PHOTO GALLERY & Concert Review of the Moment: Neil Young & Crazy Horse @ Albuquerque, New Mexico

Billy, Poncho, Ralph & Neil
Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Albuquerque, NM, Aug 3, 2012
Photo by Steve Snowden/Getty Images North America
(Click photo to enlarge)

From Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Albuquerque, New Mexico concert, a report by Morning Son:

I'm happy to report that the Horse is alive, thriving, and joyous. My ears are still ringing today from last night's glorious cacophony.

I'm so happy.

I was lucky enough to be standing with a friend in the pit, directly front and center, about 10 feet from Neil, last night in Albuquerque. ABQ has been getting hit with triple digit temps, but thankfully clouds rolled in in the afternoon and provided surprisingly perfect weather for this occasion.

I wasn't sure how the Horse would sound after such a long layoff, but just a few seconds into the first tune, "Love and Only Love," my worries were eased and I shouted to my friend, "THIS SOUNDS SO FUCKING GREAT!" It was the Horse at its sonic best. As a Crazy Horse aficionado, it could not have sounded more wonderful. How perfect to see the Horse so close up. I would close my eyes to immerse myself in the magical guitar onslaught, and when I opened my eyes, it was such a visual treat -- almost a shock -- to see the Horse huddled up close right in front of me, like in my living room.

I wanted to convey something that has only been briefly touched on in the reports: I have never seen Neil and the Horse (whether live or in videos) so happy, particularly in the second half of the set. Neil was smiling ear-to-ear for much of the show, as was the rest of the Horse.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Albuquerque, NM, Aug 3, 2012
Photo by Steve Snowden/Getty Images North America
(Click photo to enlarge)

One cause of this is that Pancho kept kicking Neil in the ass. The first time he did this, Neil didn't seem amused, but that didn't deter Pancho, who quickly kicked his ass again. The second time, Neil couldn't hide a grin, and Pancho kept doing it, and Neil was so fucking joyous. I was thinking, "what happened to the Neil who always looks morose and angry?" This must have been Neil's carefree, happy twin brother.

The Horse was deliriously ecstatic. What a joy to see the first show of a tour, when it's all brand new for them! I've done it before, but it was so fun to flip Pancho off and to have him return the gesture during Fuckin' Up.

One thing that has not been reported, that was sweet to see -- at the end of the main set, I could see Pancho and Billy backstage. They were locked in a tight embrace, rocking back and forth, for about 15 seconds,. After nine years, it was their first show with the Horse and they were clearly so gratified. I was so happy for them. What a privilege to see such an emotional moment between two brothers of rock and roll! They had finally arrived back to their place of self-actualization -- it was as if they had been rescued from nine years stranded on a desert island.

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Albuquerque, NM, Aug 3, 2012
Photo by Steve Snowden/Getty Images North America
(Click photo to enlarge)

The new songs were GREAT. Some of the most magical moments came as he sang about first hearing "the magic of Like a Rolling Stone" as well as the Grateful Dead on the radio. These lines elicited much approval from the crowd.

The new lyrics were phenomenal. He sang about wanting to change the world, but not quite getting there (or something to that effect). YOU GUYS WILL LOVE THESE SONGS!!!!

Neil put his heart and soul into the show, and clearly put his all into writing the new songs as well.

I had expected the first part of the show to be Americana stuff (just like the Greendale shows), and Neil played me for the fool by playing only one tune from the album!

On thing that this resident of the Land of Enchantment appreciated is that Neil ended the show by saying "Thank you New Mexico, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Taos, Las Cruces." That was loved by the crowd.

What a magical evening! Seven wonderful world premieres! Eardrum-splitting, glorious Crazy Horse Sound! Neil Young happier than I've ever seen him, ten feet from me! A front and center experience that cannot be duplicated!

I SPENT $33 FOR MY TICKET! I HAVE NEVER SPENT A BETTER $33 IN MY LIFE!

As you can tell, I am in Crazy Horse glory right now!!

DO NOT MISS THIS TOUR!!!!!

Thanks Morning Son!

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Albuquerque, NM, Aug 3, 2012
Photo by Steve Snowden/Getty Images North America
(Click photo to enlarge)

When Neil Young plays with Crazy Horse climates change and storms approach. phenomenal.

— martyn coppack (@partypirate) August 4, 2012

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