were tight; Neil & Croz'a voices were unbelievable. They wenet on shortly after 8:00 and played till 11:20 with a 20 minute intermission.
They allowed any and all recording equipment, in fact, they didn't even search us as we enter the Scotiabank Center.
I like this new talkative Neil.
All the best! said...
Hello Thrasher!
I discovered your wonderful website/blog yesterday after receiving hits to my blog with a posting concerning this excellent, newly-released DVD (Heart of Gold) by Neil Young. We have now bookmarked your site for future reading and will visit often.
I wish Neil Young would do a concert in the Caribbean! That would be awesome. Perhaps for the Heinenken Regatta in St. Maarten? We had Jimmy Cliff for the closing party in 2005.
All the best!
Sheila (currently sailing in the Caribbean)
So It Goes, cruising in our CAL 34 sailboat
said...
1st Toronto show was fantastic I think there was smoke coming off of old black dury rocking in the free world. just amazing
said...
Saw the Toronto show last night... what a great concert. They sounded as good as ever, and Neil Young definatly has found his second wind :)
said...
Just got back from the July 11th Toronto Show. it was AWESOME. incredible, I was in the 2nd row...an Incident occured during the LAst song BEFORE! the encore.
during Rockin In the Free world, stephen stills slipped and fell onto the stage, on his back. He got up and kept playing, bu the looked like he was in pain. After, when everyone was Cheering for the Encore, a man came out and said they woudltn be coming out because Stephen slit his hand up and down. he was being driven to the hospital.
He'll be alright, just stitch it up I guess, other than that it was an INCREDIBLE show.
said...
I just posted about the Toronto show/stephen stills spill...can anyone tell me who that guy was on bass..he was cool!
Gene said...
The bass player is Rick Rosas. There is a link on the home page that will direct you to Sugar Mountain where there is a setlist along with the band members. The first show also has been posted on Dime.
said...
I was also at the show last night. It was fantastic - truly one of the great ones to be remembered. The audience was a wide mix of ages and everyone seemed to love the music and the ambiance. As an older fan - one from the beginning - I took my binoculars to make sure I wouldn't miss seeing the faces and interactions between the guys. I was focussed entirely on Stills during what unfortunately turned out to be the last song of the night. Nash had put a foot up on the sound monitors at the front of the stage and was wailing away when Stills went into the same posture and pose --- within seconds the equipment collasped and Stills went down - tangled up in the metal supports, speakers, wires etc. He made a quick attempt to get up, and then just kept on playing - but I could see the blood. A support member of the crew came out onto the stage crouched over to try to help him up, but he aws waved away. Stills was up moments later and was handed a towel as he kept on going. How he managed to keep going was amazing as he was quite obviously in pain and still bleeding. At the end of the song he went over immediately to Nash and showed him his hand - still bleeding and obviously painful. (I think he had a ring on his finger which may have caught on something or slipped over his knuckle). It was a very sad ending to a great show. I would really like to know if he's OK or if this is going to turn out to be something that will need time to heal. Anyway - encore or not - concern about his hand or not - it was a great show.
jimdc821 said...
The bass player is Rick Rosas -- he's been playing with Neil for awhile now.. check him out in Heart of Gold.. yeah, he is great..
said...
I loved "Living With War"...I don't think NY has made a social statement like that in his music since "Tonight's The Night". But what happened to Crazy Horse? "LWW" seemed custom made for them!
said...
Was at the Xcel last night. Thought Nash's voice had lost a lot and Still also. Stills was better after he warmd up but really lacked breath support. But considering their ages, etc. I thought they all sounded great! Great concert. Glad to see their political views haven't mellowed with age. Interesting that some of their old songs are so relevant now. Enjoyed hearing Immigration Man! Had forgotten about the song.
said...
We went to the CSNY concert of July 8 2006 in Ottawa : WOW! It was the concert of our life: Just to see legendary Young playing guitar “like a hurricane” with his old buddies was such a thrill! But also, the message of that tour is important... Living with war is such a great album and we hope those great men will get the warm, heartfelt and enthusiast welcoming they deserve. Fantastic Neil Young is our Canadian Bob Dylan and we are so proud of him. If they were coming again near our place we would buy other tickets to see them at least one more time. A DVD of the show is a must! “Thank God” they are alive, we need them! From big fans : Christine & Jean
said...
Saw CSNY in St Paul on saturday night...and that show still gives me goosebumps. They were so outstanding with their vocals, Stills hit the high notes, and Young is just a wild man on stage. Worth every penney, and would see them again in a heartbeat....
said...
I'd like to understand what percentage of the proceeds from Neil Young's CD Living With War will be donated to charities and organizations of people affected by the war in Iraq.
I'd also be interested in knowing what percentage of concert proceeds from the Freedom of Speech 06 tour will be donated to organizations involved in either the midterm elections or freedom of speech initiatives.
I would hope at those concert ticket prices CNSY plan to give back to the communities they are singing and protesting for and with.
If anyone can point me to where this may have been mentioned by Neil Young or CSNY I'd appreciate those web links.
Peace,
Ed Jennings
said...
Hi everyone!
Just flew back from Denver after seeing the first Red Rocks show in Morrison last night (7/17)...WOW, what an event!
Never been to a concert at Red Rocks (if you haven't - you MUST GO!) and I must say, seeing CSNY perform together there was a truly, unforgettable experience.
After a threat of rain up until showtime, the weather ultimately held for the night (OK, a few drops fell). The guys came on around 8:20 PM and left the stage around midnight after an encore...over 3 hours of music!
The setlist was very similar to the Camden show posted previously with a few welcome additions:
- Carry On (the 2nd song played - great electric version)
- Almost Cut My Hair (w/ Cros' on superb vocal after a strange sounding guitar beginning)
- Rockin' in the Free World (to end the last set - Neil wouldn't quit!)
- Woodstock was our encore. (Neil ended by busting almost all the strings on his Les Paul!)
For all you guitar/gearheads (like me) here's the guitar rundown:
Crosby: Anderson Strat, Fender Strats, Gibson ES-335 12-string, Martin dreadnought acoustic.
Stills: Fender Strat, Gretch White Falcon, Martin deadnought (w/ his name inlaid in fingerboard)
Nash: Gibson J-200, Fender Telecaster '52 Reissue, Telecaster Custom, his signature Martin 000-40.
Young: his vintage (heavily modified) black Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson Les Paul Goldtop, Gretsch White Falcon, his vintage Martin dreadnought.
Some of the political stuff I thought a bit too contrived - the family raising the big mike stand (ala Marines at Iwo Jima) was over the top for me. I prefered the subtler, more powerful "Find the Cost of Freedom" w/ changing faces of soldiers lost - extremely powerful match of song & video. Overall, the concert message was clear - a CSNY call to "Speak Out Against The Madness".
GOOD SHOW!
said...
Caught the first Red Rocks show last night. Excellent from start to finish! Seemed as if Neil was a bit quite and slow but the vocals and guitar work were there.
I would second the thoughts on donated proceeds, etc...just seems the overall ticket/tee shirt price was outrageous.......
said...
Great Idea! Where is the money going?
said...
Great show at Red Rocks!
I hear they are filming the three Red Rocks shows for a concert DVD to be released before Christmas ...sign me up!
I also question along with previous posters... with the extremely high tickets prices (mine was $145 - from Ticketmaster - for Row 37!), $40 T-shirts and DVD sales - are any of the profits going toward "Freedom of Speech" initiatives or families of lost soldiers?
said...
Guess I don't understand why it matters where the money goes. Seems to me this is what these folks do for a living so why shouldn't it go to them. As for the prices, everything is high, high, high these days....
said...
I agree.... this is how these guys make their living.... I am sure that some of the money will be going to good causes, but we may not know because Neil is not one of those that makes a big deal about his charitable contributions.... none of our business anyway,eh?
as for a Redrocks DVD in time for Christmas...... Fly Rudolph, Fly!!!
Joanne said...
wondering if anyone has seen a torrent posted of the 7/18 show at Red Rocks. I was there and it was a magical night for me and would love to burn a copy. I've got lots of springsteen boots to trade or can accommodate other request. Would really appreciate it!
said...
I was at the Concord Pavilion last night. Neil Young blew the doors off! He was at the top of his game and then some. They sang LWW and many other songs. Ohio and Rockin' In The Free World AMAZING, I thought Neil was going to explode on stage!. LWW material awesome. It was more than I could have ever expected. Once again Neil's energy stole the show and it rocked!
3 hours of heaven.T he only disappointment was the crowd There they are singing their guts out making a point and everybody just sat there until towards the end. These guys are giving us a very important message. If at the concert we can't even get up and scream about it with them I wonder what we will do about it when we get home. We need to all get off our asses and do something. I just hope we are all listening to what they are saying!
Megan
said...
Keeping with the CSN&Y "Freedom of Speech Tour" theme, I thought I'd write my thoughts. I don't know if you will publish them, as my comments are quite different from any that I'm seeing posted on your website, here. Anyway, here goes.....
Took my hubby to the 7/22/06 concert in South Lake Tahoe. Like any good baby boomers, we have been die-hard fans since the '70s. Concerts aren't cheap these days, as we all know---$300 for 2 mediocre seats, $16-20 for 2 beers, plus $70-80 for 2 T-shirts. But, who cares? What a GREAT place for a concert---a beautiful summer evening, under the stars, excitement in the air!
Well, to cut to the chase---the concert began, they sounded GREAT, USA/Canadian/British flags flying high, etc. But then, the theme of the "concert" seemed to change dramatically. It was suddenly an anti-war, anti-President Bush, anti-EVERYTHING "rally".
*A "concert"---with an Iraq war ticker tape/video going nonstop?
*A song introduced as a "tribute" to the troops/families---with videos of mostly coffins?
*A very mean spirited anti- President Bush song---with no thoughts (or words, whatsoever) to indicate that there are lots of folks with different political points of view in the crowd/country?
*The words of old CLASSIC songs changed---just to bash whatever they felt like bashing?
