New York City Concert Reviews: 12/12, 13, 15, 16, 18, & 19/07
December 13, 2007
From Media Matters by Eric Alterman:
In many ways, I gotta say, except for the drunks, it was a near-perfect concert. Just a handful of musicians have a catalogue as strong as Neil's and fewer still play with power and intensity he does once the band gets going. The newer stuff lends itself to long, measured riffing, and the older stuff -- the highlight being a bulldozer version of "Like a Hurricane" as the final encore -- can reach a kind of transcendence that can make you forget who and where you are without any drugs or sex involved. In case it's been a while since you've reminded yourself why so many people think of Neil as a national treasure, well, the answer, my friend, is playing at the United Palace Church in Washington Heights.
Cinnamon Girl at The United Palace Theatre in NYC 12/15/07
Neil Young will be performing tonight at United Palace, New York City, New York.
For details on pre-show gatherings, see New York City Rust-Fests.
Got a report? Drop a comment below.
Check Sugar Mountain for setlist updates.
Also, see Neil Young 2007 Tour and Concert Reviews and the right, middle sidebar for updates.
by thrasher@PermaLink: 12/12/2007 07:16:00 PM
127 comments
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127 Comments:
Oh, Lord. I just got home from opening night in NYC and an hour plus delay in opening the doors due to NYFD responding to some fire code problems. When Neil finally hit the stage he called it "some bullshit." Peggy's set was canceled and the show went on with two sets of Neil. The crowd was restless and Neil was understanding and talkative, giving thanks to the people of United Church and dedicating Believer to Rev. Ike. Neil loves this theater and I'm sure the shows this week will be special.
I just got home too. The whole fire violation delay WAS bullshit! I heard from a cop that the NYC fire dept. tried to get comp. tickets for themselves and their families and were turned down. So this was their retaliation. Just some political nonsense. The show was great just the same. I really don't think anyone gave a shit about Peggy playing anyway; myself included. Neil was very talkative and also said something like "at least I'm not on fire." And went on to say "and with that said, let's just forget about it." The highlight of the show, besides the usual No Hidden Path, was the 3 song encore: Cinnamon Girl/Don't Cry No Tears/Like A Hurricane. And a PHENOMINAL Hurricane I might add! I think we're in for some awesome NYC shows! I can just sense it! The magic is just beginning! I gotta go to bed! Peace all. Bob in CT
And I thought Chicago cops were corrpt!
-Chicago
Typical NYC bullshit - cops and firemen leaning on artists for tickets and then just being retaliatory assholes and ballbusters when they don't get the preferential treatment. What the hell gives them the right while the reat of us have to pay? I imagine the weed scene was not at all cool, inside or out with all the uniformed activity. Oh, how I long for the pre 9/11 days when these civil servants weren't made to think their sht doesnt stink like the rest of ours. Its all that dickhead Giuliani's fault.
last night nyc's show was great at times when he was playing classics I havn't heard before. I've seen neil over 20 times in 20 years and to finally hear(and see) journey thru the past live was a treat. so was a man needs a maid, winterlong, don't cry no tears, motion pictures,mellow my mind and the best song of the night, oh lonesome me. no hidden path was too long. give me dont be denied i/o. it was fun to watch peggi and neil during break backstage.
harvest was a nice surprise. the usual classics cin.girl,hurricane,heart of gold we've heard before. everybody knows was fresh. someday maybe neil will do my dream concert, all classics we diehards hav't heard 10-15 times before. donald trump and son sat 4 rows BEHIND ME.
Living in New York, I consider myself very fortunate to be able to see Neil 4 times in one week,and last nights opener was well worth the "bullshit" delay
and high ticket prices.
Firstly, a warning to all those driving to the shows.If you can leave your car at home,leave it.The parking garage situation is the pits.It took me almost 70 minutes to park my car and I arrived at 7 pm.If you must drive, get there early, like by 6pm.
Having seen over 75 Neil shows since '73 and having seen all the setlists, there was not much suprise element to the show .... BUT regardless of how many you tube videos I've seen and how many great Neil shows I've seen over the years, I was still blown away by the intensity and energy level Neil puts into his show and by the shear passion he has for his music.
And then when you stop and realize this guy is 62 years old,it makes it all that much better.I don't think there's a 32yo permormer out there with Neils intesity at 62.
Living a short distance from this theatre, yet never having been inside, I was in awe.This place is the most beautiful old place to see a show that I have seen in my life.And it was evident that Neil
had spent some time there before the show checkin it out and he was very happily impressed with the place.He was very talkative last night and made many references to this beautiful theatre and mentioned how much nicer to play there than Madison Square Garden.
Clearly he was happy and relaxed last night and definately into playing.
There were no suprises in the acoustic set,and I was a tad bit disapointed after seeing all the setlists....... No Mexico,No Try, No Campaigner, No Cowgirl.I noticed that for most of the tour, he's been alternating HOG and Old Man and at some shows , sometimes skipping both in favor of cowgirl/campaigner and a few of the added piano tunes..... but last night he played both Old Man and Heart of Gold. For the middle of the road Neil Young fan this was great, but for me I'd rather he play Cowgirl, Campaigner or some of the other unreleased songs he's been doing.But still, having tickets for 3 more shows, I'm sure I'll get it all.Hope it doesnt sound too negative, because realy
it was a great acoustic set full of spirit and energy, and great acoustics.Did I say great acoustics ? Wow, this theater was awesome for the acoustic set. When things got quiet durring Ambulance Blues, I momentarily closed my eyes,and could not believe how clear and crisp the sound of his playing was as it bounced off the walls and ceiling.It sound like he was sitting in my living room playing.Just amazing.A perfect place for acoustic music. For those who'd like to see more about this theater, just go to the website at theunitedpalace.com
and check out the pics.
Then to the electric set. As a hardcore fan for 37 years, I know I had a smile on my face after every tune.This guy, at 62 years old, goes out there and plays like he's a teenager looking for a job !
Or like it's his last day on earth.
And with tickets at up to $ 200, it's nice to see Neil give 110%,when most performers his age would get away with a 75% effort.
No matter how many times I've seen Neil, I am still thoroughly impressed with his energy and intensity.Though not a big fan of all the new tunes, they all sounded better live.The setlist was the standard, but even knowing what was comming,didnt stop me from feeling I was experiencing something special that cannot be put into words.You gotta see and hear Neil to believe it.Loner,EKTIK,Winterlong......all as fresh sounding as the day they were written.He plays them like he realy wants to be playing them, and after 40 years of performing, that's a testament to his greatness.
getting to the encore, I expected
Cinnamon Girl and Cortez, since he closed with Hurricane the 2 recent nights he played in Pennsylvania.... and he has tended to alternate the closing tune.But after Cinnamon Girl, he suprised everyone by playing Dont Cry No Tears.And a perfect performance of it , it was. Wow,after being a little disapointed with the acoustic setlist, this almost made up for it.... but at that point I'm thinking "ok, thats it, no Cortez, no Hurricane".... hahaha on me, ..... as DCNT ended, he immediately went into Hurricane !!!
Ben Keith seemed confused as he took a while to get up and walk over to the organ....... and what a
great version of Like a Hurricane it was.Must have been 10 minutes ( maybe someone who recorded it can shed light on the time).This guy can't be 62 years old, can he ? is what I was thinking.I've seen Hurricane perfomed live many times,but this was as good or better than every performance I've ever seen of the song.Amazing.At this point Neil was just "gone"...lost in the music........lost in the spirit, as if he wasn't there.He was in the land of muse.And we were lucky enough to be there.
I think if any other performers in his age range, and some of the reunion tour performers that pop up from time to time, were to see Neil.... they would feel ashamed and embarassed to do what many of them do for the $.Neil sets the standard and he proves again he is a true artist.
Also, the crowd was cool,and not much difficulty seeing the show as most people seemed respectful of who was behind them.The only thing negative was that because of the NYFD delay, I guess they were in a rush to get the show started being it was already running late, and at the time it started,there were still many people commign in looking for their seats,which was a distraction.They should have waited another 10 minutes.Also , I believe the unexpected incredibly time consuming parking problem also added to this.Be forewarned.Get there early folks !
You don't want to miss this dinasaur perform ! If you miss 60 seconds, you've missed something !
If you are on the fence about going, GO ! You will not be disapointed.Pay the $.Put it on the credit card if you have to.Buy less Christmas gifts this year, if that's what it takes....and instead buy yourself a Christmas present that will stay with you forever !
To the NYFD; you guys realy suck last night. leaving thousands standing in the street while you play your game, was bullshit.At least tell people whats going on.
