The Essence of "The Doubters": Neil Young & Crazy Horse Concert Reviews
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
A Day On The Green, Hunter Valley, AUS - Mar 9, 2013
Photo by Davey Bob
(Click photo to enlarge)
If one were to follow some of the reviews of the current Neil Young and Crazy Horse of Australia & New Zealand Tour, one might come away with an impression that the tour isn't terribly successful.
We've certainly observed this disconnect between the actual concert experience and the post concert followup in the out of touch and irrelevant mainstream media. Last year, Neil Young himself took to the stage and flatly proclaimed "Fuck the doubters" and we've since chronicled the saga of Doubters and Believers in the Neil Young fanbase.
The latest example is on the Neil Young & Crazy Horse concert at A Day On The Green, Hunter Valley, AUS on Mar 9, 2013. This totally absurd example of rock and roll journalism malpractice comes from REVIEW: Neil Young difficult pill to swallow | Newcastle Herald by IAN KIRKWOOD.
One can read the review and pretty much know instantly, the reviewer -- IAN KIRKWOOD -- knows absolutely nothing about Neil Young & Crazy Horse, music criticism or fundamental journalism. It's doubtful the reviewer even attended the concert based on the fact that the review includes the following:
Online this morning, the reviews have been mixed.But then if you actually go to Day on the Green Facebook site , here's what you find (as others have noted): There are a total of *2* review comments on Facebook, one positive by "Tiller" with 7 likes and one negative by "Benny" with ZERO likes and 8 comments by folks ridiculing him.
But this on the Day on the Green | Facebook probably sums up the reaction:
‘‘. . . if the booing wasnt enough as a guide that the crowd wasnt enjoying the concert. Singing "you’re a f..k up" over and over again for half an hour. We left prematurely. Was NOT worth the price we paid.’’
So how did the Newcastle Herald editors manage to let this "balanced" reporting make it into publication? Good question. If not clear already, one must understand that the media is a corrupt enterprise verging on collapse due to their lies and false narratives.
All that aside, certainly The Alchemy Tour has polarized the audience based on expectations. And the negative reaction is actually a good thing because it proves that he doesn't just give the audience the hits and leave the stage. No what happens at a concert, is that Neil Young truly challenges his audiences.
Adelaide, AUS - 3/5/13
Photo by Rhythms (rhythms.com.au)
(Click photo to enlarge)
Well, here's a review from Rhythms (rhythms.com.au) by BRIAN WISE of the Adelaide, AUS (3/5/13) concert:
Of course, I knew basically what to expect – a loud, electric show framed around the Psychedelic Pill double CD – but that was way more than some of the people sitting around me knew. The chap next to me hoped that Neil would do a lot of songs from Harvest (the only Young album he owned) and was surprised when I suggested that might not happen (he did do ‘Heart Of Gold’ to rapturous applause).Now that's a review written by someone who attended the concert. As opposed to the lazy hacks at Newcastle Herald.
Then, after Young played a new song someone yelled out, ‘This is boring, play your old songs!’ Some people still just don’t get it. Not that Young is too concerned. As he has written, he has the urge to constantly move on. Luckily, there are enough of his fans who have also moved on.
...
Perhaps the surprise of the night was an extended version of ‘Fuckin’ Up’ with Frank Sampedro improvising lyrics, singing doo wop at one point, and the audience encouraged to sing the line ‘Why does he keep fuckin’ up?’ back to Neil. It was kind of cheesy, but funny.
A great, rocking ‘Mr Soul’, another obvious crowd favourite, led into a fabulous and grungy version of ‘Hey Hey My, My (Into The Black)’, the final song.
The encore of ‘Like A Hurricane’ was also an unexpected treat and was elongated to the point where you felt that Young just did not want it to end. There were more false endings than a TV drama series. Billy Talbot knelt and placed his bass next to the speaker to extract more feedback, while Young placed his (with shredded strings) against another. Unfortunately, after 15 minutes, it did end after Young intoned the line ‘Once I thought I saw you’, and gave it a dreamlike sonic quality. Stunning.
I’ll think of a better word to describe Neil Young & Crazy Horse live, but for now ‘awesome’ will just have to do!