*A new, anti-commercialism song sung ("The Restless Consumer", I guess) that basically was down on anything "business" related---yet their ticket prices and T-shirts are outrageously high?
None of this made sense to us. And we were certainly not the only ones dismayed---some folks left the concert, some I noticed almost in tears at certain points, and a few threw their drinks at the stage.
And WHY? Are CSN&Y so COMPLETELY out of touch with mainstream fans that they forgot that we all are different? And that we need to be tolerant of each others' different views?
It was all very disheartening. We left the concert feeling very confused.....not the old CSN&Y that we have grown up with over the years. AH---maybe it's just that....some of us have grown up and have good manners, others, well, don't.
So, in conclusion, we are 2 die- hard CSN&Y fans that feel very saddened and ripped off. Debating politics is fine. There is a place for concerts and a place for political rallies. But disguising a mean spirited, expensive political rally as a "concert" seems like BAIT AND SWITCH.... NOT FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
So, there's my FREEDOM OF SPEECH.
Thanks,
Larry and Bunnie
jimdc821 said...
Two songs I wish NY would do with this tour:
Name of Love
You who rule
upon the land,
You hold the future
in your hand,
When you take your people
down the road,
Before another bomb
explodes.
Can you do it
in the name of love?
Can you do it
in the name of love?
And when you sail
upon the sea
This one's for you,
this one's for me.
Before another missile
flies
You who soar into the sky
Can you do it
in the name of love?
Can you do it
in the name of love?
And so I shout it
around the world
To every boy and every girl,
Yeah, I shout it
around the world
To every boy and every girl,
Can you do it
in the name of love?
Can you do it
in the name of love?
Can you do it
in the name of love?
and, of course,
Long Walk Home:
if you see liberty tell her i will
buy her windows on the hill
laud her flowers on the sill
till they grow higher and higher.
if liberty was a little girl
watching all the flags unfurl
standing at the big parade
how would she like us now?
we balance the power
from hour to hour
giant guns rage
it's such a long walk home
it's such a long walk home
it's such a long walk home.
from vietnam to old beirut
if we are searching for the truth
why do we feel
that double-edged blade
cutting through our hand.
america, america
where have we gone?
it's such a long walk home
it's such a long walk home
it's such a long walk home.
we balance the power
from hour to hour
giant guns rage
it's such a long walk home
it's such a long walk home
it's such a long walk home.
MediaSpinner said...
Nice performances at Concord Pavilion, CA on 7/25. Really enjoyed the show, despite the hot temperatures. CSNY are real troopers getting their message out and making a difference!
Lazerlou said...
I saw the concert in concord (Bay Area, two nights ago) It was fantastic. Stills looks near death and can barely sing anymore, however Crosy and Nash sound as sweet as ever. And then there is Neil, who rocked, and rocked hard. That man has moer passion in his fingertip than any other human being has total.
The concert was on long protest song. It was fantastic. Almost Cut my Hair and Long Time Gone and Deja Vu were amazing. Restless Consumer should have been the first single off of LWW, becasue it is by far the best song. Peple were blown away by it. Overall a great concert, althoug it was too hot to dance or stand up, 108 degrees at the start of the show. Old people were passing out.
Long live Neil. He is my muse.
said...
I've seen CSNY 4 times previous:
1. The Santa Barbara, CA Greenpeace benefit in 1987
2. Bridge School benefit 1989, Mountain View, CA (off on this night).
3. The CSNY2K tour in San Jose, CA 2000
4. The 2002 CSNY tour in San Jose, CA
The concert I saw on Tuesday night blew all others away. Powerful material and execution.
I expected greatness from Neil but the big surprise was Stills, he stepped up and gave 200% and it pushed Neil to even higher levels of performance.
Intense show! Neil's new LWW material is better live with CSNY and the full force of his Les Paul CRUNCH.
I was moved to tears by the song Living With War.
I was absolutely awestruck the whole time, it was that good!
said...
Gil I couldn't agree more. I caught the CSNY concert in Winnipeg and thought, as you did, that Stills was really "into" the concert. CSN were in Winnipeg in 2003 and Stills just seemed to be going through the motions..however, during with the "Freedom of Speech" concert,Neil raised the bar and Stills met the challenge.It was a magical night and proved to me that there isn't anyone who is in the same league as Neil Young..,or CSNY.
said...
To: Larry & Bunny,
It's all about provoking thought, not just following a BLIND leader. They have done this throughout, from "OHIO" to now. They don't expect everyone to agree with them, but at least listen. Because obviuosly too many people are taking W's word that everything is okay. Who cares if it was 90 degrees at showtime in Tahoe? I do! And 113 in Fresno the next day. And 107 in Concord the following tuesday. It is not supposed to be 90 in Tahoe at 7pm. How many people have died in Ca. because of the heat, 135 at last count. And why are we in Iraq? I'm not sticking up for Saddam, but we could have waited till the world was helping. But I think we wanted the oil, or anything else the major corporations are trying to sell us. Okay, that's enough for now. AND WHY, exactly, hasn't he buried ONE fallen, fellow American?
Just remember that we all need to find out as much as possible about everything, before we make a decision. That's all CSNY is asking! Don't be a follower, be leader!!
Thanks Thrasher, we need everyone's opinion.
Jon
LittleHen said...
Clark County Amphitheatre, WA. July 28, 2006:
Graham Nash opened the show saying something to the effect of "I thought we were in Portland, then someone says were in Washington, then someone says Vancouver...I don't know where the hell we are!" Well, wherever we were, it was absolutely The BEST concert I have ever seen!
Show started at 7:30 and went until 11:15, with just a 15 minute break - Never been to that venue before, but the $150.00+ ticket price was worth it. We were up front, stage left, the same side of the stage as Neil. I kept going up the aisle to right below the stage, right in front of Neil, where I was able to stand for a few minutes. The security guy was pretty cool, he'd let me stand there for the entire song before scooting me back to my seat. At the end I stood up front for about the last 3 or 4 songs - security just finally gave up and let people stay. Couldn't believe all the digital cameras! Wish I had brought mine! Someone tossed a bouquet of roses to David, which he picked up. I wished I'd had something to toss up to Neil! I was definately close enough. Well I tossed him my love, I hope he caught it!
CSN sounded great, but Neil was AWESOME! He looked great, and seemed so healthy and full of energy! He rocked!! Seems like he's really going all out lately, with his recent HOG project, his LWW album, and now touring with CSN...I can't help but wonder if he'll be doing anything with Crazy Horse anytime soon? Hope so!
It was great seeing Rick Rosas, Ben Keith, Spooner Oldham and Tom Bray up there, too! God I'm still ridin' the high from seeing my all-time favorite and hero, Neil, so up-close and personal! I've been a Neil Young fan for 30 years (I'm 44), and have just about every album, CD, tape, video and DVD of Neil's ever made, but I was a Neil concert virgin all these years, until now. Don't know how that could happen, I guess I was just always in the wrong place at the right time, or vice-versa.
Long may you run Neil! Catch ya next time around, which will hopefully be soon!
Ziggy said...
I saw the show here in Portland on Friday night. Had I control of the setlist, I'd have probably cut the Living With War material down to Shock and Awe and The Restless Consumer and added other songs throughout his (Neil's) career (I've seen Neil live probably 20-25x). With that said, it was fun to see the entire album performed (although I enjoyed Greendale musically much more).
The highlights for me were Carry On, What Are Their Names, Ohio, For What It's Worth, Almost Cut My Hair. I especially enjoyed Neil and Stephen doing "Treetop Flyer". Heck, I could go on - it was a very, very good show. I would have enjoyed Stills doing more of his older stuff (say off his first two albums or Manassas).
The crowd was principally older folks, but a nice mix. No warm up group. Out at about 7:45 and ended around 11:30 or so with a break between sets.
In terms of vocals, I thought they sounded OK, not great (but I hope I sound as good as Crosby at 65). But better than 2002. Many of the songs were played slower than you are used to (or I was).
**** out of *****. See them while you can.
said...
White River Ampitheatre on 7/27. Although I tend to align with the right, the chance to see CSNY was too hard to pass up. I traveled several thousand miles to see them since the chance of them arriving in AK was almost non-existant. Let me say that the show was tremendous. The energy and feelings that poured out on that stage were amazing, but what struck me most was the fact that they all appeared to be haveing a good time, not a job, but a party. Crosby set the tone as a relaxed artist truly enjoying his twilight years, Nash is brilliant with as much energy today as 30 years ago. Young shows his passion, but tempered it with some humor, and then there is Stills. For the start of the concert I was worried he might fall over, he looked that rough, but as the night went on, he came on board. He was truely at his best in front of the keyboard doing the blues. A touch of Joe Cocker in his voice brought the crowd to their feet.
If you havent seen them and have a chance, don't pass it up.
said...
Attended the 7/30/06 show in Irvine, CA.
Truly a remarkable experience. The band has the set list down pat this far into the tour. That said it was anything but automatic. There was alot of energy on stage by all of the performers. They seemed to put their heart into it, and enjoy playing together once again.
The LWW parts could be misconstrued by some as political preaching, but this band has always been about bringing our hearts and faces to the mirror about what's going on in our nation and the world. Face it nobody wants war, but far too many of us settle for it because of the mind numbing commercialism and materialism that affects us each day in America.
Neil did a great job of leading the group through the concert. Stephen's voice isn't what it was, but its still good enough for me. And his guitar playing leaves it all on the table. Seeing Crosby ten plus years status post liver transplant was worth it. His life is together. And Nash puts his soulful harmony into each song verse.
By the time they closed with Keep On Rockin' In The Free World, prior to the encore Woodstock, the whole place was on its feet and rockin' in the free world, truly.
A great privilege to see these friends playing together once again. Worth all cost and effort. I only wish them and those who hear them well through the rest of the tour.
My hat is off to them, my heart is full. Thank you, David, Stephen, Graham, and Neil.
Peymon said...