And I walked around the neighborhood, smoked all my pot, and expected to walk into music....but instead stood in the cold, bored and confused.
There's supposed to be 4-8 inches of snow in NYC today.Dont let that hold you back.Leave super early so you dont miss a note.
I am going to 3 more NYC shows and I will make sure I am there before 6 next time ! If theyre gonna continue to use the United Palace for concerts, something has gotta give with the slow motion parking situation.And street parking is touch in that neighborhood.
thanks Neil,great show that left me smiling and feeling great.I went to work today on 2 hours sleep.Well worth it !
Nice theater and great show to start things off in NYC. Neil seems to be mentally "prepared" for the folks who will insist on yelling out song requests. Oh well, it's NYC...
Be warned: If you drive, get there early, maybe by 6PM. Street parking is tough on weekdays near the GWB. Or pay the $30 for the garage next door to the theater...
And also be warned: Have a strong bladder. You'll never ever get into that one tiny bathroom, so plan accordingly...
The ushers on the floor are keeping people from walking in and out during the acoustic songs, which was nice. After the usual first song craziness, the crowd and Neil settled in, and Ambulance Blues was a really fine version last night with the crowd hanging on every note. That was the highlight for me.
Enjou the rest of the run NYC !
Hi
I am going to the show tonight at the United Palace. My ticket say "no camera" so this is a borderline stupid question :-) . I'm an avid (amateur) music photographer and would love to take some pictures. Are they checking bags at the door? I have a relatively large Nikon camera and there is no way to sneak it in. Should I leave my camera at home? I realize that this would be the sensible thing to do. But I'm holding out some minimal hope.
Thanks!
--Dave
Exceptional evening of music! Caught the Wallingford show as well, and both nights were special. Neil is simply a musical legend, a raging hurricane of spirit and energy, don't miss these shows! Best rumor of the night from an inside source was that the jealous folks over at the Beacon Theater called in the "inspection" on Rev Ike for encroaching so well on their turf. Too bad for the Beacon that even after a restoration, it won't ever compare to the Palace! Some ADVICE for the masses:
1) West Side Highway to 161st Hospital parking garage. Will save you time and money, trust me. Will have to walk north to the show, but not a big deal.
2) Coogans Pub at 169th and Broadway is a great place to start the night.
3) Pickpocketers were out in force. Beware!!
4) Though tix prices are high, the good part is that scalpers are selling at face value...or even LESS. Buddies got 2 orch seats for $200...saving 200$!!
Do some shopping out there.
5) The bathroom scene is a nightmare...don't drink too much.
6) Ignore #5...the beers are tasty and the female wait staff muy caliente on a cold winter night.
7) Long live the Palace!!
8) Long live NEIL!!!
Answer re the big camera... Because the FDNY SNAFU, people were rushing in last night, so there was no search that I could see. Not sure what other nights will bring.
The ushers in the front did shine big bright flashlights right on people who tried to obviously photograph and film with their cell phones. My advice: bring a smaller camera and be discreet with it... have fun !
First off the delay did suck, but certainly don't believe what an NYPD cop ever says about the FDNY and its polocies. There is no emergency lighting in the theater and never has been. Unsure why last night became an issue, but probably just brought to the attention of higher ups and nobody wants the death of hundreds on their hands. The other rumor is that Radio City Music Hall dropped a dime to the FDNY about the lighting issue (they are loosing much business with this theater having live shows now). Think back on that horrific fire in that Rhode Island club a few years back with the people stuck in the doorways burning to death! In this day and age of finger pointing and sueing thy neighbor, nobody wants to be that poor bastard on the witness stand.
Secondly, A fantastic show and I'll be fighting my way through the snow for a second round tonight.
As a paying member of FDNY (off-duty), the 4 orchestra seats well worth the wait & price. There was a legitimate safety concern re; lighting/overcrowding that should have been addressed before showtime. Rev. Ike must comply with the local laws like all other theatres.
Hope it's behind us now and will be back for the third show!
http://img112.imageshack.us/img112/9250/cid1212072044lx5.jpg
I can only reiterate what has been so elequently said aleady. Neil is amazing and so full of energy.. I could watch him dance with his guitar for hours... he does get lost in the music and cleary his passion for what he does and is comes thorugh. The theater and accoustics were amazing as well.. what a beautiful place for a show, reminded me of my youth in Detroit in the 60's seeing shows in beautiful old theaters...During one song Neil danced across the stage and looked up to the side boxes... I wondered what he was mesmorized by, he did it another time during that same number.Would love to know what he was thinking then... The stage design was fabulous with great lighting and an old basemnt feeling and the whole feeling of the show, the audience, the stage the theater , had a retro feeling. I have seen Neil many many times, he is my all time favorite performer, hands down and I could never have missed this show. It was my birthday present from my wonderful husband Marty.. thanks Honey... I had the BEST time, it was all fantastic.. even the crap with the show starting 1 and 1/2 hours late... I went to a great restaurant across the street for some fantastic Chicken, Papas Fritas and ice cold el presidente... and some killer tres leches... what could be wrong.. it was a magical night.. and I was singing and dacncing in the car all the way home, I was so wound up I could not get to sleep....could not get hurricane out of my head... I luckily brought my little digital cam and took some vids and pics... and I was watching them last night when I got home.. NEIL YOU ROCK MAN>> KEEP ON ROCKIN IN THE FREE WORLD BERNARD!!!! ANd by the way.... IT was good to see Peggy rockin with bernard and the boys, a woman after my own heart, lucky gal!!!
Don't believe the ludicrous canard started by one person that firemen were inspecting the building because they didn't get comp tickets. The fire department sometimes gets complaints about fire codes and HAS TO investigate them. Do you want to be that fire chief who blows off the investigation and then has the horrifying and painful deaths of hundreds of people on his head? If the rumor is true (extremely doubtful) that the investigation occurred because of a retaliation then it reflects on the individual who caused the delay, not on his 11,000 colleagues who don't expect comp tickets.
At one point in the show, when Neil was speaking about the fire dept delay (I think) he said "it's better than being in a burned out basement in Iraq hoping for a replacement!"
My friend is trying to get here from Boston and the snow has delayed him by 6 or more hours. I have an extra ticket. It's in the upper loge and I paid $86 plus ticketmaster extortion costs. The cost price was around $100 and that's what I'm looking for. This is the very last minute. Please send me an email in the next hour (before 6:30) with your cell phone number. You need to be able to get to the Theater by 7:30.
My email: davek@dbmi.columbia.edu
Thrasher,
The following review was published by Bloomberg news service:
Neil Young Brings Firemen, Passion to Antsy Crowd (Update2)
2007-12-13 16:59 (New York)
(Adds song material in 10th paragraph.)
Review by Jeremy Gerard
Dec. 13 (Bloomberg) -- Encircled by seven acoustic guitars
and a banjo, Neil Young, 62, faced more than 3,200 fans at the
sold-out United Palace Theater last night in New York's
Washington Heights, ignored the hoots and huzzahs, and opened
with ``From Hank to Hendrix,'' a vintage ballad about longevity
and connection.
The song and the venue were equally important as markers in
a journey few rock icons have shared so intimately with their
fans.
The concert began 90 minutes late while ticket-holders --
some had boastingly paid as much as $2,500 for a prime seat --
waited patiently outside the former Loews movie palace on upper
Broadway as firemen swarmed inside. Police said that a ``safety
situation'' had been reported, resulting in locked doors until
just after 9 p.m., when the audience was finally let in.
Young's wife, Pegi, canceled her opening performance,
leaving it to the aging icon to settle the crowd. Young praised
the unusual venue, dissing Madison Square Garden as the cold and
impersonal place it is.
The stage, strewn with klieg lights and an old-fashioned,
wooden-bladed wind machine, seemed like the set for ``A Prairie
Home Companion'' rather than a modern rock spectacle, which it
was not.
Young launched into a two-hour exploration of some of the
blurrier corners of his catalog, ignoring suggestions from the
crowd but not the heart of their desires. The result was one of
the best rock sets -- and certainly the most up-close-and-
personal for a star of this magnitude -- in memory.
Lonesome Lament
Young spent the first 50 minutes onstage alone with just his
guitars, a harmonica and an occasional saunter over to a piano.
Dressed in off-whites, knees swinging like a barn door, he was as
physically restless as his songs about love won and lost or the
advance of age.
The set included ``A Man Needs a Maid,'' a lament so
lonesome it's heartbreaking, and a moving rendition of ``Love Art
Blues'' (``My songs are all so long and my words are all so
sad''). It ended with ``Heart of Gold,'' sounding as if sung by a
ghost.
