Bridge School Benefit Concert 2010 - UPDATED

UPDATE: Neil Young News: The Triumphant Reunion of The Buffalo Springfield, Pearl Jam and Neil Young @ 2010 Bridge School Benefit Concerts


Buffalo Springfield Bridge School Reunion a Triumph
Neil Young hosts Pearl Jam and others at one of the most historic of his annual benefits
Rolling Stone - 10/25/10

From Buffalo Springfield Bridge School Reunion a Triumph | Rolling Stone Music by Andy Greene:

It has been public knowledge for weeks that the surviving members of Buffalo Springfield were going to reunite at Saturday’s Bridge School Benefit in Mountain View, California — but somehow it didn’t seem real until Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay walked onstage and played the opening chords of “On the Way Home.” The three men hadn’t shared a stage together since the final Buffalo Springfield concert in 1968, but as soon as their voices merged, it seemed as if no time had passed for them at all.

Some of the songs hadn’t been performed by anyone in the band since Lyndon Johnson was president, but after a week of rehearsals, the band gave a near-flawless performance. It was the clear highlight of a remarkable seven-and-a-half hour concert.

If the Buffalo Springfield story ends after the second night of the Bridge School Benefit, it will be the perfect final chapter.

Buffalo Springfield - 10/23/10



Wow.

All we can really say at this point is that the night that Buffalo Springfield reunited after 42 years was a purely transportive experience. Tonight -- for a brief moment -- we traveled back to the '60's in the Buffalo Springfield time machine with Richie Furay, Stephen Stills and Neil Young .

And they sounded great and were having the time of their lives. And the audience loved every second.

There really, really was magic in the air tonight.

Buffalo Springfield... Again...


Setlist: Buffalo Springfield - 10/23/10

---

From SPIN.com by Barry Walters:

The music is played almost exclusively on acoustic instruments, and the kids are often sung to directly. There's no glamour; instead, a refreshing abundance of unconditional love.

For What It's Worth Buffalo Springfield Bridge School Benefit 10-22-2010

From USA Today by Marco R. della Cava:

The surviving trio did their late friends proud. Opening with a slightly slowed version of the Furay-led On The Way Home, Stills and Young dutifully fell into supporting roles as harmony singers. The rendition was tight; close your eyes and you could almost be tuning into an AM station from yesteryear.

Buffalo Springfield - 10/23/10
Photo by San Jose Mercury News


Buffalo Springfield - Mr. Soul - Bridge School 2010 Saturday


Photo by Eric Risberg, AP


"Walk With Me" - Pearl Jam w/ Neil Young


Elvis Costello & Neil Young
Photo by San Jose Mercury News


"Nowadays Clancy Can't Even Sing" - Buffalo Springfield, 10/23/10

A comment by John K.:

I just want to say that it is one of the pleasures of my life to be near the stage with these people here tonight.

I have been to 23 of 24 bridge school benefits and I have gone both days which means about 46 shows. Each one filled with the magic energy of good people. From the children to the music and all of us.

It’s a wooden ship we sail together.

---

The 24th Annual Bridge School Benefit Concert will be held this weekend, October 23rd & 24th, 2010.

The annual benefit concert for the Bridge School at the Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA.

Here's the lineup listing of performers for this year's Bridge School Concert Lineup for 2010:



Saturday Lineup:

Buffalo Springfield
Pearl Jam
Elvis Costello
Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson
Lucinda Williams
Billy Idol
Jackson Browne and David Lindley
Modest Mouse
Grizzly Bear

Sunday Lineup:

Buffalo Springfield
Pearl Jam
T-Bone Burnett’s Speaking Clock Revue featuring Elton John & Leon Russell, Elvis Costello, Ralph Stanley, Neko Case and Jeff Bridges
Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson
Modest Mouse
Grizzly Bear

Also, see:
- Previous year's history: Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years


Photos by Thrasher & Thrashette

UPDATE: Neil Young News: The Triumphant Reunion of The Buffalo Springfield, Pearl Jam and Neil Young @ 2010 Bridge School Benefit Concerts

---

Bridge Highlights: "Day In The Life" - Neil Young 2008 Concert

Neil Young "Day In The Life" at 2008 Bridge School Benefit Concert 2008.