Hello all,
I also saw Concord concert. I am an Iranian/American.
I grew up in Iran till I was 17 and then moved here.
All through the time, till I finished High school in Iran,
I used to listen to CSNY. It was beautiful to see them again together.
There are many from Iran and else places in Middle East that they do love America. Because we were introduced to a America that these guys introduced to us along side of JFK'S and Martin's and Dylan and others.
We still believe in them and their version of America.
Love the one you are with.
said...
Hollywood Bowl. July 31, 2006.
Overall an interesting and diverse show. They ended the concert, however, with 'Rockin in the free world' amd did not perform the 'Woodstock' encore. This left many in the audience disappointed and angry.
said...
WHAT A SHOW! I think it was sold out because it was packed and hot!
I agree with the anon Poster-Bush is responsible this heat wave!!!! It's ALL his fault man!
Anybody have the numbers for the shows? Are they selling out?
bluegreen307 said...
Went to the Hollywood Bowl concert on Monday nite, these guys put on an awesome show. Nash and Crosby were nailing the signature harmonies and doubling up Stills, rounding out some of the edge in his voice.
The old standards went over well, good crowd response when Nash sang "Our House", loved Crosby on "Almost Cut My Hair", Neil Young helped out Stills' vocals in "Helplessly Hoping". Great tunes.
My favorite part of the show was when Stills and Young squared off acoustically on "Treetop Flyer" and "Southbound Train"...excellent guitar work. Stills rips, still.
Wanted to see more S.S. guitar work but he seemed to be playing Neil Young style, lots of whammy bar and note hammers, saw him checking out his hand a few times, must be a pretty fair slice there.
Neil Young was definately the engine, a groovin' preying matis rockin' the house down, starting with "Shock and Awe"...the trumpet player hammered it. What a great commentary on the administration's pompousness and the subsequent embedded news journalist reality show it spawned. The crowd launched into "Impeach Bush" with great gusto....we were all singing it (ok..not everyone)...I for one looked forward to singing this at the top of my lungs.
The show peaked with "Rocking in the Free World" (man, I love that tune)...Neil Young finished with a torrential, assaltive wall of sound, ferociously sawing at the strings of his black gibson until he snapped all the strings. (old black???...naw, stunt double)...a crashing finale, no encore, no Woodstock....
The evening belonged to the Croz'...his voice still has that melodic brassy sound that emenates with great presence on his vocal sustains. The lead in solo to "Deja Vu", followed by that great signature blend....he even nailed the intro riff on his 12-string.... Papa Croz', were glad you're still with us.......
Loved the show, hated the ticket prices. Although I can understand the cost of touring, staff and engineers, as well as the logistics of bio-deisel travel....I just wish I could have seen without binoculars for my $200 smacks. (Would I were one of the beautiful people in the front row).
If you haven't seen this show yet, you're gonna' be stoked!!
said...
Great review, bluegreen!
Sound like Mr. Stills is having problems with his hand injury...
Hope it heals soon, for his sake, not mine. (I'll see CSNY on 9/10)
NG
said...
bluegreen307 has the goods on this concert.
Sweet all the way (sometimes 4 electic guitars jamming on the stage) with everyone at the top. No reason to lament what they didn't play. That's a resultof their extensive repetoire..like the Dead. Wooden Ships, Southern Cross, Helpless. Treetop Flyin was superb. Southern Cross was superb. Keep on Rockin in the Free World was totally maxed.... as "307" said....Neil left every guitar string broken. Wicked.
Impeach the President had good lyrics but let's face it....the music was mundane. Some go to concerts for the music and that song didn't "hit" it.
Flags of Freedom Flying, Wooden Ships, the "Bugle Man", Southern Cross, Tree Top Flying, Neil Young telling Nash/Crosby to remember the audience...i.e. Neil keeping the band together....
3 Hours..
Rock Baby. Rock.
david wiggin said...
My son and I drove from Nova Scotia to Ottawa to see the show on July 8. It was the culmination of a year infused with Neil Young. My son, as part of his school program, was required to write a 4000 word research essay on a subject of his choosing. He chose Neil. In September, we had tapes of After The Goldrush and CSN&Y's So Far as available resouces. By year's end, we together owned 21 albums, 4 books and 3 concert movies - fast on our way to becoming junkies. I, myself, was always a fan of his early stuff, but was only vaguely acquainted with anything beyond Harvest. I had seen Neil in concert only once during his , what you could call, audience abuse days when he toured Tonight's The Night two years before he could get the album released and when he taunted the audience by refusing to play "any of that old shit" that everyone had come to hear. My seventeen year old son? He just grew into Neil's music, I guess. It has been a delight discovering or, in my case, rediscovering Neil's music in the context of a complete career [Maybe I'm selling him short!]
It was great anticipation that we left for Ottawa, with Neil's music fueling the 12 hour drive. Part of the excitement was also that we knew that Living With War would be the centrepiece [Canadian spelling] of the concert. For me, American politics have become a focal point of my attention ever since Bush made his bombastic challenge to the world, "You're either with us, or you're with the terrorists." This did not seem an appropriate response to the 9/11 catastrophe at a time when support for the US was nearly worldwide. The comment seemed to indicate that other agendas were at work. In time, my suspicious interest has turned to outrage as those agendas have revealed themselves at the cost of tens of thousands of lives, devestation and increasing global instability. The manner in which this administration has mishandled its perceived mandate,and gotten away with it, has been truly astounding. Thankfully, Neil Young has, likewise, been moved and my outrage, too, has found expression in Living With War.
The Ottawa concert went beyond all expectations. The crowning touch was that it also served as a reunion of sorts with friends I had worked with caring for disturbed kids in the woods of north Ontario 30+ years ago at a time when Deja Vu so clearly spoke for us all and we sang Helpless to the loons on the lake under a full moon.
It was clear from the outset that CS&N also embraced the message of the day and the venue gave them the opportunity to share their own protests. But, the driving force was clearly Neil. His songs, so simple yet rich in expression, with CS&N's backing became even richer than they are on the CD. Moreover, Tommy Bray's trumpet, which some find out of place on the album, was a perfect touch for the concert versions. Perhaps Neil always had the concert in mind when he made that production choice. The song selection addressed those who perhaps didn't know what they were in for - a nice selection of Crosby and Nash gentle harmonies and surprisingly strong work from Stills whose speaking voice did not suggest much ahead. His guitar duets with Young were inspired. Inspired, mainly, by Neil who stormed around the stage when his energy was needed to take the level to a higher plane. But, CS&N always rose to the challenge.They were marvelous to watch in action. By the time they finished with Rockin' in the Free World the joint was howling!!
Some highlights?:
- Graham Nash's opening gaff, welcoming everybody to Ottawa.Stills straightened him out by pointing out that they were the guests.
- David Crosby's vocals, as sweet as ever in spite of all his body has gone through
- Stills and Young duelling on guitar during Treetop Flyer.
- the moving slideshow of the dead American soldiers backing Find The Cost of Freedom.
- Neil Young!!!! He's da MAN!
I was so glad to be able to share that experience with my son who can only begin to imagine what it meant to me. And for him? He thought it KILLED the Rolling Stones concert he witnessed with 80,000 others last summer in Moncton, New Brunswick.
said...
I was at the Winnipeg show on July 14. It was an absolute blast and without a doubt on my list of all time great concerts. I had wanted to see Neil play in his home town so my brother and I both flew to Wpg and met up for the concert. I was blown away by the quality and depth of the entire show. I'd have to say my 3 highlights were Restless Consumer, Ohio and RITFW. I've checked the set lists and it looks like Wpg got the full meal deal with a bonus Love the one your with encore after Woodstock. I've now seen Neil solo, with the International Harvesters, Crazy Horse and now with CSN, for me this was an important concert!! Sound quality was excellent and the small arena, crowd of about 13,000, made for a simply stunning evening. Neil WAS the show, Crosby sounded great, Nash very decent and Stills was .... not, however his guitar playing was excellent and you could tell Neil and him were having a great time. I was amazed by the crowd as well, i was expecting to see a solid boomer crowd yet the place had tons of people that looked under 30 .......and now to have the Rolling Stones coming to my town for 2 shows in October........wow, what a year for concerts for a kid from the canadian prairies!!!
said...
Big CSNY fan going to the show tonight in Sunrise. I am going to hopefully see a great MUSICAL performance, NOT A POLITICAL rally. I live in the UNITED States of America. United we Stand, Divided We Fall. We don't need an over the hill hippie using concerts as a forum to divide this great nation. If Neil Young does not love the USA and suport our leaders he should go back and stay in Canada and take Cindy Sheehan and Jane Fonda with him. Leave the Politics to the Politicians. Just continue to play great music Neil.
Lazerlou said...
Bill in FL,
You are going to be sorely disspaointed then. Might I remind you though that you are going to see a band that is responsible for "Find the Cost of Freedom," "Long Time Gone," "Ohio," "Almost Cut My Hair," "Military Madness," and Neil Young who just came out with an anti-war album "Living with War"(which he plays in its entirety) and which contains the first single "Let's Impeach the President."
I hope you understand that when Crosby is telling everyone to "speak out, speak out against the madness" it is not an attempt to divide people, but to unite them behind peace love and human decency and speak out against war.
Caveat Emptor my brother. You have no one to blame but yourself if you are going to be upset by the political messages at this concert.
2581 said...
Bill in Florida - Haven't you noticed, America wants out of the morass called the Iraq war. If you don't want to hear political thought - expressed in song - stay home. Or if it's just NY's message that bothers you, listen to Toby Keith. Eat a peach, dude...
said...
Went to the Sunrise in West Palm last night and what a show ...my hope for our country has been revised. music can say it all. Especially when Young is at the realm.. Being an OHIO transplant and remembering what that song gave us and now living in such a red state it was refreshing to hear CSNY do what they do so well. Neil was absolutely at his best but not very talkitive, just did what he came to do. I had to endure a few that seemed to apprecitate Neil on most of his songs but not many of the LWW. Many in the south Florida venue didn't stay to hear the end. Many on the lawn actually seemed to leave during or shortly after "Let's Impeach the President", What a shame. Everyone who showed up should know what Neil and CSN have always stood for, why be shocked or insulted now??
