Bands Covering Neil Young songs
When we blogged on the Neil Young tribute band Live RUST it triggered quite a discussion on Neil Young Tribute/Cover bands.
As an offshoot of this, we receive so many submissions of Neil covers, tributes, videos, MP3's that we can't keep up and post them all.
So this page is being setup for bands to directly post their links. The best way to submit link is to use that "Create a Link" feature below in comments. That way there's a hyperlink for folks to click as opposed having to cut & paste link.
In the meantime, we'll try and highlight band links here as they come in.
Neil Young Tribute - Bruce "B.K." Andersen
Neil Young is one of the greatest singer/songwriters in history. From the early sixties to today he is creating masterpieces that will last for generations. B. K. Andersen performs a one man tribute that includes over 40 of Young's songs from the early 60's Sugar Mountain to 2010 Peaceful Valley Boulevard. All the classics are there including Heart of Gold, Old Man, Rockin' in the Free World, Hurricane; Hey Hey, My, My; Ohio, Southern Man, Cinnamon Girl, and so many more. Every song is great and hopefully done respectful of the meaning that Young intended for his listeners.
Neil Young Tribute - Bruce "B.K." Andersen: "Playing a few selections from the old Young songbook just felt really comfortable. So he tried a few more with the same results. What was strange unintentionally he sounded and played like Neil Young. So he tried it out on a few critical friends with success. Then trying more songs and finding out that Young is one of the most prolific composers with hundreds to choose from. All familiar to most people. Better yet all are easy for B.K. to relate to. Next was a long seven month process of selecting and putting together over 50 of Young's songs and doing the bass and drums tracks to accompany it. More work on the harmonies and harmonica accompaniment followed. The end result is what he hopes most people will feel is a true tribute of Young's masterpieces."
It has been said of the Neil Young tribute band Live RUST that "you'll believe you're at a Neil Young concert".
SIX very talented Greater Toronto Area musicians have joined together to celebrate and perform the music of our (formerly) Canadian brother, Neil Young. Our goal is to recreate Neil's music as it was recorded in the studio (or as close as possible - some of Neil's biggest hits were recorded over 40 years ago!!!). The set list contains music from many stages of Neil's incredible career, ranging from the antique gem "Down by the River" to 1990's "Over and Over Again" and almost everything in between (if it's missing, we'll get to it eventually...)
Discover or relive the music of rock icon Neil Young with Jeff Taylor's Neil Young Tribute show. It doesn't matter whether you enjoy his soothing acoustic sounds or one of Neil's many rockin' tunes, Jeff Taylor's Tribute pays homage to legendary Young's career with the same creativity and passion as the man himself.
Jeff performs his solo tribute show with a stage presence displaying an array of instruments including acoustic guitars, harmonicas, banjo, acoustic grand piano, and pump organ. His tribute sounds much the same as an unplugged performance of a live Neil Young solo concert.
When venue space permits, Jeff performs with his many band members who come from diverse professional and musical backgrounds. They contribute beautiful and seamless multiple male and female harmonies, acoustic and electric guitars, pedal steel guitar, dobro, pianos, organs, violins, banjos, harmonicas, bass guitar and drums to Neil's classics as well as some of his latest tunes.
Jeff Taylor's Neil Young Tribute delivers a great performance of one of rock music's true masters. A must see show for all age groups.
To learn more about Jeff Taylor's Neil Young Tribute, visit the band's website at http://www.neilyoung-tribute.com.
Jeff has also dedicated his recording of “Thrasher” to the Thrasher Wheat website and can be downloaded here:"Thrasher" (right click and save as). Thanks Jeff! Nice job.
Broken Arrow: The Neil Young Tribute played on Nov. 20, 2005 at Neil Young Day in Rome, Italy.
Very cool web site for a tribute band. Site streams Neil tunes 24/7.
The Neil Young celebrations continue this weekend in honor of his 60th birthday with the Rust Never Sleeps Tribute Band's performance this Saturday, November 12th at the Big Bear Lodge in Brookline, New Hampshire.
