So while out on the road this summer following the Neil Young and Crazy Horse Europe Concert Tour, we came across quite a range of Neil Young fans from around the world.
And we heard lots of Neil stories.
But here's a Neil story that really stuck with us and gives us lots of hope.
Here's the scene. Paris in the hours and minutes leading up to the night's Neil Young and Crazy Horse concert. We were hanging out on the floor of the venue, sitting amongst a big mix of Neil fans from around the city, country and world. Young & old and everything in between.
We found ourselves sitting amongst a group of young-ish fans in their teens and early 20's. We tried to strike up a conversation but none of the group spoke English. We tried to make a little small talk with what language we had in common to pass the time. Eventually a mutual friend joined the group and we asked them to translate for us.
"Is this your 1st Neil concert?" Yes, they all nodded.
"Have you heard the latest Neil CD?" No, they all nodded.
"Any favorite Neil Young songs?" No, they all shrugged.
"Anyone have any Neil music on your phones or iPods?" No, they all nodded.
Hmmm. "OK, so let us get this straight. You're not familiar with Neil's music, right? And his English lyrics aren't widely understood by your generation here in France?
So why are you here?"
Our new translator friend condenses the responses as so: "We are here because we've heard that Neil Young's music is important. And we have come tonight to find out why."
A Neil Young concert can be a gathering of the vibes. Those who get Neil. Those who see the vista and hear the muse. Those without fear in their minds and love in their hearts. Literally tears of joy to find the answer blowin' in the wind.
Neil Young
"Rockin in the free world while the answer is blowin' in the wind."
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Paris, June 6, 2013
(Click photo to enlarge)
It was The Magic Love of A Very Hot Night in Paris: A Neil Young Story, for sure.
Paris - June, 2013
More Concert Reviews of Neil Young & Crazy Horse in Paris, 2013.
Yes? And what did they tell you after the show? How was their reaction to hearing Neil's music for the first time?
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Thrasher!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the show has confirmed the importance of Neil Young to these young "fans". Did you meet them again after the gig?
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ReplyDeleteGreat Story Thrasher, Thrashers Wheat Radio Rocks By The Way!
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