It was great.. Thanks, Neil and the gang...not just for the words or music (which were absolutely great) but for the passion that you all have!!
said...
OK, went to he show in WPB on Tuesday with every undestanding that Neil Young is still a Hippie, anti President, anti War Monger. I certainly enjoyed most of the old songs and can honestly say CSNY has not missed a beat over the last 30 years. But anyone who has seen the show has to admit that the constant political undertones are a bit much and are a distraction from their musical talents.
Thank God that the TSA and UK government did not heed to Neil Youngs objections to Wire tapping and spying.. THOUSANDS OF LIVES OF INOCENT PEOPLE WERE SAVED TODAY because of intercepted terrorist phone conversations. Neil Young needs to write a song about that!
And yes, I did exercise my "Freedom of Speach" by booing and giving the band the finger after "Let's Impeach the President"
LK said...
Gave myself a phenomenal birthday present on the 8th by "experiencing" the wise, compassionate, prophetic, courageous, brilliant, and outrageously fun CSNY concert in West Palm Beach. It appears they've captured a whole new generation, as a slew of "20's" were rocking just as strong as us baby boomers. My 16 and 29 year olds enjoyed it as much as I did. As far as people leaving early, I didn't notice that from dead center where I sat (stood). The place stayed packed. My only disappointment was that they didn't stay to demand a second encore. Yes, I'm selfish. I needed more...more...more!(And I was really pulling for Suite Judy Blue Eyes)
Boy, did they have fun together. Oddly enough, even with the omnipresent protest theme, it was a joyous concert. It seemed like they've gotten to a place in their lives that really worked for them...and there's something really satisfying, as well, in working it out together over 40 years.
And to those who were put off by the tone of the concert, "You got to speak out against the madness". It's only through the power of music that brave souls like CSNY can move a generation to claim the values of humanity over the behavior of insanity. Right on, CSNY! Sing it, and they will come....
said...
Saw the show in Atlanta-it was the worst ever. Very CHEESY, using Microphones as Iwa Jima "Props". It is CSN&Y who are lying, not the President. Coffins have LONG since been banned from photography since Viet Nam-they make it look like it's Bush's Idea.
THEY ARE MAKING MONEY AND LOTS OF IT OFF THE WAR!
said...
Neil Should Change The our Name To the "Seats Available" tour:
http://www.neilyoung.com/lwwtoday/csnymappage.html
Lazerlou said...
Actually Anon, if you follow your own link, many of the tour dates have been sold out in venues greater than 10,000 people. Methinks I smell some nasty Chili.
said...
Thank God there were enough people at the Portland show who "got it" and didn't just come to see performances of their favorite oldies... The discourse that I'm sure Bill in FLA would disdain will only be stronger through honest sharing of ideas and thoughts, which this CSNY Tour is encouraging. We're all grown up now, Bill. Blind faith in leaders has long ago been discouraged. Bush is a fish out of water. He encourages hate of Islamics when he should be figuring out how to defend our country and keep our own oil from bubbling into the tundra in Alaska. Our forces are spread mighty thin across this globe. Ever play the boardgame Risk? It's feeling a lot like that to me; spread yourself TOO thin and you are vulnerable at the thinnest part.
said...
It's innaresting how the trolls post that they went to the concert and were shocked, SHOCKED at the political content. But they're also posting here, where it's very easy to read the many newspaper reviews of the shows to date, and which are consistent in describing the nature and quality of the concerts. I'm not a CSN fan, but I'm kind of wishing I could afford to go, because the reviews are so uniformly glowing. Neil is a genius. Indeed, let's impeach the president.
Tom
said...
I don't fucking get all these complaints. Aren't you people aware of what you're getting into when you bought a ticket to the FREEDOM OF SPEECH tour? It's like those idiots who went to the Greendale tour and then bitched about him playing that entire album.
Neil has never consistently gone out and played his "hits." He's got the balls to write and perform new material on a constant basis.
The guy above me said, "..I saw him by himself about 10 years ago and he only played "The Needle and the Damage Done" and Hey-Hey-My-My...but most of the other songs we're a "Johnny Rotten" frenetic Rock & Roll tribute..."
I'm sorry sir, but Neil hasn't let his performances turn into a washed-out imitation of his old self. Neil has been true to himself, and that's all that matters.
Neil, keep on rockin' in the free world.
said...
"Neil Young went too far tonight" Heh heh, well, that sounds just about right. Neil's very clear issue is with the Iraq War, NOT the "War on Terror". The Iraq misadventure is a self chosen folly, a hole from which a very determined president insists that the way forward is to dig harder, or at least fill with enough bodies so he can climb out. Tony Snow said last week, prior to the London plane plot, that if the Cut-N-Run crowd has their way, there would be more 9/11s. Well. here was one in the making, happening on Bush's watch, just like the first one. To suggest in new approach and re-evaluation of the present one is what these concerts are saying. Makes sense to me. Personally, I've never cared for the sappy character of CSN songs, so we have different tastes there. Give me Neil any old time, though.
Tom
Lisa S said...
Saw the show at Bethel Woods last nite...AMAZING!!!
Attended the '69 Woodstock festival and the vibe is still there. Check out my blog at happyinbethel.blogspot.com
said...
Neil has completly jumped into the political fire ring. He has become an unkowing tool from the extreme left who do not have any idea how the world operates.
They spew hatred of Bush, but NEVER offer a soulution. They cast untruths or implied "truths" like the photography ban coffins of soldiers coming off planes, which was instilled LONG before Bush took office.
They imply that they "care" for our soldiers when it benifits them politically. I was, at least to myself, the biggest Neil Young fan, but I am so sad that he has become so ardent for a cause that is so wrong.
You all should be ashamed of yourselves for not supporting the war effort. You voted in the leaders that voted for war along with Bush, now you cry like babies on the playground "he lied".
YOUR LEFTIST IDEALS CAUSE HARM TO OUR SOLDIERS.
Jeff
said...
Here's a solution that is implicit in the current tour:
Since the rationale for the war was flawed and the outcomes are not as anticipated, there should be a reevaluation of the political leadership responsible for those mistakes. This reevaluation can be made by the electorate this November, and hopefully will produce a shift in leadership of at least one house of congress. In the current Single Party State we have, there is no possibilty of a change of leadership at the Pentagon and certainly no constraints on an Administration convinced of it's inerrancy, despite obvious facts to the contrary. That's probably the best that can be hoped for in the short term, as there will not be a change in the White House for another two years. Unfortunately, George Bush gambles like a wealthy man. Despite the evidence in his hand, he tries to bluff his way with even bigger bets. He can be reckless like this because he has nothing to really lose. This attitude seems to be prevalent now, except it's a game played with bodies. Iran could be his next big wager.
Neil Young expresses his rage and sorrow at a an ELECTIVE war that has become a massive human and moral tragedy. Continuing on the same dumb course is to be compounding folly. Stop digging the hole!
Tom
said...
What some of the people who posted anti-Neil comments about the concert don't seem to get is that Neil is a performance artist. The tour is titled the "Freedom of Speech Tour." Neil and CSN have every right to express their viewpoints as do others. Part of the point of the concert was to push some buttons and make people uncomfortable. Neil did the same thin with Greendale.
Freedom of Speech is a precious right that we need to preserve. I saw the concert in Fresno, California. We've had on-going problems here with police surveillance of anti-war and environmental organizations. Some of these organizations were given permission by CSN&Y to table inside the venue - but local police did not permit members of these groups to hand out flyers or hold signs up outside the Save Mart Center (on public property). Aside from the fact that the concert was simply fantastic, CSN&Y should be applauded for standing up for our rights!
Ed said...
I've been reading a lot of commentary on this site & others about CSNY's "position" on the war against terror/ the war in Iraq. Let's be clear: No one on this forum or in the band wants terrorism to flourish in the 21st century.
However, a majority of the American public feels that the administration & Congress have pursued a botched policy in Iraq - an opinion shared publicly by Colin Powell, William F. Buckley, George Will, a large group of top brass military personnel, several intelligence agency professionals & any number of former administration officials - all of whom have gone on the record with their criticisms. They are hardly lefties or hippies.
Anyone who has listened to "Families", "Roger and Out" or "Treetop Flyer" or seen the presentation of "Find the Cost of Freedom" on the tour knows how much respect & gratitude they feel towards the folks wwho put their lives on the line to implement our government's policies - which is why they want the policies to change.
It is disingenuous to come on this forum & claim that you don't know the set list at this point in the tour - much less complain about Neil writing/singing protest songs & then praise "Southern Man" as a classic!(Huh?) Sell your tickets.
I was at opening night & would love to see them again - with all the health issues they've faced, it is great to see them full of spirit & playing full out. The crowd I knew at the opening show ran the gamut politically from leftist Luddite pacifism to tax cut loving, business owning Republicans - they all enjoyed the show. Anyone who didn't like LWW just gave the other 25+ songs their due. My brother said it was worth his $35 lawn seat to see Stills & Young do FWIW together again. Another friend said he was glad he spent $125 to see Crosby & Nash deliver "Guinnevere" & back Neil on "Only Love Can Break Your Heart." Another friend loves LWW but fell asleep during the Greendale shows - de gustibus non est disputandum.
Anyway, let's not be throwing stones at CSNY - enjoy the music. Try to comprehend the message. Just like always.
For what its worth: What's so funny 'bout peace, love and understanding?
"I hear some people been talkin' me down..."
said...
I am 59 - A #1 fan of Neil & CSN since the beginning. Traveled many miles to concerts over the years, 4 times at 4 venues for Greendale, attended the Heart of Gold filming in Nashville last summer. Have damn near everything the boys have recorded. Was in the Army while Woodstock was happening 37 years ago today. I know my roots.