RUST NEVER SLEEPS is a unique, live rock show that celebrates the music, and musical career of Neil Young.
Capturing the spirit, the sound, and the feel of what can best
be described as a "dream come true" concert experience; you will hear
selections from The Buffalo Springfield as well as Young's early 70's
folk-rock gems.
Larry Green performs his NEIL YOUNG THE TRIBUTE (guitar, harmonica, piano and vocals) as a one man show, performing the acoustic songs of musical genius NEIL YOUNG. He also performs with his acoustic/electric band.
Green has been doing his NEIL YOUNG TRIBUTE for several years and has toured all over the world. Playing as far away as Indonesia, NEIL YOUNG THE TRIBUTE is always true to the studio recorded versions of all of Mr. YOUNG'S songs.
Great attention to detail and authenticity is always the main focus of his shows. Green features the "in-character" between-songs banter, the exact tunings used by YOUNG and even the acoustic stage set (right down to the same oriental rug) seen at YOUNG'S concerts.
Green has had an EAGLES Tribute band open for him on tour and has opened for such artists as Pat Boone, Nicolette Larson and Tom Waits.
According to the SEATTLE TIMES: "There are several NEIL YOUNG TRIBUTE bands and solo artists that play YOUNG'S songs very well. No one sounds as close to the master, however, as Green as evidenced in his live concerts....."
Just listen for yourself!
website: http://neilyoungthetribute.com/
Young & Old - Neil Young Tribute on MySpace Music - Italy: "Ascoltare e suonare la musica di Young è perdersi ogni volta e ritrovarsi alla fine della corsa con una risposta in più e con la voglia di ricominciare di nuovo...è come recuperare qualcosa di cui abbiamo sentore alla fine della notte, nelle immagini silenti dei sogni...è come regredire al primo anno di vita, che è privo di linguaggio verbale, ma ricco di suoni e di colori"
PAINTERS tributo a Neil Young on MySpace Music - Italy: "La più giovane tribute band italiana dedicata a Neil Young, il secondo cantautore più influente nella storia del rock dopo Dylan. I Painters mixano la fedeltà all'originale con la reinterpretazione personale, in un sound sia acustico sia rugginoso... gli amanti del canadese sanno bene cosa significa."
Heart of Rust are a 5 piece Neil Young Tribute band comprising David James, Guitars / lead vocals / Harmonica and Banjo. Zeke Kaval, Guitars and Backing vocals. Tony Fitzpatrick, Bass Guitar / Guitar and Backing Vocals. Steven Fitzpatrick, Drums. And Yi Vei Kok, Pedal Steel Guitar. They are arguably the closest thing to Neil Young that you will find in the UK! Ironically, they come together from all corners of the UK to play together!
Heart of Rust
Got a Neil cover band link?
Drop below.
ps - Post your tribute gigs on Thrasher's Wheat | Facebook
pss - if you're interested in featuring your band over there in the right sidebar, let us know : thrasher ATSYMBOL thrasherswheat.org
(ATSYMBOL = @, spam avoidance)
by thrasher@PermaLink: 11/21/2009 01:09:00 PM
50 comments
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50 Comments:
cover bands are lame
-Marc C
All these cover bands are boring. Do your own thing.
Here we go again! lol Too funny.
I'll jusy keep Booking Shows, ya don't have to be there :o)
Roger LIVE RUST
this is not the greatest band in the world, no
this is just a tribute.
For sure I won't be there. I'd rather be in a Percival gig.
And you've got the hide to call ME a "Sock puppet", Thrash... Oh please!
De Je Vous.. deletin' time again! lol..T.O.N.G.U.E I.N. C.H.E.E.K same as lol.
It is one thing to pay tribute by playing the MAN's songs...that’s all great...but to dress up like him and act like him is just lame-o.
You keep booking the gigs but you should just send the nights pay right to Neil for coping his thing. You should at least get his written permission.
You can still see the REAL thing pretty much every year (thank god for that)
I've seen a good Crazy Horse tribute band once called Rusty Horse. They were great and they did not dress like Neil, Act like Neil, look like Neil, or sound like Neil but they sure played the hell out of those tunes- Ferocious
Tribute Bands are Killing Rock N' Roll! Write your own songs...we need new rock music...BADLY!
