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Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Ben Harper and Neil Young

Ben Harper


A very cool interview with Ben Harper on his being inspired by Neil Young.

From The Early Show - CBS News, Ben Harper said that the inspiration for the track, "Rock 'n' Roll is Free," came to him last summer when he opened for Young in London:
Harper: He (Young) was singing 'Rockin' in the Free World,' Harper recalls, "and my mind turned into a tunnel. All I heard was 'rock, free, rock, free.' I went back to my room and I wrote the song 'Rock 'n' Roll is Free' in its entirety, I was so inspired by Neil that night."

"Rock 'n' roll has never been as free as it is now, in every sense of the word," he explains. "It's just waiting for you all the time, and it won't cost you to take musical chances, to expand your palette and your mind. It's great to be part of this transitional age that's happening."

"Neil is putting on the great show in the world. And I was just super-inspired that night."

When asked if there's anyone he'd like to record with that he hasn't, Harper thought awhile, then said, "Well - Neil! I haven't actually been in the studio with Neil.

So why not Neil?"

So why not?!

At the Bridge School Benefit Concert in 2004Ben Harper & the Innocent Criminals performed.

musicares-ben-harper-2010.jpg
Ben Harper


Also, Ben Harper performed "Ohio" at the Musicare Tribute to Neil Young as Person Of The Year.

More on music inspired by Neil Young.
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1 comment:

  1. Anonymous5/25/2011 03:16:00 PM

    That`s interesting. Actually I think he was referring to `Hard Rock Calling` in June `09 at Hyde Park, London. Neil didn`t visit Europe last year, as we know.

    I hadn`t heard Ben Harper (and Restless 7) before, and was blown away by them. Next up was Fleet Foxes, then Neil and the band. Neil was really rocking out that night so I`m not surprised that Ben Harper was inspired.

    Sorry to sign out as anonymous Thrasher but I`m having trouble getting into my blogger account.

    Jill

    ReplyDelete

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