I will miss this tour on even though it will take place about 5 miles from my house. Unfortunately the proceeds will not be donated to help those who have gave so much to protect our freedoms from the maniacal onslaught we face today. These great heros deserve at least as much respect as family farmers. This concert too much sorrow.
said...
Let me make this clear, once and for all, to all you Liberals. Read this REAL close......
NOBODY EVER QUESTIONED NEILS RIGHT TO FREE SPEECH!
WE QUESTION THE BULLSHIT MICHAEL MOORE MESSAGE HE'S SPEWING!
You are simply wrong about the issue.
You are afraid to face danger
You don't have any soltutions/ideals, only "fantasies" on World policy.
You don't have the feintist idea on defense, how it works, or what it costs.
You know nothing about military history.
Because if you did, you would not think like a bunch of cowardly, SELFISH, loser hippies.
Jeff
2581 said...
Jeff - It's very sad to see your comment that Neil "has become an unkowing tool from the extreme left who do not have any idea how the world operates". Are you kidding, man? How old are you, 18? If you're any older than high school age, it would be fair to label your comment "pathetic"...
How would you feel if you - whom we know nothing about - were called an "unknowing tool of the extreme right", which wouldn't understand patriotism or American freedom if they came up and kissed it on the lips...? If you're so enamored of the Iraq War, dude, sign up, ship out to Iraq, and stop your whining... We could be in Iraq for the next 25 years and nothing there will change. If you're upset with Neil's message, while you're fighting in Iraq,listen to Toby Keith on your iPod and soothe your soul...
said...
Yo Jeff - can't tell if your post is a feint attack or a feint retreat!
You don't know me & I don't know you. I'm not over there (friends are) & I'm assuming you haven't signed up either. (I'm old & fat, how about you?) Let's agree to be civil - not a hippie value, but a universal one shared by all people of good will.
And let's remember, Powell, Buckley, Will & co are hardly selfish, hippies - they are critics too.
It would be nice to think Iraq is Agincourt redux & after the victory W could marry Jenna off to a Sunni or Shiite prince & peace would come to the people. I fear that we are more likely facing Pyrrus's dilemma after Heraclea - creating the very enemy we seek to vanquish.
On more recent military events, I like Harry Summers & Bernie Trainor. Both write clearly, are good scholars and decorated commanders who saw significant action in the post WW2 arena. Take a look at Summers on Vietnam & think about his point: isolate the conventional forces on the field of battle & let the locals deal with insurgency - does it work in our context? Read Trainor's "The General's War" on Iraq 1991, then "Cobra II" on this war. Compare & contrast. I studied in Northern Ireland for a couple of years & recommend J Bowyer Bell's & MLR Smith's work on the IRA to get a grip on how an inusrgency works & develops - the move to politics is, after all, where we all (left, right, center, Mars, the Moon) want to be, right?
OK - one last point. Before there was Michael Moore, there was Neil - "Ohio", "Vampire Blues", "Cortez the Killer" to name a few of the more opinionated tunes that might draw fire from the right - "Revolution Blues", "Hippie Dream" & "Let's Roll" to name a few tunes folks on the opposite side of the spectrum didn't like. Oh, well - he's a maverick, an original, with his "own row left to hoe." That's why we love him. (At least I do.)
Let's drop the ad hominem attacks - if Neil, Marlon Brando & Pocohontos can get together, surely we can agree to listen to the music together - no?
"Sooner or later, it all gets real..."
hauserpromo1 said...
Hi Folks,
I've just found this blog today and thoroughly enjoyed the comments/reviews of CSNY shows. I was at Atlanta (5th row floor, center) - and came into those comp tickets just the day before. What a night!
I'm building iTunes playlists of each set of the night and can't find anywhere (on iTunes) "Southbound Train" and "Treetop Flyer." Can anyone direct me better? Thanks much...
said...
saw the show at PNC last night and i was amazed. Crosby and Nash had the best harmonies i've heard them have in the past couple of years and Stills was blazing on the guitar. However the highlight was definately neil bringing passion and energy to the songs. His guitar work on Military Man brought anger to a song that seems to have lost its meaning over the years. It sounded like eldorado after he say "his hair was as red as blood". No encore because they played their regular set until 11:10 and i think PNC has a rule about going past 11 but I dont think rockin in the free world could have been beaten so it was a great ending to a great concert
said...
I went to the PNC show last and the only thing anyone could say as they walked out at 11:15 was, "WOW!". Finishing the three hour show with a crazed 10 minute rocking in the free world (neil looked like a man possesed hunched over wailing on his old black guitar) was worth every penny of the ticket price. Understandably that there was no encore because the energy put into that final ballad could not have been matched by any encore they could have played (save for maybe southern man).
Having read all the other reviews of past shows I was worried that when people began to trickle out of the COMPLETELY sold out PNC lawn and seats during "lets impeach the president" that most of the crowd would leave but I think only about 300 people tops left in protests (though a few boos were heard afterwards they were drowned out by appluase).
The only thing about the show that could ahve been better was that during the second set, there was a string of about 7 mellow songs which the audience recieved well but after each one you could almost feel how they were just dying for neil to explode with his booming guitar...but alas it took longer than expected but the transition to hard rock was ushered in with nash on the piano playing a funky "Chicago".
Suprsingly among the top 5 most best recieved and well done songs was "southern cross" and "helplessly hoping". The guys voices held up and brought down the house. However, the two best songs of the night, aside form rocking in the free world, were almmost cut my hair and ohio.
I am only 20 years old but Ohio sounded the way it surely must have in 1974 with stills and Niel really having the energy the put the vibe in the whole crowd. Overall Stills had a muhc stronger performance than I anticipated, taking more than a few solos which I thought Neil would have leaped at but I think its safe to say that Neil was the hero of the night.
Finally, Crosby came through with an AWESOME version of almost cut my hair (preceeded by his first set call for all of us on the lawn to "light up a fat one"...one liver down the guy still hasnt lost it) and recieved a huge standing ovation.
Overall a tremendous concert, much better than CSN two years ago or Neil with crazy horse three years ago during Greendale. Hope the rest of you with shows still to see get excited because it really will be a memorable 3+ hours.
said...
Innaresting contrast between the views of the 59 year old and the 20 year old of the SAME show. I'll trust the young'un.
Tom
said...
I am going to the detroit show on 8/31. After reading all of the comments, I cannot wait to see and hear CSN&Y! Let Neil Young speak his peace! I have admired each of these men for over 30 years (I am 49 yo and have seen Neil twice and CSN two times as well). I have floor seats at the Palace of Auburn Hills and am so looking forward to seeing them together!
For all of the right wing repubs, we can say whatever we please, anytime, anyplace....the next election will tell the story!
said...
HATED the show.........was not warned by anyone that this would be a show for Neil Young to voice his agenda on the war.
I understand feeling the need to do something; but for those of us who paid TOP dollar for nose bleed section seats ($300), I deserved to be "entertained" and not to feel forced to remember the issues of my day to day over and over again. Shame on the band for allowing Young to play all his "war songs" for most of the first part of the show. Shame on the band for not remembering we, the audience, came to be entertained and didn't want to be a participant for "their agenda".
They could have done more of the old songs and accomplished two things; keeping the crowd happy AND playing OLD war songs!
said...
I remember how smart I thought I was when I was 20.
I'll go with the old dude, (unitl they reach Neil's Age)
said...
RB - have you been living with your head in the sand these last few weeks? There has been nothing but news that this tour is going to be a vehicle for CSNY's political views, particularly Neil's, seeing as he just released a new album. I think it's great that they continue to produce new and provocative material at 60+. If all you want is a rereading of past hits by ageing rock stars, go see an America concert.
said...
CSNY at PNC was a fantastic concert evening. THey are four excellent musicians whose harmonies can still make the hairs on my arm stand up. They are all about rockin in the free world--- a world where it's okay to suggest impeaching the president or to cry out against an unjust war. Hooray. I only wish that the energy they gave the audience and the energy the audience gave right back to them could be harnessd to change and rearrange the world!
said...
Passion, politics and great music
By: Keith C. Burris
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young are a super group from the past. They are old men now. Young had brain surgery last year to prevent an aneurysm from killing him. Stills limps. Crosby just celebrated his 65th birthday.
And most people, as my wife said, think of their music as mellow tunes they played in their dorm rooms oh-so-many years ago.
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So perhaps a lot of people went to the CSN&Y concert at Mohegan Sun Tuesday night expecting a nostalgia show, or a generational lullaby.
Someone forgot to tell CSN&Y.
What listeners got instead was four hours of absolutely smoking music. The four played with all their hearts, and their hearts are large.
Instead of getting older, in the sense of tired, the group has actually gotten better. There is more rhythm and edge. And there is the power of loud. To Neil Young, sound matters, and when loud sound is called for, it is really loud.
Forty years of musicianship make a difference. After decades of doing something, you either burn out or get pretty good at it. These guys are really fine musicians.
Thirty years ago, people used to talk about Stephen Stills' guitar playing with awe - the way they talked about Clapton. Stills may be even better today.
And they talked about the gorgeous harmonies of Nash and Crosby, when they sang, for instance "Guinnevere." They are better today.
Besides experience and craftsmanship, Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young have passion. It's not the grumpy passion of old men, but the pure passion of people who have really lived. They are at an age when the small stuff gets pushed off the table.
The specific passion of this tour is the anti-war cause. The group is very much about getting the troops out of Iraq. And this tour, dubbed the CSN&Y "Freedom of Speech" tour, is devoted to getting Americans to speak up and out about the war. A few months back, Neil Young quickly threw together an incendiary "metal protest" album, called "Living with War," which empowered doves and enraged hawks. He wanted to tour in support of the album and he wanted to play with old friends Crosby, Stills, and Nash, so the four decided to combine purposes. It sounds like a possible mismatch, but by carefully weaving old songs and new, and connecting old peace to new protest songs, and by creating a kind of three-movement arc that began with new protest songs, moved to memory and love songs, and returned to the older CSN&Y peace poems, they made it work.