Lastly, we all know that Neil never, ever reads reviews. Just because he's suddenly including semi-obscure songs like "Opera Star" and "Prisoners Of Rock 'n' Roll" is purely coincidental. After all, what could the following lyrics have to do with "Doubters" and "Believers" debate, we ask???
"Opera Star"
"Some things never change,"Prisoners Of Rock 'n' Roll"
they stay the way they are.
You were born to rock,
you'll never be an opera star
Some things never change,
they stay the way they are."
"People tell us that we play to loudSo here you go, this is for all the doubters.
But they don't know what our music's about
We never listen to the record company man
They try to change us and ruin our band.
That's why we don't wanna be good
That's why we don't wanna be good
We're prisoners of rock and roll."
And this is for all the believers.
Labels: neil young
by thrasher@PermaLink: 3/10/2013 11:58:00 AM
41 comments
>> Pre-Order on Amazon.com << 
Human Highway
Concert Review of the Moment
This Land is My Land
FREEDOM In A New Year
*Thanks Neil!*
![[EFC Blue Ribbon - Free Speech Online]](http://www.thrasherswheat.org/gifs/free-speech.gif)
The Unbearable Lightness of Being Neil Young
Pardon My Heart
"We're The Ones 
Thanks for Supporting Thrasher's Wheat!
This blog 
(... he didn't kill himself either...)
#AaronDidntKillHimself
Neil Young's Moon Songs
Civic Duty Is Not Terrorism
Orwell (and Grandpa) Was Right
What's So Funny About 
41 Comments:
Saw Neal at Monday concert at Red Rocks last year. Never forget it. Loved the whole experience! Yes,my wife, Mz. Natural, still brings it like a Psychedlic Pill. Keep on staying Young.
Thrasher, I think some of these people are a bunch of idiots too. In my opinion this is the best tour in many years. But so what? Don't waste your time upsetting yourself over something (someone else's opinion) that really doesn't matter anyway.
@12:41:00 PM - thanks. Sure, it don't mean that much to me or the other hard core Neil fans.
But to the casual observer, one could clearly get the impression that the tour is less than stellar from various outlets. So we do what we do to try and blog the truth. Not really a viable formula for today's vapid world, but something we can live with and find rewarding.
Light a candle.
peace
Thrasher, don't you see?
“It's all illusion anyway.”
ny
We all love it when Neil goes out on the edge, with these looooog live versions of new songs. But surely when you go out in the edge you can't expect everyone to follow you.
When a performers says "fuck the audience" and proceeds to do things that will clearly not appeal to middle of the road, you can't a uniformly enthusiastic response. You just have to be happy if it works for you.
This is not complicated.
Brilliant show at 'Winestock' in the Hunter Valley last Saturday night. The new songs sounded great live and the old classics as good as ever. Beautiful venue too... highlight of my trip to Oz so far...
HOW CAN YOU DOUBT BOUT THE HORSE. THE HORSE IS ROCK AND ROLL, FUCKERS.
Understand where you're coming from, Thrash, but you really hurt your own credibility with your leaps of logic - I don't like what this reviewer says, therefore he must not have actually gone to the concert, since everything in the media is lies anyway. (Still trying to wrap my head around why misrepresenting online commentary after a show would be evidence of non-attendance. Or why you would expect an opinion piece like a review to be "balanced reporting.")
It's sort of like the other day when you said that people who don't believe in global warming (misguided though they may be) are "trolls paid by the fossil fuels industry." Hate to break it to you, but not everyone is going to agree with you, and those who don't likely came to their opinions as sincerely as you came to yours. If you're really trying to convince the "casual observer," a less shrill tone certainly wouldn't hurt. (Not that casual observers will be coming here, anyway; let's face it , you're preaching to the choir.)
p.s. - and as for the encores, methinks the boys are just having fun.
Was at the gig. Worth the twenty year wait to see him with the Horse. Was a couple of guys bitching, screw them. Vast majority were in to it. I saw no one leave. Everyone was laughing and joining in on Fucking up. Great to see the guys having fun and improvising. Guitar sound like no other, and plenty loud enough. Transcendent.
@ 04:51:00 PM - thanks for the thoughts and certainly valid points.
We're definitely more than willing to listen to anyone who can explain our cognitive dissonance.
