canada.gif

gb.gif

de.gif

us.gif
Neil Young's new release ""World Record" w/ Crazy Horse is now available for pre-order. Order here
(Please shop locally & independently. But if you can't, we appreciate your supporting Thrasher's Wheat by clicking this link or YOUR COUNTRY's FLAG. Thank you!!!)
ADVERTISEMENT
<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Sunday, July 08, 2018

The Unbearable Lightness of Being A Neil Young Fan (Or: God Save The Neil Young Fans ... & Thrasher's Wheat)

coburg-germany-old-black-banner.jpg
Fans Before A Neil Young Concert
Coburg, Germany - 08/23/08
Photo by Henning Rosenbusch

As we have observed before -- after running Thrasher's Wheat for over 20 years and almost a lifetime of listening to Neil Young's music -- there are two things which we have found to be nearly universally constant:

1) Neil Young never ceases to surprise, amaze, and confound us, and
2) Neil Young fans never cease to surprise, amaze, and confound us.

A Personal Note by Neil
(via Neil Young Archives Times-Contrarian)

In a startlingly candid and heart wrenching post on NYA, Neil Young writes that it was a "rough night" in Detroit last week. The Neil Young solo concert at Fox Theatre, Detroit, July 3, 2018 was live streamed for Neil fans around the world and what should have been an evening of pure delight became something far more disturbing as rowdy fans disrupted the proceedings with their selfish and boorish behavior, lacking even the basics of Concert Etiquette.


"I said solo...they said acoustic" T-Shirt
2010 Neil Young Solo Tour


Back in 2010's Neil Young Solo Tour, the t-shirts in the lobby had the words: "I said solo. They said acoustic." Seldom has a concert t-shirt more succinctly expressed a concert sentiment.

Which brings us to the unbearable lightness of being ... Neil Young. Or -- if you will -- The Unbearable Lightness of Being A Neil Young Fan.


Neil Young
Frame from A Day At The Gallery
(Click photo to enlarge)

We've often argued that a Neil Young concert is almost like being part of performance artist workshop. As if almost anything could happen.We attended both of the recent Chicago shows, we spoke to a lot of folks before and after and heard quite a range of opinions and expectations. Could probably say a lot about that but will pick up another comment about how your expectations going in often set your experience. Following Neil's career is about not setting expectations. It's about expecting the unconventional. When we read comments like this, this and this, we seriously wonder how a "fan" could be puzzled, bewildered or disappointed by a concert. The fact is that's a chance and a risk you take when you're a fan. If you can't handle it, then maybe you don't belong in the room and this is not for you?

We long ago came to the conclusion that there seems to be a huge divide between fans who are comfortable with Neil following "The Muse" and those who steadfastly refuse to allow Neil's creativity to deviate from their own desires.


It has all been quite fascinating. Here's a brief rundown on some posts which generated hundreds and hundreds of comments between impassioned Neil fans around the world:

- The Myth of Washed Up Neil (140+ comments)

- So Who's Really Washed Up? (30+ comments)

- Yonder Stands The Sinner (25+ comments)

- Life in the Neil Young Cocoon (15+ comments)

- "Fork In the Road" - New Video! (70+ comments)

- Those New Songs: Falling From Above (80+ comments)

- Comment of the Moment: Yonder Stands The Sinner (40+ comments)

- A Battle Raged on the Open Page: Can You Change Your Mind? (30+ comments)

- "Optimal" Neil Young Fans (10+ comments)

- Comment of the Moment: "Chaos Is Good" says Neil Young

- Doubters: There's A Hole in the Neil Young Fanbase (19+ comments)

- The Essence of "The Doubters": Neil Young & Crazy Horse Concert Reviews (40+ comments)

From a report on Neil Young & Crazy Horse concert at A Day On The Green, Hunter Valley, Australia, (Mar 9, 2013) "Drunk Yet Sensitive Aussie Fans Storm Stage at Neil Young Concert":
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" said Lucy, with a wistful whine.

