Eddie Vedder w/ Neil Young & Mike McCready: "Long Road" on 9/11 Tribute - YouTube

Eddie Vedder with Neil Young and Mike McCready perform "Long Road" on the worldwide broadcast musical benefit telethon "America: A Tribute to Heroes".



Earlier on the night of September 21, 2001, just days after the 9-11 terror attack on the United States, Neil Young performed John Lennon's "Imagine".

More on those unforgettable days on "Imagine", Nine - One - One, Ten Years On: Lennon, Young and Heros Are So Hard To Find.

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Artist Shepard Fairey Occupies HOPE

"Mr. President we HOPE you are on our side."

Before blowing this off as total anti-Obama propaganda, closely read the inscription on the poster and know the backstory.

Artist Shepard Fairey, who designed the Obama "HOPE" poster, the cover for Bridge School Concerts 25th Anniversary Edition , the Henry Diltz' Neil Young print and more, has a new #Occupy Wall St. poster.

In an interview with Shepard Fairey | Global Grind, he says "I’ve subverted my most well-known image which I think is a strong gesture."

This image represents my support for the Occupy movement, a grassroots movement spawned to stand up against corruption, imbalance of power, and failure of our democracy to represent and help average Americans. On the other hand, as flawed as the system is, I see Obama as a potential ally of the Occupy movement if the energy of the movement is perceived as constructive, not destructive.

Cover Art Design by Shepard Fairey
Bridge School Concerts 25th Anniversary Edition


Photography by Henry Diltz
Neil Young and his White Falcon guitar at Balboa Stadium, San Diego, 1969
Neil Young Print by Shepard Fairey

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Pegi Young And The Survivors: "Flatline Mama" on Conan

Pegi Young And The Survivors Perform "Flatline Mama" on Conan O'Brien.

Lots of familiar faces in The Survivors band ... Spooner, Larry & Rick.

Anyone know who the backup singers are?

From earlier news, here's an interview with Pegi Young | AspenTimes.com by Maria Younghans:

There's nothing tentative about the way the album kicks off: the opening track, “Flatline Mama,” is a sassy, funny, rollicking song about a man who wants his woman sedate: “No booze, no pills, no THC/ ‘Cause he wants peace and serenity/ She's a flatline mama,” Young sings in a tune that combines country swing and '60s girl group backing vocals. She moves smoothly into rootsy r&b mode on “Trouble in a Bottle,” and has no trouble slipping into a more meditative space for “No Heart Beat Sounds.” Young does a lovely country-ish version of “I Don't Want to Talk About It,” written by the late Danny Whitten, Neil's bandmate from Crazy Horse. She shows off her confidence on “Gonna Walk Away,” a song about boldly setting off on her own.

Young has a stated attraction for darker material, and that is emphatic on “Bracing for Impact.” But she knows how to lighten the mood: “Daddy Married Satan” might be about severe family strife, but the beat bounces along, and Young sings in a feathery tone.

• • • •

Growing up in San Mateo, Calif., Young was magnetically drawn to what was happening a few miles up the peninsula. “I made my way to San Francisco as soon as possible, in 1968, just after the Summer of Love,” Young, who turns 59 on Dec. 1. She didn't want to simply see Janis Joplin, Jefferson Airplane and Quicksilver Messenger Service perform — though she does recall that, at the Avalon Ballroom, you could wait till 1 a.m., then pay a dollar and still catch the headline act — she wanted to add her own music to the scene.

“I did some street busking, sang with friends in the living room — that's that time,” she said. “People just did that, and I wanted to be in that scene.”

Young never got far as a performer, but she kept writing — lyrics that she often set to music, even if she had no outlet for performing them. “It was just the immediate moment of writing, expressing myself. That's what I had always done,” she said.