Why are we hearing that "folks are leaving the concerts in droves" and then reading comments that "they never saw anyone leave before the end of concert". Or encore photos show a full house?
Just trying to understand. So if you can help out - great!
Apologies on the shrillness. Sometimes that's just the way the truth can come across if one's mind is closed, we suppose.
peace
Doubt the fuckers
I was at this concert and agree. Neil young looked like he didn't give a fuck about his audience. He lost people by playing some of his worst songs and stretched them out. It was painful to sit through. I too went to listen to his great songs from the past. But was really disappointed.
The reviews from the shows down under are similar to those in Canada and the US .
Some are blown away ( as I was ), and some are disappointed .
Who the hell is anyone to tell another , how they should feel .
To those that use words such as
" peace and love " and then proceed to degrade those with individual free thought .... Shame on you .
I suppose when one starts , and controls a website , there must be a huge responsibility , and the potential to abuse ....when one doesn't like what he reads , he can climb up on his soap box , and hide behind the true meaning of freedom ...... EH !
@EH - my good friend, you're missing the plot here @ TW.
We've got no problem whatsoever with folks who go to Neil concerts and don't have a good time. That's there problem, not ours.
Where it becomes our problem is when they come here or go out and publish false info.
That's the point of this post.
The problem with Newcastle Herald's review by IAN KIRKWOOD is that it is plainly factually false. KIRKWOOD writes that reviews are "mixed" and a Day on the Green | Facebook post "sums up the reaction". But it does not. Anyone who goes to the page will not see a mixed reaction or that the cited comment sums up opinion in anyway. Its false. Made up. Lies.
And that's what we have a problem with here @ TW. We're all about the wheat... the best of the truth. Leave the chaff behind to the Newcastle Herald's and IAN KIRKWOOD's.
Really, we're not trying to be shrill here.
The larger point is that we're all totally bombarded by absolute BS constantly. And what are we doing about it to stop the madness? Pushing back? Or just quietly going along?
Sincerely, we do appreciate you and others keeping us on our toes. If only folks put as much energy in holding their elected leaders accountable as their rock & roll heroes...
It's all about finding out the real truth. Open your eyes and ears and you'll be surprised by what's really out there. We know we're constantly amazed everyday.
As noted above, “It's all illusion anyway.”
I was disappointed. Very self-indulgent. I know he moved on decades ago, but a lot of people paid to hear some of the early stuff. His rendition of Heart of Gold had no heart. My guess it's he's lost connection with his old music.
Very disappointed in Perth
Sydney Morning Herald
Ragged glory of an uncompromising performer
"Welcome to the ditch. We do hear Heart of Gold tonight, half a dozen songs and just under halfway into this two hour and 20 minute set. But some audience members didn't make it that far, shifting uncomfortably in their seats and finally taking a hike out of the Ent Cent with puzzled faces and buzzing eardrums. They obviously failed to read the three words after the name Neil Young on their ticket – “and Crazy Horse”."
http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/ragged-glory-of-an-uncompromising-performer-20130311-2fuz7.html
yeah, they obviously failed to realize it was billed as Neil Young and Crazy Horse! ha
You pay for "this" and he gives you "this". Surprise!!!!!!!
Neil with the Horse. Got what I wanted and expected. Brisbane show was great.
Have to admit Rocky Racoon's post had me laughing out loud ... I agree blogs like TW are necessary to hold the mainstream media accountable otherwise they make up their own reality, misrepresent the facts, and totally slander people unabashedly ... the media can be incredibly corrupt and thankfully these days we have blogs to refute them ... 20 years ago a few of these jerks literally held the poison pen and made and ruined reputations ... those days are long gone and some of these faker critics now realize they'll be taken to task for their lies held accountable for their slander ... I'm with Thrasher on this big time!!!
Also, having seen a couple of these shows in the States I think a serious fan who is even slightly open will have a hard time not leaving these shows satisfied if not totally blown away. I have no doubt that history will judge this tour among the best in many many years. As for the complainers and doubters ... man I feel sorry for them, they're really, really missing out.
the best Crazy Horse song and a damn fine version. Frank even has the same Hendrix T-shirt. Probab ly not washed since or ever. Dont tell me Sedan Delivery doesnt Walk like a Giant over Ramara Inn. Please, or the hokey Twisted Road. That song makes me wince everytime. Ive seen NY 29 times, Im a big fan and I sometimes DOUBT.