Funny how you assume it's all we do? As a Musician, correction, working Musician you learn quickly how to adapt and where you passion lies. A working Musician takes all these things into consideration and adapts to fit either a market or their passion...in some lucky cases, we get to do all of the above, which is where I sit. The very definition of a Tribute Band has nothing to do with people who don't want to see it but rather people who do. You go to see a Tribute Band to see and hear a show paying "Tribute" to the Artist they cover. We never have the luxury of seeing the actual Artist near as often as we'd like.
It is a niche market so to say it is Killing Rock and Roll is simply ridiculous. I don't play Shows when Neil is in town because, yup you guest it...I am at the Neil Concert. These dates are often the single most profitable evenings for a Tribute Band as People leave the Show wanting more, but I take advantage of it as I am actually seeing the Man himself just as you would.
To assume the things you have regarding mine, or anyone else's Tribute is simply narrowed minded. As a matter of fact, to cover some things said...if you know about Venues that have Cover Artists, there is a Fee paid for the fact they have Cover/Tribute Bands...here in Canada it's SOCAN which get a Fee to pay Royalties. The other point...Neil and Crew know we are here and have been kind enough to say to these Bands, or at least some of them (I can't speak for all of them here), Blessings. And as for myself, again I won't say it for others where I don't know the answer...I am doing this, many other Covers and my own thing. Eat a Peach.
Roger LIVE RUST
Good onya Roger! ..and you can come to my place and play dressed up as Neil any time you want!.. as I said on another post..let me know if ya ever come "down under"....
I'll be in the front row..dressed as a Neil groupie of course!!
Keep on rockin in the Neil World!
Doc "the sock puppet"
The fact is, why a tasteless copy when you can have the original ?
For those not happy with the tribute bands..I suggest you look up "tribute" in the dictionary or go to dictionary.com....GET A LIFE...
Roger...and all tribute bands..continue you on...
Jeffry
...and please listen the Young & Old band....go to www.myspace.com/youngtribute
"You'll believe you're at a Neil Young concert"...It makes me laugh.
Another thing is funny :
- "Canada's Best Neil Young Tribute Band"
- "The Most Charming Neil Young Tribute"
- "number 1 Neil Young Tribute Band. "
- "quickly on the rise to the top of the tribute world "
- "This instrumentation allows us to capture the spirit of Young's original recordings" etc etc
"tribute bands are killing rock and roll"--that's a silly thing to say...COVER bands can turn people onto Music they might not otherwise know...but no one has yet explained the need to do the Halloween bit--though Roger is getting close...*I* think the "Halloween bit" is unecessary at least, kinda bizarre and pointless, among other things...and it may be an unfair question, but I can't imagine Roger going to see a tribute band and then saying "I thought I was at a Neil Young concert..." THAT is just plain ludicrous to me, unless one is nowhere near sober...and I ABSOLUTELY defend everyone's right to do what they do, but Neil's MUSIC is all that matters to me...
asg
Again you have assumed it was myself that came up with those comments and headings. They are actually from Press/Radio and People who make comments, as well as sending us e-mails. "Canada's #1" comes from a Vote taken by Press/Radio Members in Ont. The "You'll believe" comment comes from some local Neil Young Fans who were very happy they get to hear their favourite Artist's music more often then actually seeing the Artist, none of us get to see Neil enough. Would we all prefer seeing Neil? HELL YEAH! Me included. Now, the need for how I or anyone does their Tribute is a matter of the type of Gig you are shooting for. Local Pubs you can get away with going in wearing what you wear. Higher paying gigs at larger venues, you can't get a properly dressed foot in the door lol. ok, done defending something I don't need to defend. And on a funny note...my spelling mistakes lol...sorry about that. But the idea is in there. The thoughts flow faster then my spell-check in my head all the time :o) Probably happed here too?