In the '70s, while working as a bartender, Pegi met Neil Young, and the two married. (On Dec. 2, they intend to celebrate a momentous anniversary — 33 and a third years together.) In 1978, the couple had a son, Ben, who was diagnosed early with a severe case of cerebral palsy. Any dreams Pegi had of becoming a performing musician were put on hold, as she devoted herself to motherhood and, in 1986, establishing the Bridge School, which is funded in part by an annual concert, headlined by Neil, that has also featured the Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Eddie Vedder and Nine Inch Nails. (Pegi did, however, have a hand in music history, serving as the inspiration for songs on her husband's great 1992 album “Harvest Moon.” The opening track, “Unknown Legend,” is a straightforward tribute: “She used to work in a diner/ Never saw woman look finer/ I used to order just to watch her float across the floor.”)

After the 1994 appearance at the Academy Awards, Pegi joined up with a group of women in her neighborhood to start a singing group. “I had a teepee set up in the backyard, and we'd really practice singing,” she said. “Nancy Hall would bring in music; we'd work out parts — it wasn't just an excuse for the girls to get together.” The group, which numbered around eight, would sing the Everly Brothers, the Beatles, the Mamas & the Papas — “anything with beautiful harmonies,” Young said.

The group, dubbed the Mountainettes, played a few local gigs, once opening for Buck Owens. The group — or at least, four of the singers, Pegi included — were good enough to get hired to be backing singers for a major artist: Neil Young used the Mountainettes on his 2003 “rock novel” “Greendale.” The Mountainettes were also featured on the “Greendale” tour, which made a stop at the 2003 Jazz Aspen Labor Day Festival in Snowmass Village. Pegi has since become a regular on her husband's albums, appearing on 2009's “Fork in the Road,” 2007's “Chrome Dreams II” and 2005's “Prairie Wind.”

Neil has returned the favor, playing some harmonica and guitar, and adding vocals, to “Bracing for Impact.” But Pegi tends to keep Neil at something of a distance from her own songwriting.

“He hears what I'm playing and I hear what he's playing,” she said. “But we write really differently. We write what comes from our own inner selves.”

Pegi is, though, a fan of Neil's, and finds his singular approach to music and career inspirational.

“His ability, his drive almost, to keep changing and let whatever can come in come in, has been a huge influence on me. I don't know what it is about him — he's on the cutting edge of things; he's prescient,” she said. “It's about just making music that's fulfilling for yourself, for you to feel good about, that's true to you, honest — that's all you can do. That's the best lesson I've gotten from all these years, as he goes through different things.”

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Jimmy Fallon: Secrets Behind Dylan & Young Impressions

From Jimmy Fallon shares the secrets behind his Bob Dylan, Neil Young impressions on Leno - Pop2it - Zap2it:

Jimmy Fallon has impersonated Neil Young on numerous occasions covering the "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" theme song, among others.

Last night, Fallon shared the secrets of those impressions with Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show."

Fallon explains that -- aside from their distinct voices, obviously -- the trick is in the harmonica. Where Dylan just blows without abandon into the instrument, Young takes a more discerning approach with a tune and everything.

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Occupy: From 1970 to 2011

Occupy Everywhere
November 17, 2011
Day of Direct Action

Today was another truly incredible day for the ordinary people.

Announced as a day of "Direct Action", the event took on a far larger significance after the illegal and unconstitutional assaults carried out by tin soldiers & Mayor Bloomberg against peaceful, non-violent Occupy Wall Street citizens where Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech & Freedom of Press were suspended.

As reported by Salon‘s Justin Elliott:

A military style raid on peaceful protesters camped out in the shadow of Wall Street, ordered by a cold ruthless billionaire who bought his way into the mayor’s office.

Is it any wonder how we got here? We have all been here before.



Our discussions earlier this week comparing the 1970 Kent State Massacre to the military-police assault in New York provoked a furious reaction in our comments. Here's a typical comment from our friend Anonymous:

The most stupid thing I'v read on this site and have seen many.Lets bring up ohio a few more times this month.Anything Neil stands for he does..anything Neil hates he hates..think for yourself

Twenty-eight Ohio National Guardsmen fired sixty-seven rounds in thirteen seconds, leaving four students dead
Kent State University, Ohio
May 4, 1970

And while tragically four students were left dead at Kent State, fortunately thus far, no one has been killed during Occupy.