Added Drusilla, sniffling, "I'll admit, I did try "Comes A Time" but it had that creepy song. "Look Out For My Love," so no more of that wild new 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."
A priceless riot that definitely helps us back off the ledge.

coburg-germany-t-shirts.jpg
Neil Young Concert
Coburg, Germany - 08/23/08
Photo by Henning Rosenbusch

Labels: , ,


12 Comments:

At 7/09/2018 12:52:00 AM, Blogger wsanjose01 said...

i want that shirt

 
At 7/09/2018 05:52:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

Some of you fans may be stuck in a certain way of seeing Neil Young. Or on a certain album or a song, I love just about everything Neil has ever put out. If I don't love it, I like it. Only a few duds. But there's no accounting for taste.

For instance, Fuel Line and Johnny Magic from Fork in the Road. Killer tunes! If you don't like them, I feel sorry for you, because these songs rise up and wail! They rock hard. Not to mention that Neil lays bare the phones bailout of the Obama post-Bush era. Later I learned from Wikileaks that Obama had Citibank choose his entire cabinet for him! Oh, he also became George Bush Lite and rainedmore bombs and deported more immigrants than W, and expanded surveillance ( see "Snowden").

What is it with some of you "perfectionists" ? I love Neil's diversity. He reinvents himself constantly and yet mines the rich bounty of songs he hath wrought! He's got unreleased volumes that eclipse most other artists.

And he is still performing with an intensity, skill, and emotion like a great man half his age. What he does with the Nelson boys & PotR is fantastic. And NYCH & solo! What a flurry of activity we have enjoyed recently. So many great live shows streamed, also! Many thanks!

There is no other rock artist in history who has remained as vital. The man is in his 70's! Dylan won't do solo shows; he would not do well, I suspect. And I am a huge Dylan fan. Chuck Berry, hmm. There's a guy who was kicking ass late in life. I saw him in '98 in D/FW with Little Richard. Chuck killed it, kind of proved he invented punk rock. He played with distortion! He had one drummer, one piano. No stage gimmicks. Little Richard sucked, couldn't sing, lots of stage gimmicks. And I LOVE the Little Richard catalogue, don't get me wrong. It was the 1st time they shared a bill in 40 years. One was transcendent, one fell short. So it goes.

Long live Neil Young! Do whatever you want, Neil, wherever the Muse may lead you. The ukelele is killer too! We hear your heart in your artistry. Some fans are idiots, probably drunk. Do not think they are the majority. They are the few.

I will always go see you play and I will never shout out songs, never have. I love the Le Noise songs you have been playing, Neil. That album was tremendously inspired. Do what you will. It's good stuff. I will tell people at the shows to STFU if need be.

I have been snapping up everyything you have ever done since 1988. This was after Punk and the Grateful Dead. That's when I finally knew I was at the right show. Thank you Neil. You have enriched my life in a way words cannot describe.

Alan in Seattle

It all ends someday. I Believe that we get to see the Rock Gods play live shows in the afterlife. Jimi will be there, of course, and all the others worthy of the venue.

But here on Earth, now, we get to see Neil Young play live shows, wildly diverse, in a variety of bands. Soak it up like a sponge, you fools! Shut the fuck up while Neil Young is playing!

Thank you. Alan in Seattle


 
At 7/09/2018 05:59:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

Oops, I missed a few things in my late night editing. That line should read PHONEY bailout (which saved a bunch of gambling addict bankers!).

 
At 7/09/2018 06:05:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

Disclaimer: By the way, I voted for Obama twice. I only left my lifelong party, he Democrats, after they rigged their own Primary Election. And I will never vote Republican or Libertarian. I am an environmentalist.

The power brokers did not want Bernie the socialist to ask them to pay their fair share of the tax burden. Bernie was the only one with the momentum and legions of fans. The DNC would rather lose that raise taxes in the 1%!

