2009 Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews

UPDATE - 10/29/09: Video Highlights of Bridge School Benefit Concerts - 2009 and Thoughts on Bridge School Benefit Weekend 2009




"Comes A Time" - All Bridge Performers Finale:
Neil Young, No Doubt, Jimmy Buffett, Chris Martin, Sheryl Crow, Fleet Foxes, Monsters of Folk, Wolfmother, Gavin Rossdale


Photo by Steve Jennings/WireImage


Neil Young performs "Daddy Went Walking" with Sheryl Crow at the Bridge School Benefit 10/25/09

Thanks Tweet, tweet, tweet!


Photo Gallery by John Shearer on Getty Images


"Powderfinger" - Adam Sandler and Neil Young
Photo by Christopher Victorio


No Doubt's Gwen Stefani


Coldplay's Chris Martin
Photo Gallery by Tim Mosenfelder/LiveDaily


Andrew Stockdale of Wolfmother
Photo by John Shearer/WireImage


Photo by John Shearer/WireImage


The Great Pumpkin








Photos by Thrasher

Setlist 10/24/09

Comes A Time
(break)
I Am A Child
Sugar Mountain
Out On The Weekend
Already One
From Hank To Hendrix
Old King
Harvest Moon
Comes A Time

Reviews

From Review: Bridge School Benefit 2009 | A+E Interactive By Jim Harrington:

"What those at Shoreline saw was, by far, one of the most adventurous and eclectic lineups in recent Bridge history. It boasted a mix of hip young bands (indie-folk acts the Fleet Foxes and Monsters of Folk) and mega-star acts (Chris Martin of Coldplay, Jimmy Buffett and No Doubt), most of which were making their Bridge debuts. To go with that influx of new blood, these shows featured a few Bridge vets, notably Sheryl Crow, Monsters of Folk’s Conor Oberst and, of course, Young."

From Bridge benefit: No Doubt's Gwen Stefani tears up; Neil Young wraps up | Pop & Hiss | Los Angeles Times by Randy Lewis:

During No Doubt's set, singer Gwen Stefani had to reach for a tissue after singing "Simple Kind of Life," the song she wrote shortly before having the first of her two kids with husband Gavin Rossdale, who played his own set earlier in the evening. In that song, she wrestled with conflicting drives of career and motherhood, and looking into the faces of the children for whom the yearly fundraiser was launched back in 1986 -- right about the time No Doubt got started -- Stefani choked up.

"This is very emotional," she said. The acoustic arrangements the band used -- including a string quartet for about half the set -- brought out the sweetness and vulnerability of that song, "Don't Speak" and even the usually feisty "Just a Girl." Apparently big girls do cry.

The all-star encore finale performance was 'Comes a Time' -- sort of Neil's version of the 'a time for everything' passage in Ecclesiastes that Pete Seeger long ago transformed into 'Turn! Turn! Turn!' The performance spoke to the genuine sense of community Neil and wife Pegi have created in their efforts to provide help where it's needed.

It's not that Neil is planning to ride off into the sunset anytime soon. But he seems to be taking the requisite steps so that, when he does, he can feel secure in knowing that the work he's begun will continue on.

From Last Night: Neil Young's Bridge School Benefit - San Francisco Music - All Shook Down by Anna McCarthy:

Only the die-hard Young fans stuck around for his set, the final act of the night. But they were rewarded with an impressive show by a performer who proved he can still rock in the free world like no other. Although Young veered away from the song everyone in the crowd was shouting out for him to play ('Old Man'), he has a big enough repertoire of hits to please nearly every fan out there. From 'Daddy Went Walkin' to 'Harvest Moon' to 'Down by the River,' Young had fans out of their seats and stomping out the tunes in unison.

From Rolling Stone: Neil Young Brings Chris Martin, No Doubt to Bridge School Benefit by Marc Hawthorne:

Despite a couple of flubs, Chris Martin from Coldplay sat behind a piano and knocked out what was arguably the finest 30 minutes of the night. Along with a joke about hiding the balloon boy in his cap and getting violinist Davide Rossi (who did the strings on Coldplay’s latest album) to impersonate a horse with his instrument, Martin delivered excellent versions of “Clocks,” “Lost!” (technically called “Lost?” when performed on solo piano), and, most notably, “Viva La Vida,” which swelled the way it was intended despite only having two instruments backing it up. The reason for the “arguably” caveat is because No Doubt fans wouldn’t be wrong in pointing out that Stefani—who, following a day of dudes dressed for comfort, looked stunning in her little black dress—and her men (not to mention the string quartet) had the entire place transfixed. “Don’t Speak,” “It’s My Life,” and “Magic’s In The Makeup” sounded great, and when Stefani mingled with the excited students during “Just A Girl,” it looked like everyone was having the best time ever. Stefani confirmed the suspicion at the end of the song by stating, “I can’t believe this is my life,” and later talked about how inspiring the entire weekend had been and how it was good timing since No Doubt is about to write their next record.