When Young returned 20 minutes later, he and his longtime
band plowed into the kind of rousing rocking that has made him a
different, or second kind of, legend than the troubadour of the
first set. To the ruminative ``Old Man'' earlier on, he added a
raunchy, joyous coda with ``Dirty Old Man.''
He dedicated ``I'm a Believer'' to the Rev. Ike, whose
gospel is preached in this theater, and spun out his own guitar
leads, a mix of southern blues and simple choppy lines, rarely
doing anything too flashy. ``Spirit Road'' was another high point
-- loud, raw rock, with Young prowling the stage and waving his
guitar like a drunken gunslinger.
His hair flew, his eyebrows danced, his body arched and spun
in pleasure at the music. It was over by 11:45 p.m., all too
soon.
Young performs at the United Palace Theater, Broadway at
175th St., tomorrow through Sunday and next Tuesday and
Wednesday, Dec. 18 and 19. Information: +1-212-568-6700;
http://www.theunitedpalace.com.
(Jeremy Gerard is an editor for Bloomberg News. The opinions
expressed are his own.)
--Editors: Manuela Hoelterhoff, Yvette Ferreol.
To contact the writer on this story:
Jeremy Gerard in New York at +1-212-617-4141 or
jgerard2@bloomberg.net.
Can someone who attended the Palace show help me get answers to the following questions:
- Is it a theatre, a church, or both?
- Are the church services held in the same auditorium that Neil is playing in?
- Were there any overt religious signs or symbols in the theatre?
Thanks for any help
- "Is it a theatre, a church, or both?"
Both. It is an old theatre (late 20s era, I believe) built as a Loews movie palace. It is currently used as a Sunday meeting place for Rev. Ike and his flock. The Rev owns the building, and a fleet of expensive cars.
- "Are the church services held in the same auditorium that Neil is playing in?""
Yeah, as far as I know. I've never been to church there but I don't see anywhere else in the building that they could hold services in.
- "Were there any overt religious signs or symbols in the theatre?"
Yes and no. No overt religious "symbols", but there are many banners with inspirational sayings on them, which I guess would count as religious signs.
My God......what a truely awesome show last night. I have seen Neil perform through the years and he was on fire! The second set as well as the encore couldn't have been better. Neil was feeling it!!!!! Like A Hurricane was brilliant. First time I ever heard Journey Through the Past..........what can I say I loved it. I hope to hear Comes a Time in concert at least once before the whole gig is over.
Last night's show was indeed awesome. Let me just say, with regard to the "delay" - I heard the same thing from one of the cops about tickets for the FDNY. HOWEVER - I spoke to one of the ushers, and he had this to say: The staff putting on shows at the United Palace (about 7 or 8 shows before the current Neil run of 6 shows) previously had worked for the venue about 100 blocks south on Broadway (those from the area know which one I mean). The management of said venue called FDNY and complained about some code violations (to spite their success, perhaps?) The usher said FDNY told them where the call came from.
I am flying in from Florida and the weather reports are freaking me out but thanks to all of the comments about the great show, reminding me that nothing can deter me from seeing Neil again for the 3rd time this tour. CD show in Detroit and Boston gave me a Neil high that lasted for weeks.. I'll try to toughen up. NYC here I come for the Sat. show.
December 13th show...
Best song - Hands down was Cowgirl in the Sand. IMHO.
Dissapointment - After The Gold Rush. Came right after Cowgirl's glory and the arrangement on piano was changed a bit from the album track. He gave it ALL emotionally on Cowgirl and was spent...so Gold Rush suffered.
Biggest Surprise - Mr.Soul. First time on this tour...replaced The Loner as the start of the electric set.
Venue: Both great and sucked. Sound in the acoustic set was the best I heard. I was Orchestra center about 1/2 way back (row F). Neil could easily hear comments from the crowd and visa-versa. He made a few jokes about it. I had $200 seats and was 3 rows right behind the crew's setup. I was bummed at first as I thought "crap, they'll block the view - and I spent 200 clams for this". Well, that was no where near as bad as the fact that the seats are right on top of eachother with no row to row offset. So my best view was of the guys head in front of me and
of the head of the guy in the row in front of that. Actually the crew pit may have helped my view as there were no folks there to block my view. I could see Neil fine but had to lean sideways for just that right crack in between the folks heads...and when they move you have to. You get my point I think. To be fair, remeber this joint was built as a Lowe's Theatre in the 1920's so the seats were built to look UP to a movie screen...not DOWN to a stage. Sound on the Electric get was very good...but not superb like the electric set. Got a bit muddy when Neil really leaned into it - as he definately did on "No Hidden Path".
My only true Bummer of the evening was that I came in on NJ Transit. Last train home left at 12:30 from Penn Station on 34th St., so I had to leave the theatre on 175th Street at 11:35 in order to make my train and I had to miss Cortez the Killer...200+ concerts in my life and only the second time I had to miss the end of a show... :-(
What time did the show end? And how was the scene outside getting a cab?
I got some jokes about "going to Harlem" for a show...the area seemed fine to me. In fact the one block walk from the "A" subway station to the theatre looked like any block in NYC in midtown...there were alot of cops around so it seemed safe.
I got there around 7:10 and was one of the first into the theatre. Again, I had to leave early because of the NJ Transit train, so there was no mob scene and I don't know what the cab situation was like. Does not seem like an area normally full of cabs, so the cabbies would need to be enterprising to know of the show and go there.
Someone had asked earlier if there were any religious things there. No. You would not know it was used for a church other than the sign outside which says "Palace Church". No religious icons at all inside. A few quotes on the wall of the foyer from Rev. Ike. Not religious...stuff like "stand up for yourself" or "I will not serve as anybody's second optnion". Stuff like that. I have no idea where they hold services at the place. If in the main theatre, you will see no crosses, etc. It really does look 100% like an old movie theatre.
Sorry, I did not answer your other question...I left at 11:35 and he had just finished Cinnamon Girl. With Cortez's normal length, I'd assume he was done at 11:45.
Note the "A" train at night is a LOCAL plus subway track construction is done at night...so your 25 minute trip north from Penn Station at 6:30pm is 40 minutes when going back at 11:45pm...and there are less frequent trains late at night.
Crap..forgot another thing...I think I saw Joni Mitchell there...was being escorted in and out of the front row area by a VIP handler...
I meant to say earlier - "Sound on the Electric set was very good...but not superb like the Acoustic set."
I was up too late... :-)
I loved the show and thought it was just amazing--both acoustic and electric. The Chrome II songs sound so much better live than on disc (they ain't bad on disk). I was able to take quite a few pictures. I couldn't get any good ones for the acoustic set because of the lighting and the relative distance. Just a fantastic experience! I was in the upper loges (moved down for the second set).
Here are some pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Davek729/NeilYoung
Great pictures, thanks! Can't wait untill he tours Europe!
Dave K....
Awesome pictures - thanks for taking them and thanks for posting!
3 words: Mr. "Motherf******" Soul
3 words: You're a goose...
neil was great but what about larry craigs solo on guitar funny?
could we say he was 62 years young? Please. Watch anyone 'old' light up when asked 'how young are you'? I've changed, I do it all the time now. Try it. smile goes here. B. Young
Top effort on the photos Dave.
I've got them running as a screen saver
I have tickets to tonight's (Saturday's) show in NYC. I heard about the opening night delays, but how was the 2nd night (Thursday?) Is there an opening act (Pegi Young or something?) What time did Neil hit the stage? I don't like to sit through opening acts, I would rather hang in a bar until the last minute. Can't wait to go.
My 3rd show is tonight on this tour. I suggest seeing Pegi she is good and need I say that her band Ben Keith, Anthony Crawford and Rick Rosas are awesome! Plus she sings about Neil.
Any update on parking in the area, also where to hang out before the show
We got to the theatre around 6:30. Drove in from Ronkonkoma instead of taking the train and I'm glad b/c I would've had to leave early and would really be pissed! Yes, we had a really long wait b/c of the NYFD but we were in the lobby out of the cold and met a few cool fans. Our tix were in the back..row W, but the sound in the Palace was great and there really weren't any bad seats. It was annoying at the start since everyone wasn't seated when the acoustic set began and the lights from the open doors behind us were distracting but it settled down once everbody was in. We had one jerk yelling "Dance Dance Dance" breaking our trance but for the most, fans were polite. The encore with Neil out there somewhere in Youngland playin' Hurricane more for himself than us was truly a unique experience to enter into. I did leave my seat in the back for the encore. Sorry front row people, but I needed to look into his eyes and you were looking all night. It was great to see HIM in the place that he takes ME! I'll never be the same. What Pegi did was real nice!
