An unofficial news blog for Neil Young fans from Thrasher's Wheat with concert and album updates, reviews, analysis, and other Rock & Roll ramblings. Separating the wheat from the chaff since 1996.
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Saturday, July 13, 2013
Message from Crazy Horse Personnel + "Roll Another Number" - Luxembourg, Jul 11, 2013
Here is Neil Young's "Message from Crazy Horse Personnel" with "Roll Another Number" from Luxembourg on July 11, 2013.
Much has been discussed on the intent of Neil's nightly message. Is this the farewell tour? Or just a friendly wave goodbye? Take note of Poncho's gestures towards end.
Is there really more to the words than meet the ears?
(Thanks Howell for note!)
12 comments:
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Dont know about anyone else but cant hear what Neil says because of a terrible hum throughout the video
ReplyDeletemy knee jerk reaction? FEAR
ReplyDeleteI think these are very beautiful words. They moved me. After two and a half hour R&R he spoke so reflective.
ReplyDeleteThis was my last show for this tour.
Gratefull to be there.
Hope to see them back one day.
I am with Bob Moon, I could not understand what Neil was saying. Could anyone paraphrase the message?
ReplyDeleteJoel Grant
Funny, I don't hear any hum. Anyway, it's basically the standard pre-"Roll Another Number" rap - this time, Neil says, "We know we might come back - we hope we see you when we do. But we know we're not all gonna be here ... some of us might not make it back. So thank you." After the "some of us might not make it back," Poncho points to himself, then down at the ground; in Koln, apparently, he did the same thing, but pointed up to the heavens instead. I suspect he's just goofing, but the overall message does seem to be Neil's way of anticipating the inevitable and saying goodbye and thanks, just in case.
ReplyDeleteHere's the Koln version - in this one, seems more clear that the "we know we won't all be here" line is a reference to the audience as well as the band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NExlalHLm-Y&list=UUr-q9FSe-0BaLV16Q0XrphQ&index=1
ReplyDeleteEven before the tour began last year Poncho has expressed in some interviews that "you just don't know what can happen" sentiment. He also referred to the ages of everyone - Ralph just turned 70- as reflecting that uncertainty. He also expressed some reluctance to leave his "retirement" in Hawaii. This of course is on top of the recent deaths of LA Johnson, Ben Keith, Neil Young's (necessary) sobriety, aneurysm, etc. So, I think it's an acknowledgment of reality by all. Didn't Neil Young say a couple years ago that "Crazy Horse is a rougher ride"? I'm sure they all think "If I knew I was going to live this long I would have taken better care of myself"
ReplyDeleteHardly even a topic, yes TW ? If even 1/2 of what McDonogh wrote in Shakey is true about Frank, I guess pointing south is the way hes going lol
ReplyDeleteI always thought that "..Though I long to hear that lonesome hippie smile." was one of the coolest lines he wrote. Why did he ruin it by saying that he longs to SEE that lonesome hippie GIRL smile? So we know he's not gay? So we know he can now longer hear too well? Or he just can't remember they lyrics anymore?
ReplyDeleteMy interpretation on this section of Neil's "So Long and Good Night" speech is he is being all inclusive. The "We" to whom he is referring is All of the Crazy Horse Personnel (those on and off stage) and each member of the 20,000 plus audience at each concert. The audience and Crazy Horse meld in to one body grooving to the music and the message from the muse. So, I believe he is peaking to all of us because we have all become one.
ReplyDeleteAs far as Poncho's gestures/theatrics, he's always been the most demonstrative of the three on stage. He's continuously interacting with the audience. Billy and Ralph quietly go about their craft, and I'm sure sometimes Ralph is watching the Yankee game on his iPad.
Is Poncho signaling something or is it Poncho being Poncho? As wise man once asked me "What's in a gesture?" Every time I go see a show, any show, I just assume it will be the last time I see the musicians so I stay in the moment, in the groove, be with their muse and enjoy the ride.
Thanks to all for your thoughts on this.
ReplyDelete@ Hounds that Howl - agree this is directed at both the band and the audience. Oneness is goodness.
However this plays out, the music will go on forever.
Neil and Crazy Horse will NEVER be gone. Even when you can't see them, you can feel them in your heart, hear them in your head, tap out their tunes with your fingertips. Neil is AlWAYS with me, but I can't always see him infront of me, sometimes I have to close my eyes! And when I do, he's always there. Thanks for helping me thru the years, boys, and enjoy some time off, too!
ReplyDelete