Not surprisingly, things died down quite a bit by the time Neil Young closed the show, but he and Pegi plowed through and ended the show where it began, with “Comes A Time,” though this time it got a triumphant, we’re-all-in-this-together boost from most of the day’s participants.

From San Francisco Chronicle - Edgy lineup energizes Bridge School concertby Aidin Vaziri:

"Still, it was hard to complain when Young finally appeared onstage again some seven hours after his welcoming tune. 'I'd be surprised if most of us onstage didn't get into what we're doing because of Neil Young,' Crow said earlier. Watching Young clench his eyes shut, drop his shoulder down and dig into majestic ballads like 'I Am a Child' and 'Sugar Mountain,' it was easy to see why. Even on an all-star bill like this, the host remained untouchable, if slightly aloof.

With wife Pegi at his side, Young played for a little over 40 minutes before closing the night out the same way he started the day - another rendition of 'Comes a Time,' only this time with all his disciples.

Live Show Review: Bridge School Benefit at the Shoreline Amphitheater, 10/25/09

Thanks J-E on Purple Words on a Grey Background!

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This weekend is the annual benefit concert for the Bridge School at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25, 2009.

Here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2009:

* Neil Young
* No Doubt
* Jimmy Buffett (Saturday only)
* Chris Martin
* Sheryl Crow
* Fleet Foxes
* Monsters of Folk
* Wolfmother
* Gavin Rossdale
* Adam Sandler (Sunday only)

Bridge School Twitter Feed



Neil Young Twitter Feed

Feed above is delayed. Real time Twitter feed is here.

More on 2008 Bridge School 22nd Annual Benefit Concert.

And here's a look back at previous year's Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews.

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In Memory of Johnny Marr: 1961 - 2009

Neil Young at Bridge School Benefit Concert - 2008:10:26
Photo by Johnny Marr

Earlier this year, we lost a great Neil Young fan -- Johnny Marr.

In the most recent issue of Broken Arrow Magazine (August 2009, #115), Editor Scott Sandie wrote a very deep heart felt obituary to the late Johnny -- truly one of the great unsung Neil fans -- who passed away so sadly at the age of 48. Scott brought Johnny's story to life as he looked back at the many contributions he made to the Broken Arrow and the Neil community through his photography and collecting. A very big loss for us all.

Johnny's family has requested that donations be made to The Bridge School -- a cause which Johnny was truly devoted to.

Here's a look back at some more of Johnny Marr's covers for Broken Arrow magazine:

- Broken Arrow Magazine - May 2005 (#98)

- Broken Arrow Magazine - November 2006 (#104)

- Broken Arrow Magazine - November 2008 (#112)

Johnny, we'll all be thinking of you this weekend at the Bridge School concerts.

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Interview with Neil Young on Bridge School Network - Part #5

This week, we're re-posting the wonderful Bridge School kids interviews with Neil Young.

Join the BSN network with anchors Nicole and Alex to learn the latest news from The Bridge School and the community. In this series, BSN reporter Lizzie interview a Bridge School supporter and hero, Neil Young!!

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

Also, see Interview with Neil Young on BSN - Part #1, Part #2 and Part #3 and Part #4.

Also, here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2009.

And, see last year's 2008 Bridge School 22nd Annual Benefit Concert review and a look back at previous year's Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews.

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Photo of the Moment: Spooner Oldham at Farm Aid 2009

Spooner Oldham @ Farm Aid 2009
Photo Gallery by Todd Owyoung on ishootshows.com

It's always a delight when we catch a nice photo of one Neil Young's bandmates. Actually, they're exceedingly rare it seems.

So here's a super shot of Spooner Oldham on the keyboard at Farm Aid 2009, St. Louis, Missouri, 10/4/09 (concert reviews).

Thanks Todd!

More of Todd's photo gallery ishootshows.com.