The Mohegan Sun is a strange place for a peace rally and $200 seems like a high admission price, but it happened, and the amazing thing is that while the evening was sometimes somber, it was never bleak. There was too much energy and joy in the singing and playing.
To be sure, the whole night was deeply political, and some people were surprised and walked out. (During a sing-along of "Let's Impeach the President," one lady marched to the exit with her middle finger aggressively extended to one and all - the remaining 7,000 who were singing and stomping along.)
I haven't said anything about Young yet. He was the obvious leader of the band, and yet he didn't dominate. All four got a chance to shine. Crosby's version of "Almost Cut My Hair" was wonderful. Stills was an ironic bluesman all night, and his song "Treetop Flier," with Young accompanying, was a highlight of a night without lows. Nash was splendid on his compositions "Military Madness" and "Milky Way Tonight." Instead of making himself the center, Young energizes the others. He moved like a kid on that stage, and like the American rock icon he is. He brought down the house with "Rockin in the free World," - it was visceral and raw and for a while it seemed like it would not end. Nobody wanted it to either. Neil Young always gives 100 percent. He is just a great, great musician and a great human being.
The group played country, it played blues, it played pop rock and very hard rock, it sang ballads and its own hymns to peace and freedom. One forgets the strength of the CSN&Y catalogue. We also heard "Immigration Man, "Déjà vu," "Helplessly Hoping," "Our House," with Nash at the piano, "Only Love Can Break Your Heart," with Young at the piano and Nash and Crosby standing beside it singing backup as if in a family parlor, "Southbound Train," "Teach Your Children," "Southern Cross," "Find The Cost Of Freedom," with the faces of hundreds American soldiers killed in Iraq projected on a giant flat screen, "For What It's Worth," "Chicago," "Ohio," "What Are Their Names," and, as an encore, "Woodstock."
I have been going to concerts for 40 years. All sorts of concerts, from the Beach Boys, to Wynton Marsalis, to the New York Philharmonic. I have never heard such a variety of music, such sustained musicianship on such a high level, such honest emotion, or such a community of passion, both for the music being played and the cause being backed. I don't think I have ever heard a better concert.
Keith C. Burris is editorial page editor of the Journal Inquirer, in Manchester, Ct.
©Journal Inquirer 2006
said...
Are the people complaining about the political message at the CSNY show nuts? What did they expect from an anti-war band. It would be like me going to a gospel concert and complaining about overt religion. Conservatives - Get a clue.
spudkitt said...
To RB who said he hated the show, how in hell could anyone go to show with Neil Young in it and be shocked with it's content is beyond me. Those guys have writing political songs for years. Not only that the show was heavily advertised as such. All I can say is you can not be much of a fan if you were shocked by the political content of their concert tour. For myself, it was right up there as one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Thank God that CSNY have the guts to say what needs to be said.
said...
Thrasher - I think this qualifies as music related, if not just post it on the politics page - thanks for all your work on this tour!
I wonder if the many critics of Neil's new songs have listened to them. Here's the lyrics to "Families" from Living With War" - pretty positive, I think.
"When you try to bring our spirit home
Won't you celebrate our lives
In a way that's right for our children
and families
When you write your songs about us
Won't you try to do us justice
Because we want to be just like you
and your families
I see a light ahead
There's a chill wind blowin' in my head
I wish that I was home instead
with my family
There's a universe between us now
But I want to reach out and tell you how
much you mean to me
and my family
I'm goin' back to the USA
I just got my ticket today
I can't wait to see you again"
"Roger & Out" - a positive appreciation of a friend's sacrifice - actually quite moving live when I heard it for the first time - certainly not a cynical, angry or unpatriotic tune.
"trippin' down that old hippie highway
got to thinkin' 'bout you again
wonderin' how it really was for you
and how it happened in the end
but i guess i'll never know the truth
if you were really all alone
we were just a couple of kids then
livin' each and every day
when we both went down to register
we were laughin' all the way
that's when we named it hippie highway
i still call it that today
roger and out good buddy
i still call it that today
two camaros racin' down the road
feels just like yesterday
roger and out good buddy
i feel you in the air today
i know you gave for your country
i feel you in the air today
roger and out good buddy"
"After the Garden" - a plea for environmental sanity (not a new CSNY theme), "Restless Consumer" is a rant against drug companies profiting while not allowing needed medication to those in Africa who can't afford it (from a guy who is medication dependent for his epilepsy!), "Flags of Freedom" - no negativity there - just a meditation on the generations who have fought "the age old battle/we've sometime won before" - "Shock and Awe" & "Looking for a Leader" seem to me to be flip sides of the same coin: disillusion with the war in Iraq (a stance the majority of Americans & quite a few prominent conservative Republicans agree with) & a desire for some new leader - incredibly, he mentions Colin Powell as a possibility - no lefty there!
The title track sums it up - an honest reminder for those of us who are not in Iraq or do not have a loved one fighting there - or don't fly commercial class - that the war in Iraq is more than just higher gas prices & television reports.
"I'm living with war everyday
I'm living with war in my heart everyday
I'm living with war right now
And when the dawn breaks I see my fellow man
And on the flat-screen we kill and we're killed again
And when the night falls, I pray for peace
Try to remember peace (visualize)
I join the multitudes
I raise my hand in peace
I never bow to the laws of the thought police
I take a holy vow
To never kill again
To never kill again
I'm living with war in my heart
I'm living with war in my heart in my mind
I'm living with war right now
Don't take no tidal wave
Don't take no mass grave
Don't take no smokin' gun
To show how the west was won
But when the curtain falls, I pray for peace
Try to remember peace (visualize)
In the crowded streets
In the big hotels
In the mosques and the doors of the old museum
I take a holy vow
To never kill again
Try to remember peace
The rocket's red glare
Bombs bursting in air
Give proof through the night,
That our flag is still there
I'm living with war everyday
I'm living with war in my heart everyday
I'm living with war right now"
The music is the message - I find it strange that Neil's music is being ignored. His stance is hardly the one being attributed to him by so many of the respondents here. Yes,"Impeach the president" is a blast at W - I kind of think it is meant to be serious & tongue in cheek (hence the steroids verse).
Check out Neil on the Colbert Report (www.youtube.com - just type in Neil Young & Steve Colbert) - there is a sense of humor at work along with the seriousness. Kinda like Woody Guthrie. You'll hear him say loud and clear "this war in iraq is diverting us from our real purpose: finding the terrorists and the terrorist leaders." Hardly an unreasonable opinion.
"Don't feel like Satan/but I am to them..." - give the songs a serious listen before you decide.
said...
I saw the show at Hershey Park last night and thought that it was complrtly over to top. Neil Young should to go back to Canada where he came from. If I had known prior to the show that I was going to get this IN YOUR FACE political garbage, I would have stayed home.
said...
Funny, but I was at the same Jones Beach show on the 23rd and thought it was absolutely fantastic! Thousands of people leaving??? You should've stayed to hear the majority singing along with Let's Impeach the President. How could you not know about Young's 'Living With War' if you are such a fan. Heck, I knew what the song list is before I even went...and I've never seen them perform live. Was the first CSNY concert for my 31yr old daughter and she was impressed to the max. Loved their tunes, loved the lyrics and loved what they stood for. Having been born in Canada and finally having papers to prove she is an American citizen, she was also able to register to vote.....They delivered the music, they delivered...I say Keep on Rockin in the Free World....guess you missed that one!
said...
Funny how someone could actually go to a CSNY show, who knows and appreciates their music, and not be aware of their political views. And funny that a true "fan", who would take the time to visit and write a comment on a fan blog site, would even be offended by their politicss, or even their write to say them. Makes one stop and think that such a "fan" may not really be a fan at all. Maybe they are something else entirely. But, certainly not a fan. I am going to the MSG show tonight with ears and heart wide open to the poignant message these enduring artists will be conveying. Thank you Neil for carrying the torch!
said...
I saw them at Jones Beach on August 23rd. Yes they were over the top, freaking fabulous!
There were moments that were so moving that you wanted to cry.
Even though I am a huge fan of the group, in particular Stills.. but Neil grabbed most of my attention.
I noticed a few people in the audience sitting nearby who seemed shocked at the content... guess they weren't really as familiar with the band as they thought.. or must not have noted the name of the tour. Oh well.
I spent 210 on my tickets... worth every penny and more.
It is a shame that the Beach can't get their acts together to get people in on time. I arrived early but was held up in a ridiculous traffice nightmare, then again when they frisked people going in the door. Why don't they have a bagless line anyway? The boys started playing before I even got in the arena.... but all was well once inside. They played about 35 songs, took a 20 minute break halfway through.... lots of new music, some old...amazing stuff.
Keggly
said...
I thought Neil Young Didn't "Sing For Politicians"
MAKES HIM LOOK LIKE A JOKE!
AND a Hypocrite. Oh, and NOT everyone EXAMINES the pretense of a show before they attend. It does NOT make them any less fans than you losers you live and Breathe everyword these "Hippie-crites" have to say.
"Wooden Ships are just a Hippie Dream-Capsized by excess, if you know what I mean".
Neil made the biggest mistake of his LIFE/CAREER with this shit.
said...
Was at the MSG concert last night - fantastic! Great venue to see them. No encore though, but it went from 7:35 to 11:05 with a 25 minute break. Great choice of songs. NYC appreciated the politics. Rocking in the Free World was the finale song. It brought goose bumps as I saw this as my "f u" song to the terrorists after 9/11. They're getting old - can't hit the high notes as well, but well worth the money. It made me want to go out and protest!
said...