Roger...again lol
Still LIVE RUST
oh yeah, forgot...I saw an Eagles Tribute where I thought, Holy Sh**! I thought it was the real deal. Roger
wow, they were that bad huh?
assuming is a bad habit to get into,and old habits die hard...but I will assume that Roger was paying the EAGLES tribute band the highest possible compliment, and not actually thinking he was watching the actual EAGLES...maybe the word "tribute" implies that it IS about the total package-the songs, the sound AND the look--so be it...I'm STILL not putting anybody down,and I know Roger (for one) does other Musical things...like I said so long ago (and started all this?) it's the Music that matters to me...
asg
You've made your point asg!...
You've apologised to Roger..
Now go and get ya flannelettes on and come to the show!! lol
Now, lets get on with the tributes!!
Doc under "cover"
P.S. Roger your definitely comin' Down under!!!
It's funny. If Neil was in Richmond Virginia last Friday night I'm sure that everyone who went to see me perform my Neil acoustic tribute would have rather gone to see Shakey instead. Hell, I would have too. However, my little following still had the chance to enjoy an entire evening listening to live Neil Young songs while Mr. Soul himself was probably home last Friday night watching his favorite NY tribute bands on YouTube with Pegi.
Long May You Run,
Jeff Taylor
www.neilyoung-tribute.com
Jeff, Do you and Roger actually know each other?....What a great time to amalgamate...
Ya could call yourself, from that dire straits song,......
"covers in arms" lol
Like ya said..you don't have to go to it.. its out there if ya want it
Keep on doin' what ya doin'...I like your conTRIBUTion!
Seeya in Sydney
luv Doc
Hey, I'm in a cover band and we cover Neil. WE HAVE A BLAST. Start a band - never buy another beer again! Me thinks it's all the snobby non musicians who are uptight about the "lame" cover bands! Check out our version of Powderfinger at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vV3n98GUmGQ&feature=related
Imitation, reputedly the sincerest form of flattery.
sausage paws, me thinks yer full of shit. i'm a musician. i know ALL of neil young's songs. it would be VERY EASY to just play his stuff, or someone else's stuff for that matter. it is much more difficult to write and perform your own material.
for what it's worth. happy thanksgiving.
You don't know how to play your own stuff?? lol now that's funny!
Boy,I've come to the conclusion... there's a lot of musicians out there with a lot of VERY healthy egos!!lol
Guitars at 20 paces I'd say!!
doc
I do a lot of Neil's stuff on acoustic guitar. Check me out on You Tube by searching WSD1952. I appreciate all comments and ratings.
it IS hard to play yer own stuff...Neil's songs are on record, they're finished, learn 'em...if ya play a Neil song and someone doesn't like it, will Neil's feelings be hurt? no...but if ya play a song you wrote, possibly pouring yer guts into every word and somebody doesn't like it? yeah, that can hurt...just sayin' asg
Irv Pavlik Jr
I do a Neil Young Acoustic Cover Show I call "Songs in the key of Neil" I'm already playing a wine bar as well as several other venues.You can see performances on youtube I may be the best Acoustic cover of Neil in Chicago.
http://www.youtube.com/irvpav
http://keyofneil.blogspot.com/
Also check out some of the comments I've gotten (-:
Thanks Irv Pavlikirvpav@hotmail.com
Comments On My Dreamin Man Cover
1Jisom
Years of experience is shinning through on this masterpiece..I hear the background vocals in my head..i have put this album to the side, I think I'll spin it tomorrow.. Great Irv...
WestPunker
espectacular master!
la voz tambien muy bien trabajada!
rianillie
hey irv it's brian from borders!
this is stupendous--incredibly punctuated and clear.
i especially dig that harmonic thing you're doing,
john2of5195855 (5 days ago) Show Hide
dude wash your hair grab your guitar smoke a dobie and hit your nearest bar
ianmcgeachy (2 weeks ago) Show Hide
Exquisitely atmospheric. Good performance and playing here...
-Happy Hogmany
all ***
-ian
Mariekesone
That's wonderful ...thanks for finding my channel on you tube and sharing your most great Neil Young sound with me:-)
Its extremely close and So Good!
yourisaforever
Dreamin' man, you sound SO GREAT!