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Reflecting Back on Bridge School Benefit Weekend 2009

Pegi & Neil Young
Photo frame Video Highlights of Bridge School Benefit Concerts - 2009

There are many, many things which strike us after attending the Bridge School Benefit shows over the past years.

There's the friends. There's the music. And then there's the kids.

The Bridge Benefit Concerts are not really so much a Neil Young concert, but much more a celebration of a diverse range of bands of up and comers.

Here's some thoughts on Bridge School Benefit Weekend at last year's 2009 concerts...

As Gwen Stefani said after performing, “I can’t believe this is my life.”

For 2009, maybe we didn't have "top caliber acts" because these high profile superstars so overshadow everything else that it becomes hard to appreciate all the other acts. Nonetheless, we found something to enjoy in virtually every set.

Gavin Rossdale trying to be known as something more than Gwen's husband and former Bush front man. Wolfmother's acoustic assault that really got things going each day and their cover of "Don't Let it Bring you Down" was quite respectable. Fleet Foxes soaring harmonies reminded us of some other group we can't recall. ;) Monsters of Folk trading off each others solos in supporting each members' songs. Chris Martin's absolutely charming silliness and incredible piano chops. Sheryl Crow who plays for the heart and takes your soul.

And then the heavy hitters. Jimmy Buffett of Margaritaville drinking songs fame. OK, so definitely not everyone's cup of beer, but folks just love to sing his songs at the top of their lungs. That's cool. It's all about having fun. We always love it when the audience singing drowns out the performer. Buffett did a Grateful Dead cover that seemed to be worthy and "Come Monday"'s ode to the Bay area was quite sentimental.


Adam Sandler & Neil Young perform "Powderfinger"
Photo Gallery by Tim Mosenfelder

Adam Sandler. Talk about low expectations. Jeez. What's this guy doing here? Which is exactly what Adam said when he walked on, clearly awed by the whole experience. And you know what? It was freakin' hilarious. yeah, bizarre and lewd. Did seem to be pretty inappropriate with a bunch of children onstage. But then Neil comes onstage for "Powderfinger". While certainly not music history in the making or one of the all time great moments in rock history, it was still pretty memorable and something that we're sure folks will talk about for years to come.

Which leaves us with No Doubt. Again, wasn't sure quite what to expect. You could hear the 'tweens on the lawn just squealing in delight for Gwen between every quiet moment. Say what you will about Gwen Stefani and her music, but we'll challenge anyone who saw her perform "Just a Girl" on Sunday to not admit it was pure magic.


Gwen Stefani & Bridge Kids
Photo frame Video Highlights of Bridge School Benefit Concerts - 2009

You had to be there to really get it. But what she did was quite wonderful as she strolled amongst each and every kid onstage and sang to them. Watching the kids faces just burst into joy was worth every penny of the trip. It really was that great. And besides, all you could think about was how in the hell wearing those crazy shoes can she even move without toppling over? But she hopped from riser to riser and wheelchair to wheelchair with out missing a beat or breaking leg. After No Doubt's set, we overheard what appeared to be a die-hard Gwen fan say that it was the most awesome thing in her life. Which we guess is lofty praise.

So that brings us to Neil Young. You never really know what to expect with Neil and these annual benefits like Farm Aid. Some years Neil definitely plays things safe and you get the "Sugar Mountain", "I Am A Child", etc. kid/family friendly type sets.

While this year certainly wasn't a risky adventure, it was richly rewarding. This was the first time we've ever made it down into the 100's for a BSB so that was cool thanks to some of the hard working Stub Crew who epitomize the spirit of the Neil community by sharing that which brings others pleasure in such an unselfish fashion.