Saw these 4 buckaroos last night at MSG Theater. They rocked and socked the rapture republicans and their leader (the emperor with no brains) real good. Their music/lyrics were definitely smart bombs of peace love & understanding. Next agenda is to psychedelicize suburbia…
- mashuganishi yogi
said...
i was at the msg show last night and it was my first cnsy concert, ive seen neil a few times solo, and just recently saw nash and crosby play with david gilmour at radiocity( best show ever). i hafto tell you i was really moved by the show, i thought it was fantastic. even tho your opinion of the politics they were discusing was differnt then yours, everything they spoke about were pure FACTS. they didnt make anything up, they were simply stating things that have happened and things that were said by our government that ended up being lies, and it was very much in SUPPORT of the troops. having said that, neil young kicked ass, i really enjoyed all the different combinations in the second set, altho i was sitting in section 300 and it wasnt nearly loud enuff, i thought most people did a good job of being quiet during the slow parts. the enchor's where awesome, love the theatrical stuff, the big mic, the vid's all that stuff. dont see how this band would be without neil tho, he stole the show. not a big fan of neils new cd, but seeing it live was still fun, just like greendale, didnt love it, but saw it live and enjoyed it. next show is Roger Waters at msg, rip syd barret
said...
Yes, I know I should just ignore a negative troll but I have some time before work ;
regarding..
"I thought Neil Young Didn't "Sing For Politicians""
No, He sings for himself and people who want to listen to him and hear his music .
"Oh, and NOT everyone EXAMINES the pretense of a show before they attend."
If you can spend that much money on something without checking out what you're going to see, you must have alot of money to throw around .
" It does NOT make them any less fans than you losers you live and Breathe everyword these "Hippie-crites" have to say."
I guess you really have to define what "Fan" means to you ,don't you.
I think of myself as a Big fan of Neils creative work and generally enjoy every new project he becomes involved in. I really Love that He puts his whole into his endeavors and it always shows. He doesn't just do an "oldies" show and its why I always try to see him when he tours. To see what he'll do next.
{ITs just a plus for me that I have similar political views.,..I probably I wouldnt be as happy with Young doing a show that was apologizing or spinning for the Bush debacle}
But If being a "Fan" means that I remember Liking "Harvest" as my favorite album back in the 70s and am just assuming he's going to bring me back to my Youth and the "good Old Days" of my coming of Age years....and not interested in anything he did after that....... I guess I'm not that. I Love his older works, but am not looking to him to relive my "happy" past and forget about whats happening in my "sad"
present.
"Neil made the biggest mistake of his LIFE/CAREER with this shit."
This is the biggest mistake of his life?
wow, If only I could make mistakes as Good as the CSNY show at Saratoga last week.It was just a great theatrical and musical experience.
Does anyone know if the giant Microphone was the same one from The Rust Never Sleeps tour?
Dhsaaf
said...
Still wondering about folks actually listening to the music - the pretense of the live performance, no? Neil decided to write songs about the way he sees it - collaborate with folks he believes can deliver those songs in the best possible way - then goes out & gives it 100% with the other guys doing the same (haven't read anyone complaining about them mailing in a performance or using taped vocals yet.) This all you can ask an artist to do, right? Otherwise, he's just a Neil Young cover band.
As for the notion some folks have that Neil is simply naive or a hater - remember "Leave the Driving" from "Greendale"?
"Meanwhile across the ocean / Living in the Internet / Is the cause of an explosion / No one has heard yet.”
I'd say he gets it - just doesn't see it the way some folks do - sees it the way he does. Can't hate him for that. In fact, isn't that why we love him?
"Don't feel like Satan/ but I am to them..."
said...
Just got home to the UK after a weekend in New York built around the MSG CSNY show. What a night, absolutely magnificent. I've been a Neil Young fan for years, but some of the CSNY stuff is less familiar (apart from the classics). The show itself blended the loud and 'in yer face' with the poignant and delicate. Highlights for me - the Living With War tracks, Ohio, Almost Cut My Hair and Rockin' In The Free World (I'd have paid the $250 dollar ticket price for that track alone !!). I just love the sheer noise that Neil Young plus 3 more wild thrashing guitars bring to that song. Can't wait for the inevitable tour DVD/album. Although the politics has more resonance for an american audience, those of us from UK get it too - we were sold the same lies.
If you get a chance, see this show !!
Rob1967 said...
I saw them in Hershey the other night and they didn't do an encore. have ben seeing them and neil alone for 20 years now and that was the first time they didn't do one.
said...
Iraq is not Vietnam. The north Vietnamese did not vow to kill all non muslims the north Vietnamese did not fly planes into the twin towers and it is not 1969. As an old hippie, anti war protester and Vietnam veteran I was all set to enjoy the show as I did back in the 60's and 70's, what a disapointment. Maybe their show is just a marketing gimmick to bring in more cash but the message was wrong. Their performance relates the wrong message. It's time for America to stand up and flex her muscle not sit on our asses waiting for the next shoe to drop. God help us if some flaming liberal wins the presidency. We better all take up arms the party is over. Our enemies are closing in and we keep a blind eye on the situation.
What ever happen to "support the president" ? Do they really think Kerry would have been a good leader? These guys need to retire. I loved their music back when it was relevant but today they are out of touch.The real hippies are gone, the age of the hippies is over, it's "a new dawn" in a different world.
said...
Wow, I have just read every comment on this page and I am very glad that the majority of people in this country get it. Thank you CSNY! Thank you for having the courage to get people thinking again. I began to think that floride was replaced by paxil in the drinking water. Old hippie and Bill from FL what happened you to guys? Of course, Iraq is not Vietnam. Iraq did not vow to Kill all non-muslims and did not fly planes into the twin towers. Bin Laden did. It is apparent to most political speakers today (both parties too) that what is happening in Iraq has nothing to do with 911. They say bad intelligence... I say, "do your homework". Don't buy into the propaganda forced down your throat by the media. Do your homework. Remember what your heart and mind was like when you were young, you didn't trust the man.......and you shouldn't today. Politics is a dirty word and politicians ... we'll let's just say that we the people deserve the truth, we have been getting lied to for so long we've become desensitized to it.
I loved the show - and I loved and love even more CSNY for their hearts, for their convictions and for motivating the people and shedding light in the darkest places. Please do another tour.....I'll be first online for tickets.
said...
Just leaving home for the Detroit show! Our seats are on the floor about 23 rows back from the stage. I can hardly wait to see the band and experience the evening. I love their music and their message. Go see ABBA if you don't want to hear anti war sentiment! We love the USA! Freedom of Speech!!!!! Will try to remember the playlist and report back later:) Peace!
said...
Just returned from the CSN&Y show in Auburn Hills, MI. They played forever and I think everyone played a little air guitar in the audience! No encore:( I wonder why encores in some cities and not in others. There were a few folks who left durning "let's impeach the pres". Overall it was a super show with so much energy from the older guys! They seemed to have a great time playing their music and getting their message out.
Marie said...
Saw them last night at Verizan Wireless Center in Noblesville, Indiana. They kicked. The crowd was primarily made up of yuppies but many younger people as well. It was a fun event. They opened with "Carry On" & ended with "Rockin' In The Free World". The show had a nice variety of the old stuff & many songs from the "Living With War" cd. Each of them had their own special song in the spotlight. It was a fun evening spent with around 3500 CSNY Hoosier fans! Rick Rosas probably felt right at home. I had to wonder if some of the people there had been at past performances through the years in Indiana.......kinda like getting together with old friends.
said...
I saw the concert at PNC in NJ with friends and family. We all loved it. The venue was fairly intimate and there really wasn't a bad seat in the place. It was a treat to see four guys who love what they do, singing songs with a message they believe in. Lots of singing along from the crowd. I liked it so much I bought a ticket on ebay to join more family at Hershey the next week (I've never done anything like that before). Liked that concert even more although the venue stinks and you must have a floor seat to see anything. The band was great, the songs were great - aging rockers rule forever. When Neil thanked the crowd for coming, people yelled "Thank YOU" back to him. I am thankful they did the tour. Rust never sleeps and Neil will continue to remind us of that. And to those who can't take his message (It's a "Freedom of Speech" tour) - Eat a peach and watch American Idol......
said...
I saw the Milwaukee show last night and had a great time. I am 17 and went to see Neil, but I came out much more of a CSN fan. The new songs were fantastic. The only real low point of the show was Stephen Stills. His voice hasn't aged as well as the others', but specifically I thought his guitar playing was off. I've been reading how Neil was letting loose on guitar this tour, but he seemed pretty reserved last night. It seemed like he just let Stephen do most of the solos. Stills wasn't in top form guitar wise. He was overplaying kind of often and playing a lot of high "tweedly" type of solos. I would've liked to really see Neil rip up the guitar. A minor complaint, though. Does anybody else feel thid way?
said...
Went to the St Louis show last night, sat in 1st row directly in front of Neil and David, it was the most amazing feeling being so close to my favorite singer (Neil)and band for as long as I can remember which is about 30 years. I was awestruck the entire night, oh and the show was fantastic also, they all still sing so beautifully together. The only downside if there really was one is that they did not do an encore, but the show was so good it really did not matter.
said...
Wow..I went to the concert held at Verizon Wireless in Indiana on Sept. the 2nd. I went with my very best friend from high school..(and we both just turned 49)..ha ha and my husband of over 30 years. We used to party to this music and have listened to it ever since. The years have changed us all and it is so very apparent in not only Neil's new songs but the spirit in which all of the old songs were sang. We still carry our hopes and dreams to one day see peace in our world. It was awesome! I must say that..Keith C. Burris of the Journal Inquirer which wrote something here on 8-25-06.."Passion, politics and great music" article says it all. Please back up to that comment as it is by far the same feelings that so very many of us have had after seeing the concert! I have my own health problems and like Neil Young had the same brain surgery as well as other problems. To see him up there??? All of them?? Pulling together a concert that was so very emotional..making statements that together..at least one of them feels?? If not all of them??
Wow..It was by far the best concert I have ever been to..and to be there with my best friend and husband..is something I feared would never happen. Thank you CSN&Y..and remember..scroll back and read Keith C. Burris on 8/25. May peace be with us all!!
sergisonic said...
i'm reading your comments abot the tour and... it's terrific and great!!!
is there a possibility to enjoy the tour here in Europe? Pleaaaaaaase, we are in war, too! and we need to shout!!!
sergi,
from Barcelona, with sonic love
said...