Neil was in great form Thurday night! To hear harvest, ambulance blues and the rest of his older songs,was worth every dollar! His newer songs from CD2, just blew you away ! The show ended around 11:45 pm. I think if he didnn't break his guitat strings at the end of cortez , he would of kept playing ! There's a great bar on 169 and broadway called Coogan's, where alot of people go before the concert. Thursday show was great I can't wait for tonights show. I only hope I get blown away again!!!
Looking for one or two tickets for Tuesday or Wednesday night; went to Wallingford show and first NYC show but both nights in balcony; want to be in orchestra if possible; please post availability.
Thanks!
John I have one Orchestra for Tuesday 12/18. Please contact .
mbutler5@comcast.net
Was there opening night (12/12). Have Neil 12 times over last 15 years and have to say this was by far the best show - by far. Saw him with Booker T, with the horse a few times, solo/acoustic, greendale, harvest moon, Weld, etc . . The 2 set was rare for Neil (typically plays only 1, 1 1/2 hour set). The electric set was incredible, sound at the Palace was fantastic (was in the upper loge) - you can feel the sound coming from the stage vs. a large sound system - incredible, positive energy from Neil. He commanded the stage, Rosas, Ben Keith and Ralph were just there - it was all neil. If you are debating whether to buy a last minute tix - SEE NEIL.
John, I have a pair of ORCH seats, 4th row, for wed night and i cant go that night ... you can email me at dan55@wharton.upenn.edu if you're interested
FOR DAVE K.
Great PICS. What kind of camera did you bring and were there any problems getting inside with it or taking pictures.
Thanks,
AB
For anyone that drove in - Where did you park and were there any problems?
Thanks,
AB
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Saw the show tonight (12/15). I am a huge fan of old theaters and the United Palace blew me away. It's an amazing piece of architecture. Shame that buildings today don't have the same artistic detail.
Now...the not so good news. Although the UP was the ideal place to see Neil, I did not have the ideal experience. We had general admission seats that my girlfriend bought as a Christmas present for us. Unbeknownst to us, 'General Admission' meant the standing room BEHIND the very last row of the balcony. We realized this after we had watched Pegi Young's painfully boring set from the front row of the first balcony thinking that these were going to be our seats for the night, UNTIL we saw the reserved ticket buyers filing in. At that point we voluntarily gave up the primo seats and relegated ourselves to the nose bleeds.
Neil's acoustic set was pretty good. I've never heard him do 'Ambulance Blues' live so that was cool. In fact he did alot of choice numbers in his acoustic set, problem was...we couldn't frickin see him. Things got a little better at the beginning of the electric set. Coming out with 'The Loner' was pretty cool, and I could see him a little better after we changed spots, even though there was a major dork in front of me doing the most retarted air-guitar dance I have ever seen a middle aged white man do. Towards the end of the electric set me and my lady mutually agreed that the standing, the heat in the balcony and the not so amazing songs at the end of the set, were not worth the trouble anymore so we decided to leave during 'No Hidden Path'. Before we totally gave up we went down to the lower balcony to see if we could get a better look, which we did. Surprisingly enough the staff of the UP weren't constantly telling people to clear the doorways or paths around the balconies like they do at every other venue in NYC like The Beacon for example. Once 'No Hidden Path' was over we split. We didn't want to be in the slow mass exodus from the balcony, AND we had to get the subway all the way back downtown.
I have seen Neil five times since 1985, and twice with CSNY over the last couple of years. I consider myself a huge fan of his. His music is personal to me the way I'm sure it is for alot of you reading this. However, I tend to lean more toward the Crazy Horse heavy rock and acoustic rock Neil. I like alot of his country flavored stuff, but not all of it. I would much rather watch the 'Rust Never Sleeps' concert movie than I would 'Heart of Gold'. In fact I can't watch 'Heart of Gold' at all. I'm just not into that kind of music.
The best show I think I ever saw Neil do was when he did the 'Neil & Friends' tour 6 or 7 years ago, when The Pretenders opened up. He was also great with CSNY. This show tonight at the UP wasn't the greatest show I have ever seen him do. I think alot of these older artists/acts can't always live up to their legend. I totally admire someone like Neil Young who is a devoted musician, with a very long career. Someone sho will probably be doing this until they put him in a box. More than I can say for alot of the young musicians making records today. Will they be around in 40 years? I think not. At the same time, alot of the groups/artists that I grew up with and saw 20 years ago are not the same when you see them now. It's just not the same. I'm glad to see Neil still rocking out at 62 years old, especially after his Anyeurism a few years ago. He does have alot more energy than you would expect. But I'm afraid that for me...it's not the same as when I saw him do 'Down By the River' at his show in MIami in 1985, or when I saw him with Crazy Horse at Madison Square Garden 10 or so years ago. I can accept that. He's older. We're older. It's all different. So that angle went along with my feelings about tonight's show. It also reminded me why I am very reluctantly admitting (at times) that going to concerts is getting a little less tolerable than it used to be. Drunk loud people, weird dorks dancing around, etc., etc.. I just don't want to deal with it anymore.
Anyway...my .02 cents. Merry Christmas...
Superb show again. I thought there was a little more electricity in the performance on Thursday, but tonight was just a little more musical. I especially liked Ben Keith's work on pedal steel. No Hidden Path is destined to join Down by the River, Cinnamon Girl and Cowgirl in the Sand as one of the really great guitar workouts. Spirit Road was also brilliantly performed on the 2 nights.
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Hi. A QUESTION, please. if anyone knows. I went to wednesday's ahow and last nite (Sat.) Neil's electric set last nite like it was quite a bit longer than the first nite, ending 'round midnite. Yes?
And, especially, "No Hidden Path" seemed a lot longer. Anyone know? Thanks!
Oh, another thing. I had balcony seats but walked right into the Orchestra and stood on the extreme left side against the wall. Was like 5th row from the stage which was great!
The weird thing was, all the people (guys) standing in that excellent location were on/off? duty NYC firefighters. They were there the whole show. Seemed like some kinda "scam" thingee based on what others posted about Weds.' show and the FDNY comp. shit. Anyway, a coupla firefuckers started acting pissed that I was there so i just moved farther back and it was just as great!
So what time does Neil hit the stage?
Wow spending Sat. night with Neil in New York was perfect. 2nd row seats right in front of Neil well it was another great check out Sugar Mountain for the setlist you will be surprised to see another first! The show ended at midnight Neil was feeling a little sick as he made mention that he wanted this germ removed from his body. He gave us 100% as only he would no matter what. We had alot of fun at Coogans before the show meeting other solid Rusties. Took my 25 year old son for his first Neil show he was impresed and now he understand my obsession with Neil. My third show this tour and each one is better than the last. I really love the song Sad Movies can anyone tell me where to find this song?
Where can I get a bootleg of last night's (12/15) show???
Going tonight the 16th, what time did it end yesterday, trying to figure out how I'll get home.
For the young crowd, I consider myself a pretty big Neil fan and as he said a dozen times last night I felt, "lucky to be here" seeing neil for only my 6th time. The feeling last night was unlike any other show I had been to but neil's performance was pretty darn good. At times he would walk around the stage, hand on chin, looking towards the piano or guitars seemingly trying to choose what song he would play next. It was nice that the accoustic set list didn't seem too planed (despite what the announcer said) but that encourged audeince members to yell out a lot of songs that he clearly wouldn't play. However, he heard someone shout out "On the weekend" and actually played it, though he forogt the first verse and remarked, "that's not how it goes...". Amazingly, he played about a third of harvest (3 songs) but it still felt like a bit too much of Harvest. Though straining, Neil hit After the Goldrush and Ambulance blues perfectly as the most poignant songs of the set.
The electric set was fine, THe loner kicked it off well, Everybody knows this is nowhere was nice, but I thought it lacked energy until No hidden Path. During the 15 min solo Niel really got into it but the audience didn't seem that receptive. After he came down off each riff only a handful of people were hooting and clapping. Also, the technical difficulties were a little distractive, not because they hurt the sound, but because Neil charged towards the speakers 3 times to try and listen to them after they were "fixed".
The best part of the show was definatly No hidden path and the 3 song encore that included Cinnimon Girl (a song I always felt he should do crazy solos on live but I haven't seen), Tonights the Night and Cortez the Killer. Cortez was fantastic and by that point about a third of the orchestra fans were standing and dancing. It was also nice to smell a couple joints going around throughout the show despite the pretty high security.