Come off your pedestals, maybe misspelled, sorry.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdUC_GU4hYw
2nd best Crazy Horse tune, look at Bill ! He looks like a young Sopranos character, cound have replaced Benny. Oh Crazy Horse, what happened ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvymfWOAi-o
Country Home, stir the pot since you asked, kindly TW
I hope you ain't all tarring all Aussies with one brush, I for one enjoyed the NYCH and think they have reached a new level, over the years, regarless of the country he plays, you have and always will get the believers and doubters, not many beliebers mind you :)
I am ashamed of some of the poor journalism, it is obvious that the writer took a look at some negative comments made from the wine sipping crowd, took these and ran a review, not much can be done, everyones experience will be different and whilst we dont want a fanboi writing the review where Neil can do no wrong, we seek an honest, balanced, researched, experienced and informed view of the show to read about
This wont stop Neil coming back and the people who appreciate him coming back, Ill be back I dont care about anyone else, and neither does Neil
As for F**** Up going for half an hour, that is an exaggeration, like most of the comments from jaded and dissapointed concert goers. Heart of Gold in a Crazy Horse show is as big a concession as your going to get
Why Neil and CH chose to play A Day on The Green adds to the history of puzzling moves Neil has made, it is nowhere near the Horses element, the arena gigs that I went to, on the other hand were and are the Horse at their best
Keep on rocking
To me it is all quite simple, if you don't like the Alchemy shows then you are not a Neil Young fan.
Oh, you may like some of his albums, maybe Harvest, Comes a Time and Harvest Moon; but that does not make you a fan; same goes for the reverse, if you only like Zuma, Ragged Glory etc.
In my mind, to be a fan you need to like or at least appreciate what Neil does in all his many moods, and if you can't enjoy the current tour then you are not a 'doubter', just a part-time fan - and there is nothing wrong with that.
For my part - blown away in Sydney :)
Here's part of a song I'm writing entitled "fucking doubters".
So here's a song for all you fucking doubters
You, DECADE on the dash, play me "old man" shouters
I've kept it short so you can stay awake
With familiar chords so we don't make a mistake
And when we're done I ask that you kindly leave
So we don't disappoint, and don't deceive
I'd rather focus my attention on those who believe...
In response to the Newcastle Herald's atrocious review of the Hunter Valley show, here's Reverb magazine's review of the same show http://www.reverbstreetpress.com/online/live-review-neil-young/
Well I for the life of me cannot figure out what the problem is.I have seen Neil Young 4 times in the last 25 years and have to say that last nights concert at the Sydney Entertainment Centre was fantastic.Not a mouldy oldy show,but an up to the minute gig.As far as I'm concerned the show ended too soon,nothing seemed to drag and it was full of energy.Neil Young and Crazy Horse are just that and it is a treat to see them play anything.By the way we were about 25 feet from the stage and to me it felt like a good ol' pub gig.I guess all I can say is that if you didn't like it then thats a shame,but thats what makes this world an interesting place,in that we are all different.So dont stress about it,there are far more important things to worry about.And finally,Thankyou Neil Young and Crazy Horse for a fine evening.
From Tommy at Sydney
I was at Sydney last night, along with my two "children" (now 23 and 22), and wife. The kids have been brainwashed about Neil Young from an early age, among other things. They have had their own minds a very long time, both Engineers now, and have experienced many rock concerts all over the world. They have seen Neil before, at the Big Day out, a few years ago. I have seen Neil five times previously...Neil and the Horse were at another level last night. The performance was both stunning and refreshing. It's the happiest I have ever seen Neil and he was completely engaged with the audience, as were the rest of The Horse.