I was at the show in Pittsburgh on Sept 10. As soon as the band kicked into the first song, I knew I was in for something special. The concert was a welcome mix of old and new stuff and had a much needed political edge. I hate oldies shows and this was not one of them. I loved the new songs and the old ones were done with a lot of muscle. It was a far more electric show than I expected but that was fine by me.
I imagine it pissed some people off who don't share the political viewpoint. Good for them. They've been pissin me off for 6 years.
said...
I was at the Pittsburgh show and found it just simply amazing! It ran nearly 3 1/2 hours and still felt like it was over way too fast! Stills was really getting into his guitar playing and threw his picks into the crowd countless times, Crosby and Nash sounded crystal clear, and Neil Young was just undescribable! He was jamming so much and I just got lost in his playing. The 10+ minute "Rockin' In The Free World" had everyone jumping and Neil just wouldn't stop! Just when I thought the song was over they all jumped to their mikes and sang the chorus again! It just blew me away!
I'm pretty political but I went for the music. I'm Republican and don't like Bush that much, but I still feel that an impeachment is pushing it a little...but I still like that song.
I'll never forget when Neil picked up the "Impeach the President" flip flop and started playing his guitar with it! That was just amazing!
said...
Be sure to check out Neil's living with war site - the videos there are fantastic portraits of the tour as a work in progress. Don't forget to check out YouTube as well - many gems there - just type in "CSNY", "Neil Young" or any of the others for footage previously unseen.
"Try to remember peace..."
said...
I saw the show in Pittsburgh with my mom. I’m 17 and always have been a fan of Neil since I first heard music. I was raised on this music, and I’ll raise my children on it. The show was excellent. They all did very well on it. Kind of disappointed that I didn’t hear more Neil, but after all it’s a CSNY not a Neil young concert. One thing I disliked about the show was some of the politics; people come to see bands perform. Not to hear them talk politics. I do realize that CSNY is an antiwar group, and also that it was a freedom of speech tour. Never the less I will always listen to them. Instead of fighting among our selves shouldn’t we be supporting the ones that gave their life for the right for you to say those Words “impeach the president?” Freedom is not free!
said...
8/12/06- CSNY concert at Nissan Pavillion
Anonymous-
I have been a die-hard CSNY fan for 35 years (I'm 46...so since I was 11-12).
I have loved every minute of their existance...and did....
until the 2nd set of tonight's show.
I love Neil Young so much...play his songs on the piano...and live for their music...but I saw him by himself about 10 years ago and he only played "The Needle and the Damage Done" and Hey-Hey-My-My...but most of the other songs we're a "Johnny Rotten" frenetic Rock & Roll tribute....
but time had dimmed that memory...
again, until tonight.
I had seen CSNY twice before in the last 5-6 years and they were awesome!!!
Then they played Hendrix's Star Spangled Banner in the 2nd set and I'm thinking "great...a great patriotic song"...
anyway, I was against the Vietnam War ...and agree with their views on it.
And I don't mind a little political statement mixed in.
But the song "IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT"...is SO OVER THE TOP IT'S RIDICULOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It makes Michael Moore's Farenheit 911 seem like a pro-Bush theme.
Linda Ronstadt (who I love also) got booed at Wolf Trap when she endorsed Michael Moore 2 years ago.
I love Don Henley...and he is somewhat of a political activist...but he nevers fully has to shove his views onto the audience.
Point is...IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT ...was callously and openly a horrific song (whether you like Bush or not...I agree with his war on Terrorism policy...disagree with his stance on Stem Cell Research, estate tax repeal, the assault weapons etc.
So I am NOT a "conservative"...actually a centrist who voted for Clinton 2x and voted against Bush before 9/11.
But whether you like Bush or not, you don't write a song that overtly says to impeach him.
You don't flash the "number of dead" as an increasing timeline # (like the National Debt Clock in NYC)...across the videoscreen...you don't put coffins on the screen implying that Bush wants to have US Soldiers or Americans die...
that is blatantly OVER THE TOP.
I am still a CSNY fan...I love their music (and am still against the Vietnam War)...but this overage with a view to Iraq and the forcing of their viewpoints on the audience.
My friend said it best when the 8th or 9th anti-Bush/anti-current administration song came on (they changed the lyrics of some of the songs to add Bush's name in their).
You know what was most disconcerting?
Every other concert they played some of their best songs like:
-Suite Judy Blue Eyes
-Southern Man
The first set was very good...no GREAT (they played Guinneirre and Almost Cut My Hair...and it was awesome).
Then by the middle of the 2nd set (when the Hendrix Star Spangled Banner song came and let IMMEDIATELY into "IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT" it was like they dropped a bomb on the audience.
People (including myself...a stauch CSNY fan) starting BOOING at the end of the song.
It was an incredible display.
Then they flashed the # of dead in Iraq as they played "Find the Cost of Freedom". (which is a great song...and can be interpreted as a patriotic message).
But they twisted the message of peace and love and used it (as the other reader I just read said) as a "BAIT and SWITCH" tactic.
As the other reader said...it was a major left wing (staunch) politcal rally disguised as a concert by the end.
Why didn't they play "Suite Judy Blue Eyes"..or "Southern Man" or any of their great hits as some of the last 4-5 songs?
They quit on "Rocking in a Free World"...which is a Neil Young song...not a CSNY song (they did do a GREAT version of Southern Cross)...
but many of the audience left disenchanted (no encore) and just hollow.
Yes, if your a hard line liberal (I was more so BEFORE 9/11 or the terrorist thwarted attack of 2 days ago in London ON AMERICA and I live near Dulles Airport in DC)...
Why didn't they change their message some after that thwarted terrorist attack of 2 days ago?
Doesn't it prove that being on the offensive against terrorism is an important policy and DIFFERENT from the Vietnam War (which I was and still am against...) that war was started as an outgrowth of the MILITARY INDUSTRIAL complex speech by Dwight Eisenhower...and WAS the wrong war to fight.
Fighting Terrorism (with bombers flying to DC and NY just in the next few weeks to kill thousands of Americans and British)...
well I'll let my freak flag fly...but only so far.
Neil Young went too far tonight...and it will take a while to wipe the bad taste out of my mouth, seriously.
said...
I would like to by the "Crosby Stills Nash" Freedom of Speech tour with Neil Young" Tour sound track on CD/or DVD as soon as it is available.
said...
I've been a big fan of Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young since high school (in Oakland, CA in the early 1970's) but I have to agree with the one anonymous person's thoughts about the anti-war/anti-Bush (IMPEACH BUSH) message being over the top. I can understand and respect their sentiments and their right to sing about their views but it does tend to sour the mood of the concert experience when it becomes a political platform with no regard to the fact that not everyone paying to listen necessarily agrees with their viewpoint.
said...
My wife and I drove down to West Palm Beach from Jacksonville on August 8, 2006 to see what has to be as great a CSN&Y concert as has ever been. It was a full moon as we sat on our lawn chairs and witnessed a band that was tight, hot, and playing with all their hearts. Anyone that came expecting to hear just mellow wispy music got blown away! Neil and Stephen's guitars were on fire. David and Graham sang great and the video part of the show was very well done. Virtually everyone cheered whenever a LWW song was performed. I look out over today's music landscape and I hear very few bands that sing from their hearts with compassion for their fellow man. I remember "Deja Vu" coming out when I was in 7th grade in 1970. What an amazing album that I still rock out to till this day! Back then there were some of us that cared about Peace and Love. I'm one of those that still believes and all these people that have been posting all the negative vibes about the "Freedom Of Speech" Tour just have closed minds and cold hearts. I love you Neil, you're a man with a "Heart of Gold".
said...
I'm 45, I'm a Filipino-American. I was born in the Philippines, came to the United States in 1980, served honorably in the U.S. Navy and retired after twenty years. I am currently a registered nurse serving my community. I have been listening to Neil Young and CSN since high school. They are big in the Philippines, too. I went to the Freedom of Speech Tour in Seattle with my daughter, and I even bought a hat. In October, I saw Roger Waters in Los Angeles and again in Seattle a week later.
What great shows! And the message is the same, IMPEACH BUSH!
At some point, we just have to say enough of the lies, the destructions, and flag-draped boxes. We cannot just blindly follow, and continually take what is being fed to us. At some point, we simply need to stop and really listen. And at some point, we need to SPEAK OUT.
If there is really a divine appointment Mr. Bush, as you have sort of indicated, I believe Armageddon has begun.
But in the meantime, we will just keep trying rocking in the free world. Thanks Neil!
said...
The CSNY show in Vancouver, WA was disappointing only because we got stuck in the I-5 bottleneck and arrived at "half-time". Several people told me that the first half of the show rocked, as I expected, then (god bless their souls) the second half was more CSY (sans Y's originality) than I had hoped for...until Neil jammed the hell out of Rockin' in the Free World. I could have listened to that for hours...He kept jamming and then singing the chorus and then jamming. Neil, you are my only famous idol. You speak to my heart with your energy and love. Any of the fans who attended and thought it was "over the top" missed the point completely, if I may be so bold. We are in the midst of the in-your-face day and age and if it takes a ferocious rock icon like Neil to make you put down your latte and park your Expedition in favor of public transport, then I kindly suggest you pray to Grandfather to help you set your priorities straight. We are at war with an evil empire called overconsumption. We are also at war with sitting on our fat asses while the world disintegrates before our drooping eyes. F-off all of you who pan the best way this incredible set of musicians have found to relay their message. What the hell are you doing? Splash some cold water on your face and wake up. The time is now.
said...
as a young Scottish Crosby Stills Nash @ Young fan...Let's Impeach The President is OUR song against a wrong war...Bush is out for one thing and one thing only..OIL...let's not kid ourselves.......to allow me to express my beliefs to the masses...wher can I get a CSNY shirt that states....'LET'S IMPEACH THE PRESIDENT FOR LYING' ??
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