Thanks for sharing!
buniluvr
Bravo! Sorry it's taken me a while to reply. My goal for next year is to make MORE time for my friends and music :) You sound GREAT; all stars to YOU!
Best wishes for a peaceful holiday season.
cheers
julie
williheckaslike
Nice Job Irv ~ All the best ~ Geoff
sbbinahee
Great song , great job! The drop D tuning gives us the ultimate effect!, Thanks
marcoferrikito
Very very great......Ciao, Marco
alrofril
STREPITOSO !!!
5 *
Bravo !!!
Alberto
Anyone playing Neil Young song's is great! He has touched so many people through his passion, that those who are gifted to play music, play, and sing Neil's stuff,anytime I see a Band at a bar I ask if they can play any Neil song's. One time I had asked a Band to do a Neil song, and he forgot the WORDS, and the singer pulled me up on stage to sing the song, it was great, the more the BETTER!!! Baserap
I totally agree w/ Base. If the covers are done with love and talent, they can totally stand alone and be appreciated by anyone with open mind and ears. Some of my all time favorite Neil covers include the following:
Sedan Delivery (The Feelies)
Cinnamon Cirl (Tanya Donnelly)
Computer Age (Sonic Youth)
Like a Hurricane (Kristen Hersh)
Winterlong (Pixies)
To each his own to state the obvious.
I like cover bands of singers or groups I like. the experience is kind of like redefining the music. And in the end it always gives me a new appreciation of the originals.
http://crazyponys.blogspot.com/
Check Out My Latest Neil Cover
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYulsn65j6s
As far as I know I did the first Tribute to Neil Young, ever (1973!), as The Loner and with my electric band, Harvest. I took the last two years off to recharge my batteries so to speak. It doesn't bother me at all to read these uneducated posts knocking what they don't understand. Harvest toured this country twice and did one European tour. I can assure you detractors that for evey one of you against Neil Young Tributes there are at least 20,000 people that are for them and put their money where your mouth is. We played to 5,000 people sell-out crowds so many times I lost count. I wish I could embarass the "musician" that said it would be easier to sound and play like Neil Young than himself and hand him a guitar in front of all of you. It's easy to sit behind your computer and write what you CAN do. These other artists on here have worked very hard. Some are covers, which is cool, and some, like us (we renamed our band NEIL YOUNG THE TRIBUTE which is a Tribute to NY and Crazy Horse who Neil hasn't toured with in years) strive for perfection in sounding and looking like the number one song writer in North America. Some tributes, like 2U, the number one U2 tribute has been known to play sell-out shows in the same cities, the same nights where U2 are playing. If you don't sound like, look like and play like the originals casinos, fairs and corporations will not hire you as a tribute.
We are in Seattle. If it weren't for tributes ROCK WOULD BE DEAD HERE! In this economy, especially, venues cannot afford to hire an original band for fear they have no following. This is what it is and we are playing our favorite music while not only making a ton of people happy but making a ton of $$$!
Check us out: http://harvesttribute.net
We, like Neil, don't like polished videos and posted a couple with all the mistakes and background noise. That's why I love Neil with Crazy Horse!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7mHNSjiPEc
Larry Green
I'm not a tribute guy but I've posted a few covers on youtube.
The Loner
My website
Check out www.AlabamaRecyclingCo.com
This is a Neil Young tribute from the Rotterdam regio in then Netherlands. There are some soundtracks and the web content will soon be available in English
Len from Alabama Recycling Co.
I don't get why some folk don't like tribute bands. Do they like the songs or just the artist? What's the problem exactly?
I play in a NY tribute in Ireland named (predictably, granted) "Harvest".
I started this band because I LOVE listening to Neil's songs and playing them too. I've seen Neiler about a dozen times in 17 years (not often enough in my book), but hey, it's not a competition.
The reality is that Neiler doesn't, and can't play everywhere often, but that doesn't diminished the desire of his fans to hear his songs played live.
We play about once per month in different towns around Ireland and the people who come along are Neil Young nuts and they love what we do, because, we love what we do.