But here are the parallels we would like to point out for those who might miss them between events in 1970 and 2011.

• Student unrest due to unpopular government actions
• disproportionate use of force on peaceful, non-violent citizens by a para-militarized domestic police force
• unequal application of the rule of the law between underclass and elite
• a huge trust gap between electorate and elected officials
  
• suspension of key articles in the Bill of Rights: Freedom of Assembly, Freedom of Speech & Freedom of Press
• the use of propaganda and provocateurs to discredit people's movements

Liberty Plaza - New York City
November 15, 2011

Let us just say that we did not come to title our earlier post "Tin Soldiers & Mayor Bloomberg Coming" lightly.

Neil Young -- and his friends Crosby, Stills & Nash -- called out Nixon for crimes & violating the Bill of Rights in "Ohio". Like wise, we're naming names too.

We have chronicled the struggle towards for freedom and justice closely over the past year as truly remarkable as the historic events have unfolded leading to the global occupy revolution.

And we'll say this.

Simply as a mere blogger, we are outraged and will not let this aggression stand.

For example, on Tuesday:

• An NYPD inspector took a press badge from an NBC4 reporter.
• police were not letting press through to Occupy Wall Street protesters and reporters were all blocked from viewing the raid.
• The air space over Zuccotti Park was closed to all news helicopters.
• Journalists were shoved around for being present.
• Reporters and photographers were thrown to the ground.
• AP reporter Karen Matthews and AP photographer Set Wenig were arrested.
• New York Daily News Matthew Lysiak was arrested.
• Jared Malsin, a reporter for the Local East Village, was arrested, even though he showed his press credentials.
• NPR freelancer Julie Walker was arrested.

Crushing what free press we have left is one of the final steps towards fascism.

beware.


Neil Young - Rumblin' (Official Music Video)
"I feel a rumblin' in her ground
I feel a rumblin'
I feel a rumblin' in her ground
I feel a rumblin'
When will I learn how to listen?
When will I learn how to feel?"

Either you are a rebel or a slave.

Freedom ... For What It's Worth and FREEDOM In A New Year.

"First they came for the Communists, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Communist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I didn’t speak up, because I wasn’t a Jew.

Then they came for the Catholics, and I didn’t speak up, because I was a Protestant.

Then they came for me, and by that time there was no one left to speak up for me."
~~Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

peace

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Hanging Backstage with Eddie Vedder & Neil Young

"It's lots of fun to have you there."
Eddie Vedder & Neil Young
Backstage @ Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011
Pearl Jam | Facebook

Hanging out backstage with Eddie Vedder & Neil Young at the Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011.

The official Pearl Jam | Facebook page posted the photo above for Neil's birthday this past weekend along with the caption: "It's lots of fun to have you there."

Our sentiments exactly.

Ed & Uncle Neil. Lots of fun.

More on Neil Young Celebrating Birthday @ Sustainability Forum in Brazil.

More on videos, reviews at Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011 - Reports.

Also, see:
-Our Thoughts on Photo of the Moment: Pegi and Neil @ Bridge 2011
-Official 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights on YouTube
- "Oh! Susanna" - Dave Matthews & Neil Young - Bridge 2011 Concerts - October 23, 2011 - YouTube
- Carlos Santana and Neil Young Backstage @ 2011 Bridge School Benefit
- Highlights of Bridge School Benefit 2011: Foo Fighters Dedicate "My Hero" To Neil Young
- Comment of the Moment: 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights

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Tin Soldiers & Mayor Bloomberg Coming

Liberty Plaza - New York City
November 15, 2011
Freedom of Assembly,
Freedom of Speech &
Freedom of Press Suspended

Early this morning, peaceful, non-violent Occupy Wall Street citizens were cleared under orders of New York City Mayor Bloomberg.

“Military Madness”

Crosby & Nash: Live at Occupy Wall Street

“Military madness is killing our country"



"How can you run when you know?"

