Concert Reviews of the Moment: Neil Young in Spartanburg, SC, May 30, 2010

Neil Young with Pearl Jam T-Shirt
Spartanburg, SC, May 30, 2010
Photo by Tim Kimzey

Without a doubt, what has to be the best reviewed show of the Twisted Road tour thus far, seems to be the Spartanburg, SC, May 30, 2010 concert.

The 19 song setlist is the longest concert on the tour. But apparently there was more to the evening than just the setlist. It seems everyone was in a great mood -- both the audience and Neil.

Here's just a small sample of comments.

From Lauren Ellis:

I'm 19-years-old, and have loved Neil's music since before I could walk.

I've lived in the south all of my life and have therefore never had the opportunity and privilege to be at one of his shows.. Last night was the most incredible experiences of my life.

I told my family jokingly that I was going to be like the girls during Beatlemania.. Screaming and crying. Little did I know that the moment I saw him walk on stage, it was no longer a joke. I spent much of the show singing and dancing... and silently crying, because I never thought I'd have the immense joy of seeing him in person.

He's been my hero and my musical companion since I was young, and through him I will always be forever Young. Don't be denied? WON'T be denied. Thank you for a wonderful show, Neil. I love you.

From Anonymous :

In my 32 years of concert attendance, seeing some of the best musical acts out there... the concert of my lifetime. From the opening strains of hey, hey to the amazing encore- Heart of Gold and OLD MAN. Thank you Neil for a magical evening that has enriched my life. God bless you!

From NYAS No. 6162:

At the break we noticed Ben seated behind the sound board which brought us a big smile. Neil opened with the usual 3 oldies well done and well recieved. I quickly filled my wife in on the story about L.A. and Ben for the next song You Never Call. This was incredibly touching and funny ( All we do is work work work.) Especially when he gives a look and a smile at Ben upon singing his name. Then Love and War to follow. WOW!! He just couldn't be any more open at this point. I've lost track of the song order my mind its all blending together. He goes to the little upright piano right in front of us.

He tells the crowd how most of us probably have little ones about now and that his is about this high, a year and three quarters old walking and making music. This song is about her so be quiet shes a little shy around crowds we don't want to scare her away. Leia is beautiful and funny as he turns to the crowds at is anticdotes. the mostly aging crowd loves this one he starts towards the back of the stage to the pump organ and his back is to us as someone hollars out Dennis Hopper.

He stops in his tracks and repeats the name through his harmonic mic. Moves towards the organ and says this ones for Dennis. I wonder how he'll do it as if the last 3 songs weren't enough. ATGR starts with an extra shake in his voice but keeps it together throughout. As he is applauded for his effort I saw what looked like he wiped with his left finger a tear? Sat for a little while longer got up and nodded in satisfaction.

I didn't even know the Hitchhicker existed. To bring this one back sounded like owing up to his past for me. Very powerful! Those were the highlights for me. Cortez and Cinnamon Girl were different and fun.

Some confusion when he came back for the encore on which quitar he wanted or what song he settled for the acustic and said this ones for the young girl that was sitting behind us. ( She yelled our Heart of Gold after almost every song.) She got it. Then he said this ones for the girl on the other side and played Old Man. I'm thinking he can't leave out Walk With Me and he didn't. So we were blessed with 3 at the end not just one. He left the Gretch ringing on the stand and back to the mic and said again Walk With Me.

Thanks Neil!!! It was priceless!!!!!!!!

God Bless troops past and present, NYAS, TW, Neil and his crew. NYAS No. 6162

More comments and reviews of Neil Young in Spartanburg, SC, May 30, 2010. Also, see more on Neil Young's "Twisted Road" Concert Tour Reviews.

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