Overall he show as pretty good, Neil certainly gave it his all and it showed as he muscled through No Hidden Path for at least 20 minutes. The performance as whole was a tad sedate (somehow he seemed more alive and passionate with CSN during their tour last summer) so maybe it was the crowd but I couldn't complain at all. I know ticket prices were high but I think it was worth every penny. If your a middle of the road Neil fan, my girlfriend is and accompanied me last night, you'll defiantly have enough songs to recognize and will surely rush to download the ones you didn't know. I haven't been to 30 shows like most posters on the blog, I'm only 21 after all, but judging by his performance last night, I think I'll be "lucky" enough to see Neil play until he's 70.
After having seen Neil many times in the last 30 years. I thought Sat. nights show was excellent as usual. The acoustics and his voice was amazing. The United Palace is one of the most beautiful theaters I have ever seen. I have been to hundreds of rock concerts over the years, I am 57 years old, but I have never seen a more sedentary crowd as I saw on Sat. Among the 3200 people hardly anyone got up and moved, come on how can you go to a rock concert and sit there all night and not rock out, especially at a Neil show. I felt trapped in my seat, fearing that if I stood up someone might throw something at me. Very disappointed in the crowd. What happened to the fans that I remember at every other show? Anyway Neil is always the BEST.
Hey everyone, a couple of quick logistical questions if a couple of folks don't mind (I'm going to Wednesday's show with a pregnant wife, so I need to plan ahead)
1) What's the parking situation like? I realize traffic is probably a nightmare, but I'm wondering what I face when I get in there?
2) Also, what's the neighboorhood like? In other words, am I basically OK to park my car and hike a few blocks?
3) lastly, realizing you never can exactly tell, what time has neil been getting off the stage (more or less). sounds like about 11:45 or so??
Any help would be appreciated. Thanks,
Sam
This is in reference to the question about photos. I have a Nikon D80 with a good lens.
I was a little too indiscreet yesterday and was caught by someone from Neil's team. They showed me some kindness, but I have taken down the pictures. There are also plenty of blue-shirted staff who patrol the theater. You would be better off leaving your camera at home and not worrying about getting caught every few minutes (like me). If you bring one, exercise maximum discretion.
Parking is easy.
There is no parking.
None at all.
Pregnant wife? How pregnant?
Lobby is a madhouse.
One tiny bathroom on the second level.
Advise-see if Hot Tuna is still at the Beacon and see them instead
There are a few parking lots, but you are better parking midtown and taking a cab. The lobby is crowded but not that bad. The neighborhood between 169th and the theater was fine. I was also very dissapointed that people sat in seats like they were at a movie. Ignore the ridiculous suggestion to see Hot Tuna at the Beacon. Neil was amazing. Tonights The Night was spectacular. Enjoy the show!
Enough with the neighborhood and the crowds and heat and everything. The place is fantastic and so is the show.
I caught the 12-13 concert. The acoustic set was moving and the electric set was riviting. The Palace makes you feel like you either died and went to heaven or like you finished the trip on the yellow brick road. Amazing.
Forget the complaining and enjoy it. This is the place Neil was born to play.
Hi Sam,
Bring the pregnant wife!! Saw the show twice and parked in the same lot both times. It is on 174th, just before Autoban St. Go past the United Theater and make a left at 174th street. It is a couple of blocks down on the right.$20 to park.
There is an excellent restaurant across the street called Malecon. Amazing food.
The bathroom line is alittle long, but I'm sure the ladies will let her go ahead.
ENJOY the concert!!!
I was at Saturday night's show...brilliant!!! Although I do agree with one of the comments above regarding the crowd sitting for 99% of the show, but it certainly did not affect my enjoyment of the show. The United Palace is a fantastic venue. This was my first time there, and the place is wonderful, and the acoustics superb. Hopefully many more artists will make it a stop on tour. Loved some of the changes in the setlist last night. How cool was Out On The Weekend!, and you have to love Neil messing up the lyrics. I also loved hearing Old King, what a great song. Great jamming on No Hidden Path, and then again on Cortez.
I had to sell 2 tickets (Orchestra, Row R), and that wasn't even to bad. Got $100 for each, with no trouble. I probably could have tried to recoup the total cost of $124 including the Ticketmaster charges, but took the easy route.
As for the bathroom situation, we found no trouble. My 18 year old daughter was with me, and she had no trouble at all.
Parking was easy. We got uptown around 6:45, and found parking on the street on 168th Street just off Broadway, across from the hospital. Had to wait until 7:00 for the restriction to end, and then we were good. Neighborhood is fine, no problem parking on the street. Read about Coogans here, and we went there before the show. Great recommendation...thank you.
All in all, it was a great night!
my 2nd of 4 nyc shows; sunday Dec. 16th.......
Firstly, I learned my lesson, parked the car much further uptown where I could fine easy parking and then jumped on the subway for 10 minutes or less.This allowed me to arrive early at the theater and spend some time walking around the theater and appreciate how incredible this place is.....
Another fine show by Neil, with lots of chatter back and forth with the audience.durring the acoustic set, his voice sounded like he was a little sick and later he confirmed that.Even so, the performance was great and as always Neil gives 110% ! We were very lucky to get "Dont let it bring you down" last night, as I didnt expect that ! Also, opening the electric set with an electric " Mr.Soul" was worth the price of admission, and closing with a 3 song encore capped by "The Sultan" made the night complete.didnt think we'd get that lucky !
the sound at the UP is incredible
and Neil spoke for a while about playing acoustic in such a place.
I felt like I was sitting in his living room watching him play ! So sweet to be able to hear every note
on those sweet old Martin guitars.
Still hoping to catch an acoustic
"Cowgirl" at one of the last 2 shows.But I want to say that after 2 shows,I am realy glad I grabbed tickets for 4 of the 6 nyc shows.I have never seen a concert in such a beautiful place and it takes a few trips to fully enjoy and appreciate and take in all of it.And Neil seems quite happy and very comfortable playing here. I wish he'd stay a month, so I could see 10 or 15 shows here !
If you havent gone yet, and are within driving distance to upper manhattan,spend the $ and enjoy a concert that will stay with you forever.
And what can one say about Neil ?!!! He started at 9pm and finished at midnight.subtract a 15 minute intermission, and you got 2:45 of Neil ! Seems he's playing longer now than in the past.Maybe it's these beautiful theaters he's playing, but this guy is out there having fun, playing with a passion that one only sees in a younger man ! Watch this 62yo perform for
3 hours,and you'll have trouble believing his age.Nice to know there's someone with his energy level, passion, ands integrity after 40 years of performing.
Dont hesitate, GO..... just leave the car somewhere else.
ps..... Neil dedicated "Winterlong " to Danny Whitten last night.
Well, what can one say when speaking about Neil Young? I've been to four shows at three different venues, and as always in the NY way, he morphed himself to compliment the venue. Last nights show (Sunday, Dec. 16th) which I expected to hear a rewind of one of the other shows, was anything but a rewind! Neil broke out "Don't Let it Bring You Down" and "Old King" for the accoustic set, telling the crowd that he might "screw it up a little"...if your a true Neil Young fan (as I have been for 35 years...since I wa about 12 years old), the "little screw ups" are part of the personality of what makes Neil Neil. An insoired rendition of Mr. Soul (not played at any of the other shows that I had attended) was the dream come true for me...and the renditions of Oh Lonesome Me and The Beleiver were crisp and soulful. I must say, that I have seen many shows in my time and Neil has never let me down...not once! Rock on Neil Young!
"Rons"
need 1 ticket to any show that is left. 5163510743
Can anyone tell me what time Peggy came onstage and what time Neil came on stage?
Pegi Young has started her set at exactly 8 PM (right on time) on the 2 nights that I have seen. The set ends at 8:45 and Neil comes on around 9 (within 5 minutes). Everything has followed a relatively strict schedule. Though Neil played till around 12 on Saturday night.
Anyone know whether or not Neil was slated to be on Saturday Night Live while the show was in NY? Obviously, with the strike, that can't happen.
I caught the CT show & opening night in NYC on 12/12. Awesome shows! After seeing the last few setlists, it looks like Neil's starting to change things up a bit. Maybe he's getting a little bored with playing the same tunes. Busting out with Out On The Weekend, Don't Let It Bring You Down, Old King, Mr. Soul,& Tonight's The Night; Now I GOTTA go again! Screw Christmas presents! If anyone has 2 REALLY GOOD seats for Wed.12/19 (yeah, I guess I'll finally take the girlfriend!),that they want to sell for cost, please let me know. Email me asap at: Maxyoung@aol.com. Include your cell #, exact ticket location, and price. I'll call you. Just looking for a fellow diehard Neil fan who wants to hook up another. Peace all! Enjoy the last 2 shows! Bob in CT ........Oh Yeah- HATS OFF TO RUSTRADIO!! Listened to it all weekend! Caught some great recordings of recent shows, including PA 12/9 & NYC 12/12. If you haven't tuned in yet,do it next weekend. You won't be disappointed! rustradio.org
Saw Neil and Buffalo Springfield back in the day and Neil several times since. Wish I had been there to see my favorite rock-n-roll star. Just my 2-cents.