Back to Neil's sets. How about "Harvest Moon"? We have to say that we called this the year of the "Harvest Moon" and this weekend we got the super grand HM treatment. Pegi & Sheryl Crow on backup vocals just absolutely soared. Larry Cragg on broom. What can you say? Well fuck U2 & Bono and their spaceship laser 3D special effects and give me Larry on short bristle broom handle any day. It just blows the mind that 8 hours into a star studded concert with the hippest VIPs in the San Francisco music industry being treated to some guitar tech support dude with a broom doing a sweeping solo.


Sheryl Crow, Pegi & Neil on "Harvest Moon"
Photo by Randi Lynn Beach/LA Times

So as we listened to a magical version of "Harvest Moon" on warm evening by the San Francisco Bay, we squeezed the hand of the one we love and thought about our friends Gavin, Liza, Steve & Danielle and Mary who all lost loved ones this year. (And we feel very sorry for folks who just don't get the whole Neil & Pegi thing.)

Thank you Neil & Pegi. You made Thrasher & Thrashette's weekend dream come true.

And -- lastly -- the kids. We all say that it's all about the Bridge kids every year. Not the music but the cause. And you just can not come away from the weekend just totally in awe of the spirit and strength of these kids and their families. The struggles they face make our problems meaningless, although that don't make them go away. Which is why we try and take a portion of this sites revenue and donate to the Bridge School.

Wrapping things up here, we really were touched by all of the folks who thanked us for what we do here at Thrasher's Wheat. As we said, it's really not us that makes TW what it is but you -- the readers of this blog. It's your stories, reviews, videos, photos, links, etc that make this Neil community what it is.

So thanks everyone for a truly beautiful uplifting weekend. We love you all.

peace
btr, btc, btw,
thrasher & thrashette

---

Also, see photos, reviews, videos of 2009 Bridge School Benefit Concert.



More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Buffalo Springfield ... Again: Reunion After 42 Years This Weekend
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

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.

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

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.

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

"Powderfinger" by Adam Sandler and Neil Young - 2009 Bridge School Concert - YouTube

Adam Sandler & Neil Young on "Powderfinger" at 2009 Bridge School Benefit Concert.

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Highlights of Bridge School Benefit Concerts - 2009

Part #1

Part #2

Excerpts from the 23rd annual (2009) Bridge School Benefit concerts. Support the school by downloading songs from The Bridge School Collection on iTunes. Visit www.bridgeschool.org for more information.

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

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)

Also, see Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews - 2009

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

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

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Bridge Concert Highlight: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart": Paul McCartney and Neil Young - October 23, 2004

Bridge Concert Highlight: "Only Love Can Break Your Heart": Paul McCartney and Neil Young - October 23, 2004


Paul McCartney and Neil Young
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
Bridge School Benefit Concert - October 23, 2004
Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA
Photo by Kim Komenich of San Francisco Chronicle


Paul McCartney and Neil Young
Photo by Barry Brecheisen

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Buffalo Springfield ... Again: Reunion After 42 Years This Weekend
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Highlights of 2008 Bridge School Concerts - YouTube

2008 Bridge School Concert Highlights Part 1


Part 2

Highlight excerpts from the 2008 22nd annual Bridge School Concerts at Shoreline Amphitheater.

The 2008 lineup:

• Neil Young
• Wilco
• Jack Johnson
• Death Cab for Cutie
• Norah Jones
• Cat Power
• Sarah McLachlan (Saturday only)
• Band of Horses (Saturday only)
• Josh Groban (Sunday only)
• Smashing Pumpkins (Sunday only)

Reviews, photos, video of Bridge School Benefit Concert 2008.

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Buffalo Springfield ... Again: Reunion After 42 Years This Weekend
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

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

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Bridge Kids Announce Concert Lineup

This is pretty special.

The Bridge School News Network Reporters talk about this year's concert lineup!

