The Epicness of Promise of the REAL
Ceremonial Burying of The Guitars
Neil Young + Promise of the Real - Santa Barbara Bowl" (Oct. 9, 2015).
Neil Young + Promise of the Real - Santa Barbara Bowl" (Oct. 9, 2015).
So do you doubt the epicness of Promise of the REAL?
A note from a long time buddy Mark (Spook The Horse) regarding the recent Neil Young + Promise of the Real Rebel Content Tour:
Hey T,Thanks Mark, Spook The Horse ! Clearly -- sooner or later -- it all gets REAL... and it always has ... and always will...
Oh my word.
I'm still recovering from the finest Neil shows I've ever seen. Truly. Hand on heart, they are astonishing.
I could go on and on about the onstage chemistry, the stunning playing, the songs and setlists. But you've seen it too!
Managed to pack in five shows in all...
Seattle
Vancouver (nice but at the bottom of the pile)
Portland
Eugene (with added Airforce 1 and Obama as I flew south)
Santa Barbara
So many highlights, those deep cuts (I mean Vampire Blues...and HWAITY...and TFA!!!!) but that incredible F'in Up in SB...lord above. Astounding.
I don't buy the Crazy Horse Jr. This is the Promise of the Real.
No wonder Neil looks so happy. In his fading years he's found a band who can genuinely follow his muse, inspire his muse and take him to places we never ever expected him to go again. He messes up from time to time. They (rarely) do to. No glares and glowers. Smiles and (dare I say it) love pours across the stage. Look at how he keeps a watchful eye on Micah, giving him confidence on stage, giving him occasional lead breaks with Lukas looking on proudly at his younger brother...
...and look at the awe and wonder in Lukas' eyes as Neil shreds Old Black...he keeps up and then gives up as Neil rages on. And smiles a broad Texan smile at the sight that unfolds in front of him two feet away...
...and look at Neil's generosity of spirit in giving Lukas the stage (September Song getting rapturous ovations every single time, rightly so) and also handing lead breaks to him time after time.
It's a wonder of music. And a wonderful moment in Neil's live career.
It's genuinely beautiful and moving and inspiring to see, watch and be part of.
L.A. in L.A. was a nice touch too...and Mansion on the Hill!
Wonder what's left before this section ends? Maybe Like An Inca will trot out?
...save pennies for the southern US leg!!!!
Enjoy Bridge. Skies the limit!
best
Mark
Spook The Horse
Labels: neil young
by thrasher@PermaLink: 10/16/2015 02:00:00 PM
13 comments
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13 Comments:
Has a southern US leg been confirmed?? When is this rumoured to go down?
Carson if that's true that would be extremely incredible. I have to see this.
Maybe Look out Joe or Last Dance in Berkely
They HAVE TO visit Europe !
Is Crazy Horse done forever?
I think so. CH is the past. Neil is changing with new love and new band and he doesn't tend to look back. I saw 2 of the East coast slows and couldn't believe the vibe. He's different and he's happy and I fell in love with him all over again...In the morning in the field of green.
Everything is temporary.
This tour is amazing and POTR has sparked Neil to a level of spontaneity that we haven't seen in a long time (if ever). The guitar work and musical interplay is much better than the recent tours with Crazy Horse, and the song selection couldn't be much better.
That being said, again, everything is temporary. I fully expect Neil to work with and tour (to some extent) with Crazy Horse again. Personally I'd rather not see it happen. They all mostly still have the ability, but Neil's live group dynamic with them changed years ago, and now it's way too sludgy, monotonous and self indulgent for my taste.
Song selection:
To get overly picky, I'm happy he played Vampire Blues (from a deep track perspective), but to me that's far and away the weakest song from On the Beach. There's really nothing to it musically or lyrically. Let's hear Motion Pictures, or On the Beach, or Revolution Blues, or fast forward a few years and play Will to Love.
It has often been my dream....to live with one who wasn't there..
Take my advice
Don't listen to me
I'm thinking that perhaps "Be The Rain" might appear in Berkeley.
I think the 2 Nelson boys have provided Neil a chance to musically mentor in a way he was unfortunately unable to do with his own sons. This has brought an incredible spark to the stage and we have all felt it. When they played Cortez for encore at Jones Beach I thought I died and went to heaven. They came dancing across the water.
@ Pocahontas - very perceptive comment regarding Nelson Boys & Neil's sons.
As we often say, TW readers and commenters are some of the most astute music fans on earth.
namaste
Where did you hear about a southern leg? That would be great. Especially some Florida dates this winter.
bummed I could not attend these shows so far due to work. Appreciate this site because it has allowed me to watch from afar. Thanks Thrasher. Fingers crossed for some FL dates
Regarding "southern leg", this is a combination of rumor, informed opinion and hopeful speculation.
Kind of like POTR in Europe 2016. :)
If NY + POTR come to Europe I will be going to every show I can possibly get too.
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