No parking problems. Two garages a block away and a lot 3 blocks away. Get there by 7 and your OK. Cost = $30.Afterwards, 10 minutes after the show ended I was on the GW bridge cruising home. Don't know what everyone is talking about. Also, neighborhood is fine.
As for the show - I was hoping to hear 2 songs, "Old Man" and "Mr. Soul". Got Mr. Soul, so I'm happy. On "No Hidden Path", Neil reminded me why I have been a fan of his forever. A good 15 minutes of guitar solo that took him all over the guiter map. I first became a fan when I heard his and Stills' dueling guitars on "Almost Cut My Hair" in the CSNY days. And "Cinnamon Girl", what can I say - it's one of the few songs I've heard millions of times that always gets me excited when I hear it again. Sooooooooo glad I went.
I was at Sunday's show. Wow - everything everyone is saying is true. I've been seeing Neil since the Fillmore East with CS&N in 1970 (what a show that was) and I can swear that this was one of the best shows ever. I've seen Neil acoustic before - first time at Carnegie Hall in 1970 (another great show) and some years back at the Theatre at MSG. I've seen Neil electric many many times. If you missed this tour that's really too bad.
Mr. Soul was unbelievable. Like a Hurricane was knock your socks off!
Not bad for 62 Neil! I'm the almost 60 gray haired lady that was rocking in EE all the way on the right. It's better to burn out than to fade away.
brahmdass
To the dude who keeps yelling, "Hey Neil, do Werewolf in London." How is that an idiot like you can find your way around anywhere in life?
We're going to the show on Tuesday 12/18. What time does Pegi come on and then when does Neil make his first appearance? Also, what's the smart move if I'm driving?
Quote:
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MyMyHeyHey said...
We're going to the show on Tuesday 12/18. What time does Pegi come on and then when does Neil make his first appearance? Also, what's the smart move if I'm driving?
"
Don't drink and drive ! :-)
Enjoy the show !!!
Driving advice:
Get there before 7:00. Park in the garage on B'way between 176th and 177th ($30) After the show: Be standing near an exit foor the last encore song. As soon as it's over, make a beeline for the garage, give'em your ticket, be on the Cross Bronx or GW Bridge within 10 minutes. Smooth exit.
Rudeness Advice:
To all those idiots who have to scream stuff out during the acoustic set - you are not the show and you disrupt the performer and the whole mood. An accoustic Neil Young performance is a joy if you let it happen without your stupid interruptions. Neil even addressed this on Sunday. I guess there are "serial" yellers who do this at all his shows, because he asked one guy "Just who are you, anyway?". Later he told another "Yes, you're the voice that drives me insane. I appreciate that your here and I like that your here, but I don't think the other people around you feel the same". BIG APPLAUSE. He then mentioned how he doesn't usually address these idiots because it throws him off for 3 or 4 songs. People, if you really like Neil Young, shut up, listen closely and enjoy. During the electric set you can jump around or scream whatever you like, because nobody can hear you.
My 2 cents...
We need your advice a week ago :-) . I think some folks who scream out during the set are flat-out idiots. Probably, some of the crowds are rock concert goers and they are used to arena-sized venues or even stadiums. It doesn't matter much if you're a screamer in a stadium. They fail to appreciate the intimacy of a small place and how much that enhances people's enjoyment. They have no sense of how to behave. Sitting behind me at the last show were 4 guys (in their mid 40s) and they would not shut up for a minute. They were previously quite drunk/stoned. I have no problem with folks having a good time. But there are limits what others should have to endure.
Unfortunatley the people who most need this advice probably aren't reading this blog ... one would hope that ticket prices and small theatre shows would weed out these clueless people who scream during the acoustic set ... I'm going tonight hopefully we'll get lucky...
Can anyone advise me on parking if I'm arriving late? What would folks reccomend if I won't be entering the neighborhood until 8:15 or 8:30. Thanks for any advice.
My wife and I saw the awesome performance in Boston Dec 6, went with two friends. Sat in front row. When we returned to Montreal and told out two daughters about the hypnotic and energized performance by the man, our two daughters made a pact to go see him. Well Neil is 62, although he played like he was 22, and who knows next time he will tour, so. We went and spent our kids inheritance, scooped up 4 front row for Wednesday, last show of the tour, THEY WILL BE AMAZED. As the dude, who sat next to us, by the wooden Indian, on the night of his birthday in Boston, kept saying to Neil all night after he finished one of his classics, THANK YOU NEIL!!!!!
Hey, I'm with all the rest of you where it concerns the "hecklers" in life! Shut up and listen to the man...I am sure he appreciates our skills as a stock broker or whatever trade you perform. I was at the Sunday show, and Neil called out one guy that just wouldn't shut up. He id it in an amusing way that made the crowd appreciate it. As far as the music was concerned, I've been to four shows in his Northeast swing...Wallingford, CT; Upper Darby, PA; and two at the Palace, and I have to tell you...the Palace is THEE place to see a show! It is an incredibly ornate building with impeccable accoustics! Thanks Ron Deslner for working it out...being a construction guy, I had a huge appreciation for this spot. Thanks again Neil for all the great music!
hi all
If anyone can please sell me ONE tic for tonite and tom'w I'd aprreciate it so much. Preferably NOT orch. Thanks!
simibaby714@aol.com
Hi. Can anyone who has been to more than one NYC show tell what the "Extras" tic situation has been like outside the venue? (Either from fans w/ extras or scalpers)?
Thanks so much.
I had an extra ticket for the second show (a friend was stranded by the snow storm) and could not get rid of it. A couple of folks looking for a free ticket. I bought a ticket on Saturday for about cost (actually a little less). I would say that there is a reasonably good chance that you could pickup a stray ticket for around cost. Of course, it's a crap shoot and there are no guarantees. IO think it's a reasonable bet.
Hey, can anyone who's been to one of the (non-delayed) shows tell me what time Neil's set begins? Or what time you have to get there to get a decent spot? Thanks (came all the way from U.K. for this one!)
Just got home and too tired to say much more than the highlight for me was an unbelievable ripping rendition of out on the weekend - he made some really funny comments before playing it ... something to the effect of, "someone made this request the other night, but he's probably not here tonight, oh well, that's how it goes" then he made some more comments about how he doesn't play it often and then he broke into it and it was as good as anything I've ever heard him play in almost 30 years of seeing him...
I saw Neil Wed, Sat and last nite (Tues). Neil is ALWAYS spellbinding, but during the encore he seemed almost real tired, and his vocals were really losing strength. No complaints! Just my observation. And they really screwed up "Don't Cry...". But it's been a lot of shows so not surprised. Luv u , Shakey!
Oh, and I just gotta say this...of all the times I've seen him perform over the years (about 30-35times) I have NEVER seen such a lame (figuratively, literally?) as the orchestra section during his ELECTRIC set on this run. We literally left our seat each nite and STOOD and MOVED and GROOVED and fuckin DANCED on the extreme side b/c NOBODY got on their until the middle of the encore. Very weird, And we know Neil really didnt like these crowds this week. He's too diplomatic to say it but I know for a fact that he cant stand peeps who call out, do "WOOOOOOOOOOOS" and sit all thru his elec set like theyre at a freaking Tony Bennett concert~
Went to the show last night (12/18), Neil was awesome! His voice fell off a few times and I think he struggled with it. As far as the previous poster goes, what do you expect from people when they are coming off of an hour acoustic set where they are supposed to behave as if they were in a church and not make a peep, then all of a sudden Neil goes electric but people are afraid to go wild because they don't know what the F they are supposed to do? Should they scream? Should they yell? Should they sing along? I have to admit it's a bit wierd. The venue is magnificent but the staff is VERY amateur. They don't know how to get people in their seats efficiently and they allow people to come in very late and disrupt the acoustic set. If people can't get to their seats by 9:00pm when the show starts at 8:00pm they should be forced to wait outside until the acoustic set is over! At $200 per ticket, I don't want some a-hole coming in at 9:25pm and disrupting the whole section around them. VERY RUDE! But hey that's NYC.
Caught the show at the Palace last night, as well as one in Detroit. Mr. Young seemed to really be enjoying himself in NYC. Much different vibe, although enjoyed both shows immensely. Completely transported for an evening. Thank you Neil for providing the soundtrack of my life...
thanks to everyone on this thread for the info. One thing I haven't seen addressed, is there any merch for sale? thanks! I can't wait to go to this final NYC show!