Thanks BridgeSchooler!

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge Concert Video: "Daddy Went Walking": Neil Young & Sheryl Crow, Bridge School Benefit Concert - 10/25/09
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Bridge Concert Video: "Daddy Went Walking": Neil Young & Sheryl Crow, Bridge School Benefit Concert - 10/25/09

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

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Buffalo Springfield ... Again: Reunion After 42 Years This Weekend

Buffalo Springfield - circa 1967
Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Richie Furay, Dewey Martin, & Bruce Palmer

"Like to see those guys again
And give it a shot
Maybe now we can show the world
What we got
But I'd just like to play for the fun we had"

"Buffalo Springfield Again" by Neil Young, 2000

The Buffalo Springfield will reunite at the Bridge School Benefit concerts this weekend -- 42 years since their last performance together on May 5, 1968 at the Long Beach Arena.

The Buffalo Springfield Again lineup will consist of original members Stephen Stills, Neil Young, and Richie Furay. Bassist Rick Rosas will fill in for the late Bruce Palmer, and CSN drummer Joe Vitale will fill in for the late Dewey Martin.



From Rolling Stone | "Buffalo Springfield’s Richie Furay Discusses Reunion" by Andy Greene:

Two weeks ago, Buffalo Springfield guitarist Richie Furay got a text message from Neil Young that simply said, “Call me.” “I called and he asked me if I’d be up for a reunion at the Bridge School Benefit,” Furay says. “He said, ‘If you’re into it, I think Stephen [Stills] will be into it.’ The three of us then arranged a conference call, chit-chatted for a few minutes, and planned it all out.

The last time I was onstage with them was the last Buffalo Springfield show at the Long Beach Arena back in 1968. Our lives have gone in different directions and I wouldn’t say that we’re close friends, but we’re friends and its an opportunity for us to get together again for a good cause. I’m very excited.”

For What It's Worth / Mr. Soul at the Hollywood Palace in 1967

The impact of Buffalo Springfield's brief but highly influential career still resonates today. Despite existing for just two years -- the notoriously volatile band folded in 1968 after just three albums -- the seminal Buffalo Springfield are considered one of the most influential groups of their era with their unique melange of melodic folk rock, trippy psychedelia and hip country sound. Along with the Byrds, The Buffalo Springfield country-rock sound spawned an entire genre from Poco to Loggins & Messina to Jackson Browne to The Eagles -- arguably the most successful American band of the last 40 years.


Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth (Monterey 1967)

Also, see Buffalo Springfield To Reunite After 42 Years.

Discuss whether this reunion is really Buffalo Springfield?

More on the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

More on The Buffalo Springfield and Neil Young. Also, see Bruce Palmer 1946-2004 and Dewey Martin-1940-2009.

---

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 the upcoming 2010 Bridge School 24th Annual Benefit Concert and lineup listing of performers.

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving
- Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

---

Bridge School Memories: Here We Are In The Years

Paul McCartney and Neil Young
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
Bridge School Benefit Concert - October 23, 2004
Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA
Photo by Kim Komenich of San Francisco Chronicle

This coming weekend, the 24th Annual Bridge School Benefit concerts (see line-up) will be held.

Over the years, the Bridge School Benefit concerts have seen some of the most diverse and eclectic lineups of musicians ever assembled on an annual basis. For 24 years now, Neil and Pegi Young have hosted the concert series which marks the official end of the season for the benefits home venue -- The Shoreline Amphitheater just outside San Francisco, CA.

While there have been some pretty amazing acts and collaborations since the first benefit in 1986, the year 2004 probably ranks right up there at the top of the scale of concert memories. The 2004 Bridge School Benefit Concert featured Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett, Eddie Vedder, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tegan & Sara, Los Lonely Boys, Sonic Youth, and Ben Harper along with Neil Young.

The concert's finale with Paul McCartney, Tony Bennett and other musicians left many with literally tears in their eyes.