 
At 7/09/2018 06:08:00 AM, Blogger Julie said...

I love Neil Young and his music. But I do not leave my critical faculties behind and say that everything he has done is brilliant. A lot of his work is and will stand the test of time; some is good and may be remembered; and some is poor and will be forgotten almost as soon as it is recorded.

And in my view his work with POTR falls into the latter category; most of his work with CH into the first.

Other people will have other views, but a slavish ' Eveything Neil does is great or good' is simply uncritical and I cannot imagine that Neil would want slavish followers who worship everything that he does.

I certainly do not think everything he has done has been brilliant or perhaps wise

 
At 7/09/2018 06:27:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

There's no accounting for taste. A puritanical lens isn't what we need to cheer Neil on in his later years. So kindly be kindly and throw your weapons down. Who asked you to say all his stuff is great?

For instance, Welfare Mothers was a song that always struck me wrong. We all fuck up Maybe even you. It's all just possible in the wind.

If you love it, if you need it, then enjoy it. If not, do not dampen the spirits of others. Thank you.

 
At 7/09/2018 06:29:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

Thank you , spell check. The3rd to last line should read, It's all just pissing in the wind....

 
At 7/09/2018 06:42:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

I happen to love Promise of the Real with Neil Young and I can't wait to see them play live a 3rd time. Yes, maybe the album was rushed in Neil's funny way. It may have seemed uninspired to you, or misguided. I love it!

I was up here in the Pacific Borth West marching against Monsanto. Neil' subjects and Native Spirit in his music is deeply touching to me. But I also just like the albums because I think they are good / great! I love those albums. The live one is very cool.

Lukas, Micah, PotR have tons of talent. Have you seen them play live? They play his music faithfully and nourish his craft. Together, they mine Neil's deep catalogue, faithfully. They rock hard. They energize Neil. What more could I want? Alan in Seattle

So kindly sit back and open your ears and find what good you can in it. Or not. But don't be a wet blanket for the rest of us.

Long live Neil Young, doing whatever the hell he wants to do!



 
At 7/09/2018 06:44:00 AM, Blogger Alan said...

I was up here in the "Pacific North West."

 
At 7/09/2018 10:30:00 AM, Blogger Stills said...

Rock on Alan! I'm hoping for a Neil and POTR tour before the winter sets in.
They're an awesome live band who've shown improvement with every show.
Plus, they know his stuff and they've kept Neil young and fresh.
Don't get me wrong, I'd love to see the Horse leave the barn for one more tour!
I'm headed to Boston on Wednesday for the 2 Solo shows, but
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for that Neil & POTR tour.
Cheers!

 
At 7/09/2018 11:01:00 AM, Blogger Julie said...

Alan,

So if someone expresses a different point of view, or does not like exactly what you like and to the same extent it dampens other people's own enthusiasm, does it?

Some of Neil's work I love; some, POTR for example I do not. If that dampens the enthusiam of others for it perhaps their liking for it is not as strong or resolute as you would have us believe.

I believe your current POTUS does not like criticism and wants everybody to say how great he, and America is.

Well not from where I am sitting

 
At 7/09/2018 10:17:00 PM, Blogger Alan said...

Oh well, it'll be easier for me to get to the front. Like what you want. Most people in the US find Trump repulsive. We live in Oligarchy. But at least I still get to enjoy good music. Peace be upon you.

 

Post a Comment

<< Home

<-Older Posts Blog Home Newer Posts->

Willie for a Nobel!
#Willie4Nobel

Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize
for Farm Aid and his work on
alternative fuels, and world peace initiatives.

farm-aid-logo.gif
Farm Aid

Go Farmers Markets!


"In the >field< of opportunity
It's plowin' time again."

SUPPORTER
logo
Silverline Communications

(Home of the FarmAidians)
Tecumseh, Ontario, Canada
(519) 737-7979



This blog supports free speech!