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Blogging @ 30K'!

OK, we're bloggin @ 30K ft as we wing our way west to BSB w/ Capt e2f on Virgin America w/broadband wi-fi! Pretty cool.

See you @ IRF soon!

Thanks for the tw shoutout e2f!

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Interview with Neil Young on Bridge School Network - Part #4

This week, we're re-posting the wonderful Bridge School kids interviews with Neil Young.

Join the BSN network with anchors Nicole and Alex to learn the latest news from The Bridge School and the community. In this series, the BSN reporters Jack and Colin K. interview a Bridge School supporter and hero, Neil Young!!

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

Also, see Interview with Neil Young on BSN - Part #1, Part #2 and Part #3.

Final Part #5 coming later this week.

Interview with Neil Young on BSN - Part #2

Also, here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2009.

And, see last year's 2008 Bridge School 22nd Annual Benefit Concert review and a look back at previous year's Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews.

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Tribute to Neil Young: Strasburg, Virginia - 10/23/2009

This Friday, October 23, the Neil Young tribute band Jeff Taylor and the Prairie Rust Band will play the historic Strasburg Theater in Strasburg, Virginia.

AN EVENING with JEFF TAYLOR
TRIBUTE TO NEIL YOUNG
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23
Show Time: 8pm-11pm
Ticket Price:$10
18 and over

For more information, visit: www.neilyoungsoloist.com.

We saw Jeff and his band earlier this summer and can highly recommend as an enjoyable evening with a full range of acoustic to electric.

Have fun Jeff!

And if you ever have a Neil tribute gig planned, feel free to let us know so we can pass along. Contact us: thrasher ATSIGN thrasherswheat DOT org

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Interview with Neil Young on Bridge School Network - Part #3

This week, we're re-posting the wonderful Bridge School kids interviews with Neil Young.

Join the BSN network with anchors Nicole and Alex to learn the latest news from The Bridge School and the community. In this series, the BSN reporters Collin P. and Raul interview a Bridge School supporter and hero, Neil Young!!

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

Also, see Interview with Neil Young on BSN - Part #1 and Part #2

Also, here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2009.

And, see last year's 2008 Bridge School 22nd Annual Benefit Concert review and a look back at previous year's Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews.

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Comment of the Moment: "Best Kept Secret"

The Neil Young Comment of the Moment is from Psychic Ills and On The Beach by BIGCHIEF:

Neil Young is an artist's artist.There is no conceivable way to measure his influence over the years especially in the late sixtys/early seventies in the so called 'country rock' genre. It still pains me whenever artists who were obviously influenced by Neil fail to give him his props in interviews. To me he has always been musics 'best kept secret'.Lately, however, it seems that more and more giants in the industry are coming forward acknowledging their respect such as Dylan, McCartney, Springsteen. When asked what C.D. he had in his car stereo right now, Bob Seeger replied 'Silver & Gold'.

We all know that out of 600-700 songs, radio plays the 6 or 7, never deviating and giving exposure to the more obscure songs. I suppose he will remain our 'best kept secret'which probably is the way it should be since he never intended to manufacture his career for mass appeal .. the fans that he has are truly his fans - we get it. That's the beauty of this site to be able to celebrate his legacy with other like minded fans in a way that was once limited to a concert venue.

Even Elton John said he almost pissed himself during a duet performance with Neil. McCartney bowing down before him during 'A Day In The Life'? I mean, come on!.. Dylan recently visiting his childhood home? and so it goes with all of my suppressed zeal, I have to consciously refrain from spreading the gospel according to Neil because, quite frankly, after 40 years they still just don't get it!"

Thanks BIGCHIEF!

More on Neil Young's influence on Psychic Ills and On The Beach.

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Interview with Neil Young on Bridge School Network - Part #2

This week, we're re-posting the wonderful Bridge School kids interviews with Neil Young.

Join the BSN network with anchors Nicole and Alex to learn the latest news from The Bridge School and the community. In this series, the BSN reporters interview a Bridge School supporter and hero, Neil Young!!

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

Also, see Interview with Neil Young on BSN - Part #1

Also, here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2009.

And, see last year's 2008 Bridge School 22nd Annual Benefit Concert review and a look back at previous year's Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews.