"Only Love Can Break Your Heart" - Paul McCartney and Neil Young - October 23, 2004


Neil Young
2009 Bridge School Benefit Concert
Photo by John Shearer/WireImage


"Powderfinger" - Adam Sandler and Neil Young
2009 Bridge School Benefit Concert
Photo by Christopher Victorio


"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
2009 Bridge School Benefit Concert


Pegi & Neil Young
Photo by Steve Jennings/WireImage


Cat Power and Neil Young on "Fortunate Son"
2008 Bridge School Benefit Concert


Wilco
2008 Bridge School Benefit Concert


Neil Young - Photos by Inside Bay Area
2008 Bridge School Benefit Concert


Neil & Pegi Say "Goodnight"
Bridge School Benefit Concert 2007
Photo by Roel van Dijk - Rust Radio


Dave Matthews Band & Neil Young
Bridge 2006 Concert
photo by Craig Abaya


Gillian Welch, David Rawlins & Neil Young
Bridge 2006 Concert
photo by Craig Abaya


Eddie Vedder & Neil Young
Bridge 2006 Concert
photo by Craig Abaya


2004 International Rust Fest
Miron's Photo Gallery

San Francisco Chronicle: Young sings to family of 20,000 at 20th Bridge School concert:

"The Bridge concerts, among many others things, have served to humanize Young and bring out the family side of his life into the public eye. With their son at the bottom of all this and his wife's tireless dedication to creating and building this pioneering school, Young has drawn back the curtain at these Bridge shows on a private life he has otherwise not been disposed to reveal."

Pegi & Neil Young at Bridge 2006 Concert
photo by Craig Abaya

Also, see:
- Performer Lineup for 24th Annual (2010) Bridge School Benefit Concerts
- Bridge School Benefit Concert Reviews, Photos, Videos, etc.
- The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving

---

The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving

Neil Young
MusiCares 2010 Person of the Year

Rarely -- if ever -- has a single artist supported so many causes, for such a sustained period, raising considerable funds and awareness while reaching out to millions and millions around the world.

Earlier this year, Neil Young was honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles, two days before the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. An impressive roster of musicians lined up to honor Young which included Booker T. Jones, Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, k.d. lang, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor, Wilco, and Lucinda Williams.

Recently, we started to update a list of benefit concerts that Neil Young has played over the years that we posted on the Rust list back in 1994. And the diversity of causes is particularly striking. Of course, the two primary beneficiaries of Neil's generosity have been the Bridge School Benefit Concerts and Farm AID. The Bridge School concerts began in 1987 and are to benefit the school for children with severe speech and physical impairments. The Farm Aid concerts began in 1985 and benefit the small American family farm. Farm Aid is the longest running event of its type in music history.

Neil has performed annually at both the Bridge and Farm AID shows and has raised considerable sums for these causes. The performances at these two annual benefits are well documented.


The Farm Aid 4
Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young

But what about the other benefits and causes of the charitable Mr. Young?

Here's what we've found from perusing the indispensable Ghosts On The Road - Neil Young In Concert by Pete Long.

Operation Challenge/ACLU Kent State Project, Cleveland, OH 11/14/70

Prisoners Welfare Fund Benefit Concert, San Francisco, CA, 3/26/72

Red Wind Foundation Benefit Concert, San Luis Obispo, CA 3/16/74


Bob Dylan, Rick Danko & Neil Young

S.N.A.C.K. Benefit, Kezar Stadium, San Francisco, CA w/ Bob Dylan & The Band, 3/23/75

Mike Bloomfield Benefit, The Ritz, NYC, NY, 3/82

Tears Are Not Enough - Canadian Artists Band AID video, benefit African famine victims 2/85