We don't do it for the money, although it's nice to cover the costs. Damn it, I'd play for free if I had to!
Rock on the tributes, you are doing a great job :-)
since 25 years neil young coverband in holland,down by the river with vocals arno widdershoven ,guitar roy oltmans & friends
What a great site! Love Neil! Happy Birthday to him today!!!! come visit me at www.myspace.com/gigibella1964!
We're a NY tribute band from Nottingham, UK - www.rustforglory.com ...we also do our own music www.curtiswhitefinger.co.uk ....have a listen. thanks
Shakey Deal, I believe...from St. Louis, MO.
I have played acoustically Neils music for a long time
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uunI8_H6pN4
I would love to hook up with serious pros
Holy tribute bands! Anyway, Per a suggestion from Thrasher, I just wanted to drop a line here about my music. It is not Neil Young tribute stuff but it is 100% original music that will resonate with you if you are into Neil Young fans and/or any other artists discussed on this blog. Go listen and get a few free downloads here http://planetcorey.com/music . Thank you and I'll shut up now.
I play in a band that covers Neil Young. I don'y look or sound like him vocally.
We play a tribute song to Neil called Mr Young. Written by me (and neil!?).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V923HXdxmgw&feature=g-upl
Neil Young's "Sail Away":
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJw2ndE141k&feature=plcp
Flanders says...
While they're not a NY cover band, Widespread Panic, in their third decade of touring & playing their own nat'chl style of rock & roll have always done a fine job with some choice Neil covers... Don't Be Denied, Mr. Soul, Last Dance, and Walk On come to mind. Since they have a devoted fan base and allow folks to tape shows, you can find many examples from over the years at panicstream.com. The semi-acoustic version from 01/22/96 at the Ten Mile Room, Breckenridge, CO (from their "Sit & Ski" tour of the Rockies) is a good place to start, and a nice soundboard recording... you can find it here: http://www.panicstream.com/vault/widespread-panic-01221996-breckenridge-co/
Cortéz Cortéz video page, Belgian Neil Young & Crazy Horse Tribute Band:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnq1bzkKX_RRTvC_bUmC0xw
kittychiwawa said...Shakey Deal, I believe...from St. Louis, MO.
Great news all!
Comes a Neil tribute with true Midwest flavor. Shakey Deal had reformed with a line up that will deliver the most badass "when I closed my eyes I could have sworn...." tribute band to glide through the prairies. My name is Mark Arnold and I am the new lead guitarist and background (sometimes lead it will turn out eventually) vocalist. I had an explosion of inspiration last year when after almost 4 years of not playing, Neil and Crazy Horse lead my body to learn how to play again. A nerve injury shut down my right arm entirely for 11 months and I still don't have full use of the fingers but after slinging a guitar for almost 40 years I was compelled to get beyond my new disabilities. Forming a Crazy Horse tribute band, as I had not been aware of any (at least not in the St. Louis area and far beyond) was an idea that kept me working on ways to pick with what I had. Well work took over as it always does and the band idea was put on the back burner until a month ago I was pursuing Craig's list and found the opening in Shakey Deal. I still like my band name "More Barn!" but loosing that will be a small price to pay indeed.
The four of us have only had one practice together so far and it blew me away that we were so tight having never met before.
The future is going to bring some special stuff!
I promise to update on this site and link to what we have as soon as we develop our press pack and so forth and next year hope to be able to meet and jam with some of the other fine tribute bands if and when we get a chance to hook up.
In the meantime I am going to include a link to a couple of songs that were my first after my picking hiatus. The songs were done to backing tracks in my basement and recorded live and loud. Cortez includes myself on multiple vocal tracks and one guitar track. Southern man is multiple vocal and three guitar track.
Take it for the roughness that it is considering my lack of playing for those years and forgive the absolute business as I was so excited to play again it was hard to stop.
Just like Neil I've always been a believer in recording live so you will hear some absolute rubbish in me working out some parts but with that axiom also comes moments of pure glory that can only be captured by recording without a net.
Enjoy and keep and ear out for a Shakey Deal coming round.
Mark
Cortez the Killer
Southern Man
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