CONCERT REVIEW: Don't You Wish You Could Be Here Too - Neil Young + Promise of the Real, Santa Barbara Bowl, CA - Oct. 10, 2015

"Fuckin' Up" - Neil Young + Promise of the Real
Santa Barbara Bowl, CA, on Oct. 10, 2015
Here is a concert review of Neil Young + Promise of the Real at Santa Barbara Bowl, CA, on Oct. 10, 2015 by Joni in Malibuheaven.

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"Don't You Wish You Could Be Here Too"

I drove to Santa Barbara early because half the fun of attending a Neil Young concert is talking to Rusties who have a NPL (Neil Priority Lifestyle) before the show.

Arriving at 3pm, I found some Rusties sitting outside the entrance to the Santa Barbara Bowl. I went over to say hi and the first thing I say is "SHUSH!" I didn't want to be rude, but Neil + POTR were sound checking one of my all time favorite songs "LA." It was a very funny moment. In fact, a few people in line actually laughed and thanked me. Rusties told me they had heard "Time Fades Away" at soundcheck. I first heard TFA on March 25, 1973 at my first Neil concert. I was praying Neil would play TFA tonight. The next few hours were spent talking about Neil and the current tour. The show was scheduled to start at 6:30pm and we would be let into the venue at 5:00pm. However, security told us at 5:00pm, that it would now start at 7:30pm. WTF?

There's a strict curfew at the Santa Barbara Bowl and I was saddened to think our show would be shortened by an hour. Security let us in at 5:30pm. There was a long walk up a hill and stairs to get into the general admission area. "Don't Run!", security told us. My dear friends Joel and Jackson ran ahead to hopefully get us spots on the rail in front of Corey McCormick the bass player.

I like to be to the left of Neil when he plays because I really enjoying watching him play the guitar. By the time I got into the PIT section, I noticed the Rusties I was in line with (Michel from Germany, Deny from France, Bob from Colorado, Steve and Angela from Lake Eisinore) were riding the rail. Fantastic! I saw Jackson and Joel were also riding the rail directly where I wanted to be in between Corey & Neil. I've attended 800 music concerts and only been on the rail a few times. Tonight was going to be a magical night.

The show started at 7:35pm. Two girls came out and sprinkled seeds on the floor. My first thought was I hope Neil doesn't trip during the show on the seeds. My second thought, I was riding the rail and I wouldn't have anyone in front of me either talking, holding up their cell phone, or any other distraction. I could focus on the show.

Miracle! I didn't see Neil come on stage but I heard the opening notes of "After The Gold Rush" on the piano and all my stress of my life melted away. After a few acoustic songs, Promise Of The Real joined Neil onstage.

For the next three hours, I was in Music Heaven On Planet Earth. The genuine love Neil and POTR have for each other is so apparent. I've never seen Neil so relaxed and so friggin' happy. The energy was electric. The music was loud and powerful. I wasn't going to videotape during the show but then I heard the first note of the song I was praying to hear "Time Fades Away." I held my arm as steady as I could. I wanted to share my video with my fellow Rusties. OMG Neil is playing TFA! At 9:58pm, I assumed the show would be over after Neil finished playing "Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere."

BUT NO! Neil & POTR started playing "Love And Only Love". Curfew was broken! At the end of LAOL, Neil + POTR walked offstage. The crowd clapped loudly for more. Neil & POTR came back out and played for another 15 minutes. They played "Fuckin" Up." I decided to videotape "Fuckin' Up." After 13 minutes, my arm was hurting but it was worth it. Neil did a lot of innaresting things at the end of the song. I just hope "Old Black" is ok. Just kidding. The show ended at 10:38pm. I stood for a few minutes and thought "Thank You Neil Young! You are the living form of everything that music means to me! Long Live Neil Young!"

Music = Life

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Thanks Joni in Malibuheaven for memories from the rail!

We'll see everyone soon at The Bridge!

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