Live AID w/CSNY - Philadelphia, PA, 7/13/85

Greenpeace Benefit - Arlington Theater, Santa Barbara, CA w/ CSNY, 2/6/86

Vietnam Vets Benefit Forum, Los Angeles, CA w/ G. Nash, 2/24/86

Greenpeace Benefit - Auckland, New Zealand, 4/5/86


Neil Young at 2006 Farm Aid Press Conference
Photo by Kim Buchheit

Get Tough on Toxics Benefit, Long Beach Arena, CA, 6/28/86

Greenpeace Benefit Concert, Santa Barbara, CA 2/6/87

Shakin' All Over - Winnipeg Band Reunion - benefited the Variety Club of Manitoba - charity for handicapped children, 6/28/87

Saragaso Tornado Benefit, Manor Downs, Austin, TX, 8/16/87

Hungerthon - Palace Theater, Los Angeles, CA w/ CSNY, 11/12/88

Nordoff Robins Music Therapy Benefit Concert - NYC, NY, 11/17/88


Paul McCartney and Neil Young
"Only Love Can Break Your Heart"
Bridge School Benefit Concert - October 23, 2004
Shoreline Amphitheater, Mountain View, CA
Photo by Kim Komenich of San Francisco Chronicle

Friends of Parents Helping Parents - Santa Clara, CA, 12/88

Earthquake Aid - Cow Palace, San Francisco, CA, 11/26/89

Dallas Taylor Benefit - Santa Monica, CA benefit former CSNY drummer, 3/31/90

California Environment Benefit Concert, Santa Monica, CA, 4/1/90

Nelson Mandela Benefit, Wembley Stadium, London, 4/16/90

Bill Graham Tribute w/ CSNY, San Francisco, CA, 11/1/91

Walden Woods Benefit - Los Angeles, CA, 4/1/92

Children's Health Benefit, Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, LA, CA w/ Simon & Garfunkel, 3/1/93

Save Old Growth Forests - Portland, OR, 4/1/93


photo by Buzz Person

Native American Scholarship Fund Concert - Verde Valley School, Sedona, AZ, - 10/22/93

Voters For Choice Benefit, January 14 & 15, 1995

Walden Woods Benefit concert - NYC, NY, 10/1/95

Multiple Schlerosis Benefit concert - NYC, NY, 10/29/96

BAMA Works Benefit concert - Charlottesville, VA, 4/21/01

Neil Young Performs "Imagine" on 9/11 Tribute

"America: A Tribute to Heroes" 9/11 Telethon, 9/2001

Clean Air Benefit, Vancouver Island Clean-air Benefit, Canada, 9/2004


St. Paul, MN - October 5, 2004
photo by Muriël Kleisterlee and Jos Westenberg

Vote for Change Concert Tour, 10/2004

Adopt-A-Minefield Benefit, Los Angeles w/ Paul McCartney, 10/2004


Hurricane Katrina Telethon: React Now - 9/2005

Hurricane Katrina Telethon: React Now - 9/2005


Neil Young and Fisk University Jubilee Choir

Hurricane Katrina Benefit: "Shelter From the Storm: A Concert for the Gulf Coast", 9/2005


Neil Young, Buckcherry's Josh Todd & Gordon Lightfoot

Live 8 - End Global Poverty, 9/2005

Benefit For Museum Of Natural History in New York City on 16 November, 2005.


photo by Evan Agostini

AIDS Foundation's fifth annual benefit at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Elton John and Neil Young performed together at the October 3, 2006

Cinnamon Girl Benefit: Women Artists Cover Neil Young for Breast Cancer, 2008

Sarah McLachlan Foundation Benefit, Vancouver, Canada, 9/2009


Dave Matthews and Neil Young
Covering Hank Williams’ “Alone and Forsaken”
Hope For Haiti Telethon
Screen Grab by Patricia

Hope For Haiti Telethon, 1/2010

Gulf Coast Benefit Concert Tour 2010

Certainly this is only a partial listing as there are surely many undocumented causes and performances that Neil has supported over the years. But you get the idea. He's got a heart of gold.


Pegi & Neil Young at Bridge 2005 Concert
photo by Craig Abaya

---