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Comment of the Moment: "Flock of sheep" Fans

The Neil Young Comment of the Moment is from the thread on We Went to a Football Game and a Neil Young Debate Broke Out which somewhat surpsing ly generated a fair amount of nice quality comments. From D.I. Kertis:

I don't hold Neil's lyrics to the same conventions as storytelling -- a clear narrative and coherent story -- because most of his songs don't tell stories. Neil Young is first and foremost, in my mind, a rock 'n' roll poet. That's what he writes -- poetry set to music. That's pretty much what lyrics are, right?

Like poetry, Neil's songs, more often than not, are about evoking a feeling that the listener can hopefully relate to, rather than telling a story. Neil himself has said this, in Shakey as I remember: "It gives a feeling", or some such thing. And if something someone writes or says makes you feel a certain way, that to me is one of the chief indicators of art.

And that is what poetry is all about-- feelings: expressing them; evoking them. That is what Neil has always been able to do best in my mind (well, that and getting darnedest noises out of an electric guitar but that's a separate thing.) Now if, say, Rich from Atlanta, doesn't "feel" it the same why I, or another longtime fan, does, that's fine. It's perfectly natural: different people think and feel differently and art effects people (or doesn't effect them as the case may be) individually.

I think Neil would be pleased that not everyone shares the same reaction to his work, and that there are both praising and critical responses. He's all about free thinking after all. I imagine the last last thing he'd want is for people to act like a flock of sheep and say he's great rather than thinking it through for themselves.

Even then, there have been times when Neil's songs have told coherent stories. There is one particularly great example of this as a matter of fact and it's from the last few years to boot: Greendale. If you listen to the lyrics, you can pretty much follow the story, right? It's not Shakespeare but it's coherent. Neil CAN write like that when he wants to. However, I think it's clear he doesn't especially want to and doesn't think he's that great at it, or we'd have more albums like Greendale. But he doesn't and, frankly, I agree: while I enjoy Greendale and find the story inspiring and the music exhilarating, the poetic side of Neil's writing was compromised throughout that album in an effort to tell the story in a straightforward manner. The intent of Greendale wasn't to be poetic, but nonetheless, I found myself missing that element of Neil's writing from time to time with that album as there were occasional instances of awkward phrasing ([Jed shot Carmichael] in a split-second tragic blunder.")

In short, Neil's songs don't need to convey a coherent narrative. In fact, they are usually at their best when they don't. For example: Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing. This is a song that has grown on me since recordings of Neil himself singing it have been made available. It doesn't tell any kind of story the listener can follow but it clearly expresses anger, frustration, paranoia, loneliness, and despair. Communicating a feeling is the essence of poetry and Clancy is Neil at his finest.

D. I.

Thanks -- as always -- D.I.!

More comments on We Went to a Football Game and a Neil Young Debate Broke Out.

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Interview with Neil Young on Bridge School Network - Part #1

This week, we're re-posting the wonderful Bridge School kids interviews with Neil Young.

Join the BSN network with anchors Nicole and Alex to learn the latest news from The Bridge School and the community. In this series, the BSN reporters interview a Bridge School supporter and hero, Neil Young!!

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

More on 2008 Bridge School 22nd Annual Benefit Concert.

Also, here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2009.



And here's a look back at previous year's Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews.

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Comment of the Moment: "Marries sound and meaning in a very unique way"

The Neil Young Comment of the Moment is from We Went to a Football Game and a Neil Young Debate Broke Out by Anonymous:

I've made a living as a writer for almost twenty years in a wide variety of genres and have published widely - essays, non-fiction, columns, magazine features, history, poetry, etc. I listen to Neil almost every day. And as a WRITER, a user of words, I have to say that he has been as influential to my career as any other writer.

He listens extraordinarily well, and marries sound and meaning in a very unique way, to the point that he is not always trying to be a dictator of meaning, but lets it go to find meaning itself. In one stays mindful the sound of words can lead the meaning astray from where the writer thinks it is going beforehand - I think Neil is confident and experienced enough that he sometimes allows the sounds of words that power, to determine meaning, and that intended meaning does not always determine the words.

Some of my own most successful work, both in an aesthetic sense and commercially, is when I've been listening closely enough to let go in this way and let the words themselves determine meaning - not me - to discover what I really meant all along. As the poet Jack Spicer once wrote, a poem has 'an infinitely small vocabulary.' There is only one word that can fit at each place, and Neil is sometimes as good as it gets at finding the one word, or rather, allowing the word to find him.

Thanks Anonymous!

More on We Went to a Football Game and a Neil Young Debate Broke Out.

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