As far as people coming late, yes it may be a bit disruptive, but they paid for their ticket too. We can't always control traffic patterns and mass transit delays in NYC.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, I was late last Thursday and hated it, but why should I stand outside until the whole set is over?
Best show of the year for me, and I've been to 30 + this year, including Allmans, Dave Mason, and other greats. Neil blew them all away!
I firmly believe these hecklers don't get out often. Yelling out "requests" is rarely if ever well recieved by an artist. They have a setlist, and like to stick to it! On the 13th, Neil responded with, "I'm busy as hell up here." when someone yelled at him. He has a humorous way of responding to the clowns without being nasty. Love it.
Great show, great to hear Mr. Soul where I was expecting The Loner!
Fabulous sound at the Palace, just didn't like the way the seats were lined; Not scattered, and I was swinging my head side to side all night to see Neil.
Hope he'll come back to NYC soon!
To Baron,
Yes t-shirts, posters and the like are for sale.
Hey I don't want to hear about traffic patterns, mass transit delays, etc. I live in NJ and left home at 4:30pm (I was off from work) by car so I could arrive early, park and have dinner before the show. If people plan accordingly they should not be late. Now I understand that sometimes things happen, but there were way too many people showing up at 9:20ish for it to be an emergency. I think it is just NY yuppies that feel entitled to do what the fuck they want to and don't give a shit about anybody but themselves.
I have to beleive with the previous poster that Neil did seem a little fatigued towards the end of the show. Ihave seen Neil many times over the years and he usually feeds off the crowds energy, But given the restrictions by the staff it was difficukt ffor the crowd to really let go.
Don't get me wrong,Neil will always play and sing his heart out but very often it appeared to me that he was kind if going through the motions.It was exceedingly hot in the audience.
That being said I truly felt that I
got my money's worth. He is a true living legend and you just don't see performers like this anymore.He will always sing his heat out.
I am much more of an electric Neil fanand I have to say his new stuff sounded awesome.Songs like " No Hidden Path" "Spirit Road" and even " Dirty Old Man" really rocked. (Which by the way sounded much better live than on CD, perhaps it was that Les Paul Jr. he broke out with those screaming p90 pick up that gave it that awesome punch and growl).
These songs had that classic Neil Young formuls with a couple of verses, a chorus bookended by 15 to 20 minute jams (al la Down by the River" "Love and Only Love " and "Cowgirl In the Sand"). I know i'm in the minority here but I would have also loved to hear some Greendale, "Sun Green or "Be the Rain " would have been a great fit.
The band was tight and profesional.
Rick Rosas on base is excellent and just a cool dude.
Can't wait to see what Neil will put out next. Hopefully a new Crazy Horse album!!
A fun night!
Hey hey hey... be the rain...yeah...Youngson, one of Mothers best far out bright stars. And to think it rains on Earth, wow, now that is special.
Bestest
Hope everyone enjoys the last show of the tour. I saw Neil here in Chicago he was FANTASTIC!!! Long may he run!!!!
Could anyone seeing tonights show Wed.video it and put on U Tube especially the song Sad Movies? I saw Neil 3 shows this tour and I am still mesmerized. He is so great and Sat. in NY he was actually quite chatty. Of course sitting in the 2nd row right in front of him was heaven on earth.
After last night's (Tues) concert my first reaction is how fortunate we are to have Neil Young. He is truly in a class by himself. Like all the shows I've seen going back to the 80s he was exceptional and I walked out completely blown away. For starters, the acoustics were superb and the hall magnificently ornate and it seemed like there was scarcely a bad seat in the house. Credit goes to Neil for handpicking this hall and his enthusiasm for it was apparent when he commented on its beauty on a few occasions. The intimacy of the show enhanced the experience ten fold. I'd pay $200 any day to see him in a small setting and hopefully he'll consider doing another tour in small theatres in the near future.
I was struck by how authentic his old songs sounded in every aspect from the sounds made by the instrument(s), to his guitar riffs to his voice - it all seemed so reminiscent of its time. If you closed your eyes during Ambulance Blues it could have been 1974 as easily as it was 2007 ... there are many musicians for example Dylan (and this is not a knock on Dylan because I love Dylan) who have classic studio versions of songs but the live version falls short and is not similar at all to the classic.
Neil seemed to capture the sound of each tune so precisely and yet he simultaneously brought them to life in ways that were mind blowing. Maintaining the integrity of the song completely but taking it to incredible heights. I have to admit "Everyone Knows This is Nowhere' wasn't in my top ten songs I was hoping to hear (even after seeing the tour's set lists) but his rendition last night was totally smokin'.. It was one of many reminders that its ALWAYS better to let Neil pick the set list.
In the first set there were many highlights besides Ambulance Blues which, had he come on stage and played just that and left, it all would have been worth it... He played 'Love Art Blues' masterfully and 'Mellow My Mind' was so well done. The organ on 'A Man Needs a Maid' was another example of his attention to detail in re-creating the sound from 1973. The 'Cowgirl' was classic, with the guitar licks just unreal. His voice strained slightly on a few high notes but in context it was completely inconsequential. He closed the set with a version of "Out on The Weekend' that seemed to me to be one of the great highlights of the show and might well be the best 'Weekend' he's ever played. (Would love to hear thoughts on this from anyone who was there or hears the bootleg).
The surprise in the second set for me was how rippin' his new tunes were. I didn't have big expectations but the band was really tight and the new songs were as smokin' as any electric Neil I've heard over the years. That's a bold statement but he played those songs with a freshness and crispness that you had to see to believe. Mr. Soul was epic, Winterlong, which he dedicated to Danny Whitten, sounded so authentic you could close your eyes and feel like you were at a show in the 70s only with a better Neil because he's now got 25 years more experience under his belt... I think the show peaked somewhere in the middle to end of the 2nd set but no matter there were so many memorable moments ...
In summary there's nobody like Neil, nobody with such a mastery over some many great songs written over decades ... for those willing to focus on him and his music and not the annoyances of clueless hecklers yelling requests and the like its hard not to walk away from this tour marveling once again about what a treasure Neil is and how fortunate we are to be along for the ride...
Thanks Neil
Long May You Run!!
Just wanna say that I sat this tour out from Pittsburgh largely because of timing and $$ issues but have followed it on this site. I hate to have missed this.
Thanks to all the posters who have really painted such a great picture of what went down. It was fun to follow and I am so happy for you guys that got to see it.
Some things from 12/19
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLjogFGsi9M Journey
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1dFFJWeSGNE Cowgirl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nfsQkYWapU Cortez
Howdy to the ladies in row BB over on the left side from Chicago and Connecticut--you made a great night with Neil even better--thanks for the suggested usernames!
Great review, Anonymous (the last reviewer)! And those videos, WOW!
Seasons Greetings! I saw the Nov. 29th show at Massey Hall and I have kept reading the reviews of the continuing shows and have downloaded all the shows from Dime. Am I getting too weird? Thanks to all the posters for helping to keep the buzz going. One last thing ... everytime I listen to the live "Ambulance" I remember the late Rusty Kershaw who made such an impact on that song (in the On The Beach recording) with his amazing fiddle. If you live in Europe don't miss this show.
Went to the 12/13 show, the venue was great the song choices were good; especially "cortez". The only bummer to the whole evening was the parking facilities near the theatre were obviously not used to dealing with such a large # or cars. 30 minutes getting into the garage, and another 30 to leave.
I just wish I could go to a Neil show and not have drunk people screaming out song titles. The Greendale tour at Radio City was the same way. Somebody in the back kept screaming out "southern man". It wasn't played, but the show was excellent; it included 'dangerbird" and "All along the watchtower." Long live Neil!
I have also followed the tour on this site night afetr night. My 11 year old daughter is now as obsessed as I am with reading this stuff and listening to Neil over and over. We went to the show in CT as a family (wife and two daughters 8 and 12) and I also went to the show Sat. the 15th in NY. I agree with Neil and as he repeated a couple of times in NY; “We are so lucky”. We are the lucky ones to have Neil. With pictures of Neil on that stage and the words to Ambulance Blues running through my head, life is good. Great show in CT, even better show in NY at the United Palace. Long may he run.
Last night, 12/19, was my first show on this tour. Nice venue, reminded me a bit of a larger Fillmore East. Just a great show. no hidden path was one of those transcendent moments that I experience every once in a while with a great musical artist. Thanks Neil and everyone else responsible.
From The Journal Inquirer newspaper, Manchester, Ct.