This is what I do not understand Trasher...How can two young adults know Neil and Crazy Horse is VERY different to Neil and some other band composition...and they can get what he is about? Independently, they both loved it, and importantly for different reasons. By contrast, "fans" of 40 years (apparently) are surprised that Neil does not play their favourite songs like they want them to sound? Or that he plays too many new songs. My guess is that no matter how young or old you happen to be, it is important to go to a Neil Young concert appreciating that you are not going to see what Neil Young WAS like...but rather where he IS going! Moreover, as many believers have stated, this is Crazy Horse. At Sydney, maybe 300 or so people left early (out of 11 000), perhaps 30 of these were on the GF. Given the comments from Brisbane I was curious to say the least. It seems to me Thrasher, some folk will (always) never be happy with Neil...and it is more likely to be the case when he is with Crazy Horse. Why, there are believers and true believers I suppose. The latter are more balanced, respectful and GET IT. And perhaps Neil has helped create this situation...but I guess he knows that better than you or I.
In the end, Neil is more than a rock star and innovator. He is an inventor, in the true sense of the word. The less you know about what Neil is doing, the more likely you will be confused. Do not worry about the inconsistencies Thrasher, start worrying if we all agree. And keep up the good work!
I saw Neil Young and Crazy Horse in brisbane a few days before the Newcastle show. It was such a great show! I felt like a kid sitting up a tree! If anyone was disappointed with the setlist then they can go home and put on Harvest and pretend that nothing has changed since the 70's. Get over yourselves!
It's a bad review. It hardly requires a new Leveson report. Get over it.
Tommy,
You ask why you kids get it and the masses of the aged dont't? I'd say it's because Neil is lot more like your kids than he is his aging fans. For many of these people (and perhaps this is some commentary on their attitude towards life generally), their relationship with Neil in terms of new music is done. What they want out of a concert is nostalgia. It's the same people you see dancing very badly on PBS concerts as operators are stading by to give you your free tote with that $50 contribution. Neil Young refuses to be nostalgia, even if all norms of society say that is what he is supposed to be. He is still in it. I am near 50, saw two of the fall shows in the US, and was jamming to Psychedelic Pill this very morning on my train ride. It's an awesome album, but the masses don't even know it exists, becasue they don't think it could exist.
The answer to the question is that folks who have shallow perceptions of their own "hipness" think it's the in thing to ridicule performers who aren't Arcade Fire.
These people aren't journalists, they're idiots.
Remember Rob Harvilla from the Village Voice? What a f$*#()in' up tool.
HEADLINE
"Drunk Yet Sensitive Aussie Fans Storm Stage at Neil Young Concert"
March 10, 2013
Sydney, Australia
In what will be billed at the White Zin riot, sobbing, inebriated audience members at a Neil Young and Crazy Horse concert reacted violently to the perplexing and unfamiliar music they were confronted with at the "A Day On The Green" Festival in Hunter Valley.
"Crikey," sobbed Mel Cowhan, a retired petting zoo maintenance man, "I was 'ere wiff me missus, enjoying a gallon or two of some fine wine in a box, expecting to do a right-o sing along with Neil Young, at least the Neil Young I thought I knew, and what was this? Sounded like the aliens lifted up Uluru and dropped it gob smack on our 'eads, thas what!"
Incensed at what they felt was their right to demand the material that the artist was performing that night - "I came to hear all the hits and only the hits from "Harvest" and, uhh you know, "Horse With No Name" blurted Lilly McPie- a determined, though woozy and staggering clot of concert goers attempted to attack the stage to convince the "imposter" on stage to find the "real" Neil Young and make him perform. "I know you expect us to all behave like our ancestors, the drunken and violent prisoners who landed in Botany Bay in 1788. Yes, we're drunk tonight, and yes, we're certainly prone to violence." said Nigel Tusselwaithe as he hurled an empty Fosters can in the general direction of the stage and screamed "Play 'effin' "Old Man" you sods or I'll personally bugger you all!!", but, he continued, " We're also quite sensitive, indeed maudlin when we've been in our cups, and we demand sensitive music to calm our savage instincts. This audio bludgeoning is awakening something in us that we thought had been tamed with 200 years of sunshine, alcohol, and more immediate concerns like salt water crocodiles and poisonous snakes and spiders. Of course, not being in gaols in Britain also helped"
The mob was repulsed before they could even breach the outer perimeter of the General Admission zone by repetitive and crushing sonic shock waves . "If this was war Crazy Horse would be on trial for violating the Geneva Conventions on the use of sound as a weapon!" said Bertie Swiles, as he limped back towards his blanket and barbeque at the farther recesses of the festival grounds. "Anyways, I ate too much shrimp, and I'm thirsty for some more gin and I have to pee"
The mood of the evening was summed up by Lucy Blight and her sister, Drusilla, as they contemplated a musical world and (now former) idol they found confounding. "Well, he doesn't look like he did 40 years ago, and that is certainly unsettling. I mean, every time I play my Neil Young collection (consisting of "Harvest" ) the songs are just the same, so why can't he do that? You know, get a brown wig and a buckskin jacket and just make everything like 1972. I'll admit, it did try "Comes A Time" but it had that creepy song. "Look Out For My Love," so no more of that stuff! Reminded me of Bobbie McSchwetty, my beau back then who I had to get a restraining order against. But I ended up marrying him! Of course, he doesn't look at all like he did in 1972....it's like he was eaten by an even drunker and immensely fatter version of himself"
@ The Zuma Band - Priceless! Can't decide to make comment of the moment or the April 1 post? Maybe both.