Call Mayor Bloomberg NOW at 212-639-9675 to express your solidarity with the occupiers and let him know this action will only make the protest stronger.

"Those who make peaceful revolution impossible make violent revolution inevitable."
~~John F. Kennedy, October 26, 1963

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More on Neil Young Celebrating Birthday @ Sustainability Forum in Brazil

More on Neil Young Celebrating Birthday @ Sustainability Forum in Brazil.



"We are the most intelligent beings on the planet -- according to us."

From a comment by Deborah Y:

You can realize what it meant to me ...

I just missed having at least another Rustie friend right there beside me to share such a priceless moment, because no one here in my city wanted to go with me,just because NEIL didn't come for one of his unique shows ...

of course I wanted to see him on stage again too, but being part of that SWU audience in my own country, listening to every single word he said about the theme was a unique experience ... tell you what, I took a 4- hour trip to get there, arrived at the theater at 6 am ( the forum started at 10.30 !) ...

but I would do it over & over again ! I do hope all those children & young people who were there too have understood his awesome lecture on helping our planet and learned something from HIM !

Thanks for your nice words!

Peace, always!

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Neil Young Celebrates Birthday @ Sustainability Forum in Brazil

Neil Young @ Sustainability Forum SWU
São Paulo, Brazil
Photo via Deborah Yip

So how did Neil Young celebrate his 66th birthday yesterday, you ask?

By being the keynote speaker at the Sustainability Forum in São Paulo, Brazil. No rest for that humanitarian rebel with causes.


Audience sings "Happy Birthday" to Neil

From G1 - Neil Young comemora aniversário no Fórum de Sustentabilidade do SWU - notícias em SWU 2011: (sorry on the some of the translation. Our Portuguese leaves something to be desired. ;) )

The reduction in the consumption of fossil fuels and increased use of renewable technologies for power generation were the main themes of the first panel of the 2nd Global Forum on Sustainability SWU, which began on Saturday (12) in Paulinia, in São Paulo.

With the presence of the musician Neil Young, who turns 66 years and was honored on this day before the meeting with a "Happy Birthday" collective (****see video at link above****), experts stressed the urgency of making massive investments in technologies that emit less greenhouse greenhouse gases responsible for global warming.

Considered the godfather of the event, the Canadian musician stressed during his speech that lasted about 30 minutes, the need to increase the use of biofuels in cars and the export of recalled products can be a villain in the environment. "

"Every time we use products from distant countries, oil demand for transport. It is a positive value which is produced by, "said Neil Young.

Involved with a project that transformed his Lincoln Continental Mark IV, 1959, in a car powered by biodiesel, Young said it was important to engage young people with sustainability. "It starts with you. It is too late for me, "to paraphrase the motto of the festival SWU.

The musician exemplified the impact of climate change with memories that had in everyday life. "Before, I realized that there were more birds now I do not see this much and still nobody knows why," he said, adding that the world will only be protected from the action of people.

In closing his speech, Young thanked the honor he received for the anniversary. "Maybe next year I will come again and sing a song for you," he said to get the word out to another participant, Stausberg Mathias, a spokeswoman for the UN at the event.

Also, see Neil Young: Humanitarian Rebel With Causes.

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2011 Bridge School Concerts Photo Gallery

Neil Young & Dave Matthews
Photo Gallery by Nan Philpot | Facebook

A nice 2011 Bridge School concerts Photo Gallery by Nan Philpot | Facebook.

More on videos, reviews at Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011 - Reports.

Also, see:
Official 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights on YouTube
- "Oh! Susanna" - Dave Matthews & Neil Young - Bridge 2011 Concerts - October 23, 2011 - YouTube
- Carlos Santana and Neil Young Backstage @ 2011 Bridge School Benefit
- Highlights of Bridge School Benefit 2011: Foo Fighters Dedicate "My Hero" To Neil Young
- Comment of the Moment: 2011 Bridge School Concert Highlights
REVIEW: The Bridge School Concerts - 25th Anniversary Edition Set

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