Mr. Soul plays the Chevrolet
By: Keith C. Burris
Jonathan Demme, who made a movie of Neil Young making music in Nashville, once called Young "a magic man." I'm not sure exactly what he meant by that, but I think the general sentiment is shared by all of Young's fans. It is the feeling that there is something singular about this musician.
At the Chevrolet Theater in Wallingford on Friday night, some people shouted out song requests, though they were asked not to do so. But many simply bellowed "Neil!" as if that said it all. Like "dude!" only hysterical. One young man screamed "Neil!" threw his arms up in the air and fell on the floor. Silly, snake-handling behavior, you say, and probably enabled by the fourth or fifth beer brought into the hall against policy (a policy laxly enforced). But to understand the power of Neil Young's music you have to know that this kid's reaction is just a couple turns on the dial past what Demme and other "adults" feel.
I met a man in the lobby in Wallingford, a man who appeared neither crazy nor rich, who heard three Young concerts that week and was on his way to hear Young and his band again in Philadelphia. Such is the devotion of the Neil Young fan. Admittedly, some of these fans really are wackos - people who think they can get into the great man's head and want to know what he had for lunch that day and where he buys his shoes. But most are sane people who cannot get enough of this guy because his music connects to the primal and the divine. The best way to describe Young's gift might be the motto of the English priest and theologian John Henry Newman: "Heart speaks to heart."
Neil Young's music is like a nitroglycerin tablet. He doesn't waste time with chemical absorption or acclimation. His music goes straight to the core.
Young has a new album out called "Chrome Dreams II." It is his third album since suffering an aneurysm three years ago. One album was a beautiful suite of country tunes about aging, memory, children and parents, and death. One was a righteous rage against the war in Iraq (metal protest music). "Chrome Dreams II" is a more classic Young album that mixes musical genres and runs from highly metallic to banjo blues. Its subjects are faith and love. One perceptive critic called it a gospel record in a folk-rock idiom.
Young is touring to support the new album. But he does only a few songs from it in these shows, which he has dubbed "an intimate acoustic/electric evening." Young always wanted to do a tour of smaller halls in which the audience would be an extension of friends and family rather than a stadium crowd. This is that tour. Moreover, he thinks of his songs as paintings. He has said that he wanted, on this tour, to pick up the paintings stacked in the corner of the gallery and put a few of those on the wall.
His format is basically two back-to-back concerts, one folk and one rock. First he comes out alone, surrounded by a circle of guitars, and plays an acoustic set. He then takes a break and comes back with an amazing band - the great Ben Keith playing steel guitar, but also just about everything else; bassist Rick Rosas; drummer Ralph Molina from Crazy Horse; Anthony Crawford, who, like Keith, does everything; and Young's beautiful and grounded wife Peggy, who sings backup and plays the vibes and was the warm-up act - to blow the house down. Young played 23 songs Friday night, and one of the rockers, "No Hidden Path," lasted 20 minutes. He played 'til he bled. Young leaves nothing on the bus or in the hotel room. He gives all he has.
No one in music does concerts like this. No one gives so much of himself, unprotected by veneer. Maybe Ralph Stanley. Maybe Kurt Cobain did. Maybe Janis Joplin did. Johnny Cash certainly did, in his late recordings. It is brave to do it live in a hall.
I am always happy to hear "Old Man," "Cinnamon Girl," and "Heart of Gold," but for me the treat was seeing some of the pictures from the corner go up. I never thought I would hear "A Man Needs A Maid" in concert, or the great "Ambulance Blues." And hearing songs I did not know, that no one knew, like "Love Art Blues," "No One Seems to Know," and "Sad Movies," was a marvel. I was privileged (and that's the right word) to hear Young in concert earlier in the week in Boston, and there he sang one of his simplest and most beautiful "obscurities" - "Love is a Rose." Talk about Nirvana.
It seemed to me that, in Boston, Young was able to get the crowd quiet enough and himself centered enough to achieve all he wanted to achieve in the reflective first set, but that he could not quite find the groove he wanted with these songs in Wallingford. Maybe I am wrong, though in Boston his stage remarks were loose and warm, while in Wallingford they were edgy. The set was still stunning.
The electric set was just that - crackling. It was music set ablaze with long guitar solos and fearless explorations. "The Loner" was awfully good. So was "Don't Cry No Tears," perhaps done for the first time on this tour. And somehow he found a clearing for "Lonesome Me," which he mines for hidden depths. The finale was "Cortez the Killer," a masterpiece. And the crowd went ape. (In Boston the last song was the last word - "Like a Hurricane" - and many floated home in the chill wind on the warmth of that wave.)
Young's current concert tour is one for the ages, and those who were there will tell their grandchildren about it, and put some kind of recording into some kind of machine and say "listen to this." But nothing will sound as sweet as the memory.
Neil Young is a magic man. And a very, very hard-working musician. He is, to borrow one of his song titles, "Mr. Soul." No one on earth has more soul than Neil Young. That's what those fans hear, and what they are trying to say.
Keith C. Burris is editorial page editor of The Journal Inquirer. Neil Young performed at the Chevrolet Theater in Wallingford, Friday, Dec 7.
georgie,
Thanks so much!! WOW Those are excellent! Is there any chance you can add 'Weekend'?
Thanks,
DS
Note to 'Dirty Old Man' in NYC Row CC:
Good to meet you! Find me on the Rustlist!
What a show, and we had still more adventure, later!
-Chicago
The FDNY were HIRED by MADISON SQUARE GARDEN to fuck with NEIL YOUNG, because MADISON SQUARE GARDEN asked NEIL to perform at MSG on the 6th night instead of The Palace. It had NOTHING to do with "safety issues" (blueblunder). Neil told them he'd play The Palace and so they tried to get the entire SIX NIGHTS canceled and (from what I've heard) they came within a few moments of accomplishing just that. GREEDY EVIL CORRUPT CORPORATE BASTARDS ALL! And, so sorry, MADISON SQUARE GARDEN, but you lost. As David Crosby might say here, "BITE ME!"
Do we wonder if Neil Young will ever perform at MSG again? I wouldn't bet on it.
Thank you, Neil Young. Long May You Run!
Thank you! Great job, Elliot Roberts. Inviting the FDNY to hang in the exits (comp a few standing only passes)allowed the show go on.
This wasn't our first day in New York boys. Nice try.
I have no inside knowledge, but it would be very bizarre if Dolan and company have FDNY in their back pocket and are able to create this sort of disruption. That would precipitate a huge scandal.
I would bet that few and possibly, no arena in the world holds more events or has a higher percentage of sellouts than MSG. I'm sure they would have been happy to have Neil play there, but they don't really need him. Besides, it was well known that Neil was playing only theater-size venues and obviously, was not bringing a rig for arena shows. It would have been incredibly costly to scale up for one show.
Georgie,
The videos took me back to the concert and once again I got lost in the greatness of Neil. Thank You! Did you by chance record Sad Movies? Again thank you from Florida.
Several of the fine people handling security at The Palace told the same story. Madison Square Garden wanted NEIL, but they didn't get him. The security people also knew there were no relevant issues to warrant a more than TWO hour visit by the FDNY prior to opening night. "The exit lights have always worked at The Palace. Think about it. It's a suitable house of worship for Rev. Ike followers, but suddenly it wasn't suitable for Neil Young fans? Please.
Oh, and it's not a "huge scandal". It's the same old crap. Greed, corruption, abuse -- rinse and repeat.
I DARE the NYTIMES to investigate and print this story. Never happen. The old gray whore is alive and well and FAT.
Who you callin' an old gray whore?
The New York Times. That same old gray whore.
After following these comments for the last few weeks I have to drop a line regarding the NYFD and the first night inspection. I was at the 12/18 show. Our seats were on the aisle next to the entrance to get back stage. Just before Neil took the stage maintenance men were changing the white exit light bulb to a red colored one. I actual saw him up on the ladder replacing the bulb. He used a screwdriver to steady the light. During this procedure sparks{twice} flew from the light fixture. P.S. He didn't do anything stupid like stick the screwdriver in the socket, he had it on the outside of the light frame. I said to myself that with this old building the electrical system must have a few problems. So with that said, "thank you" to the NYFD and anyone else who may have made things a little bit safer. Oh, and by the way, NEIL kicked ass!!!
How many hours does it take the FDNY to replace a light bulb? You saw them replace ONE light bulb so they and YOU have found a way justify MSG's behavior and FDNY's? The people working security knew the entire drama was a joke, those of us standing outside knew it was a joke, but you bought it?
"There's a sucker born every minute." P.T. Barnum
No sell here.
They changed a WHITE exit bulb to a RED one? Well, HELL, that makes all the difference in the world. What a joke.
It might make a difference. The red lamps are probably LED type lamps which can last 20 years !
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