"That's why we don't wanna be good
We're prisoners of rock and roll."
Ha - great stuff Zuma Band :)
You know though, this debate has me thinking about all the stuff Neil SHOULD have played - where were the tracks off Sleeps With Angels and Broken Arrow hey??? Not to forget Goin' Home off Are You Passionate.
I vote for a second encore at the end of the show, Neil singing Music Arcade solo - 'have you ever been lost ...'.
i vote for change your mind & slipaway as the encore
I vote for Goin' Home & Big Time for encores.
I'd love to see them do Drive Back
Drive Back would be awesome.How about an electric version of Thrasher.Neil could dedicate it to thrasherswheatradio and this amazing site we have here. Archives Guy,you out their? Tell Neil we want an electric version of Thrasher.
If you're passing messages along Archives Guy tell Neil we want Archives Volume 2 this year.
Looks like Springsteen in Brisbane has his share of "Doubters" also:
http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/review-bruce-springsteens-brisbane-concert-on-twitter/comments-e6freoof-1226596910566
"Boring, boring, boring, ra ra ra America and not much else."
"That man cannot sing but keep barking at the microphone all night long. Even if someone give me a free ticket plu $1,000 and will not go to his so called concert."
"He sounds like he's chocking on the fumes of the cars he sings about!! I wouldn't give you tuppence to go and see him. I guess he must need to top up his retirement fund!! "
Hope Neil reads the reviews and comments and realizes that those who don’t appreciate music are the doubters.
I went to see Neil & Crazy Horse at The Plenary and was privileged to witness the best ever NY & CH concert. Wish I was going tonight at Rod Laver but can’t afford it because I paid for my sons ticket on Wednesday (plus my wife would kill me… she wants to see the Boss).
Saw Springsteen in 75 at Widener College, Neil at in 85 at Festival Hall and Neil's Plenary show was the best.
Take no notice of negative comments as these come from eggheads...
Jim Davison's comment (3/11/2013 3:33am) sums up beautifully how I feel. I must've been in a similiar spot - about 25 feet away from the stage so perhaps it's geography! More like being an up-to-date fan to begin with probably helps. Surely going to see an artist you have not kept up or in with is a gamble. For those who've been listening to & loving the stuff from the 'ditch' like 'Ragged Glory' through to the latest 'Psychedelic Pill' it was so true to and beyond expectations! Loved every minute, which was a good thing cos I nearly fainted in the crowd with excited expectation beforehand! The people around me were all SO happy and kind. The music, the close-up experience of Neil & Crazy Horses' smiles, the crowd nearby, the music again(!)was what I sincerely hope Heaven is like!!
Jim Davison's comment (3/11/2013 3:33am) sums up beautifully how I feel. I must've been in a similar spot - about 25 feet away from the stage so perhaps it's geography! More like being an up-to-date fan to begin with probably helps. Surely going to see an artist you have not kept up or in with is a gamble. For those who've been listening to & loving the stuff from the 'ditch' like 'Ragged Glory' through to the latest 'Psychedelic Pill' it was so true to and beyond expectations! Loved every minute, which was a good thing cos I nearly fainted in the crowd with excited expectation beforehand! The people around me were all SO happy and kind. The music, the close-up experience of Neil & Crazy Horses' smiles, the crowd nearby, the music again(!)was what I sincerely hope Heaven is like!!
Post a Comment
<< Home