Demand justice for Aaron:
Support "Aaron's Law" and inquiry into his prosecution

(... he didn't kill himself either...) #AaronDidntKillHimself

Induct Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame



Please Help Support Independent Media &
Non-Corporate Advertising
This Blog's For You!


The Hypocrisy of the Mainstream Media

It's Been Called The
"Missing Link" in the Ditch Trilogy

time-fades-away-banner2a

Sign the Release "Time Fades Away" Petition
Join The 10,000+ Who Have Already Signed


broken-arrow-mag-new-logo.gif

Neil Young Appreciation Society


sugar-mtn-logo.jpg
Sugar Mountain

Neil Young Setlists
rust-radio-new
Rust Radio


bumpersticker-neil-concert.jpg


i-l-ove-neil-young-sm.jpg
Bands Covering Neil Young songs


bumper-sticker-live-music-better-sm.jpg
LIVE MUSIC IS BETTER


ny-times-logo.jpg
Official Neil Young News Site

bridgeschool_logo
The Bridge School


The Bridge School Concerts
25th Anniversary Edition

**100% of Proceeds to Benefit Bridge School***

linda-eastman-neil-young-sugar-mtn-sm.jpg
The Essential Neil Young

neil-young-sleeveless.jpg
Fans Favorite Neil Albums

neil-young-heart-of-gold-film-still
Top 50 MP3
Neil Young Song Downloads


Top 10 Best Selling Neil Albums Today
amazon-neil-store.GIF
Support Thrasher's Wheat
via Purchases from:
United States - Amazon.com us.gif
Canada - Amazon.ca canada.gif
United Kingdom - Amazon.uk gb.gif
Germany - Amazon.de de.gif



Neil Young Songbook Project

In the fields of wheat

"Children of Destiny" will NOT be harvested
However, the chaff will be burned by unquenchable fire

Neil Young + Promise of the Real

Europe 2016 Tour Dates



2015 Rebel Content Tour


Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Alchemy Concert Tour Reviews

Fall 2012 N. America Tour
Spring 2013 Australia/New Zealand Tour
Summer 2013 Europe Tour

Europe Summer 2014 Concert Tour
Neil Young & Crazy Horse

Thrasher's Wheat Radio Supporters Go To Europe

jttp-film-poster-sm.jpg
Neil Young Films

musicares-neil-young-2010.jpg
2010 MusiCares Honors Neil Young

Features Elvis Costello, Crosby Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, Dave Matthews, James Taylor, Keith Urban, and others.
Proceeds from sales go to MusiCares,
which helps musicians in need of
financial and medical assistance.

live-rust-promo-poster.jpg


"There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye"

#BigShift

trans-promo



Neil Young FAQ:
Everything Left to Know About the Iconic and Mercurial Rocker
"an indispensable reference"

paul-neil-bridge2004-sat-sfc-kkomenich-sm.jpg
Paul McCartney and Neil Young

woodstock-poster.jpg


"You can make a difference
If you really a try"

lennon_peace_liberty
John Lennon and Neil Young


"hailed by fans as a wonderful read"

Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young:
csny-1974-poster.jpg
The Supergroup of the 20th Century



Director Jonathan Demme's Exquisite film "Heart of Gold"

eddie & neil
Eddie Vedder and Neil Young

buffalo-springfield-poster.jpg
Revisiting The Significance of
The Buffalo Springfield


"The revolution will not be televised"
... it will be blogged, streamed,
tweeted, shared and liked
The Embarrassment of Mainstream Media

Turn Off Your TV & Have A Life


"Everything Is Bullshit" +
"Turn Off The News"
Turn Off the News (Build a Garden)


Neil Young 2016 Year in Review:
The Year of The Wheat

Kurt Cobain
Kurt Cobain and Neil Young

Neil Young's Feedback:
An Acquired Taste?

Young Neil: The Sugar Mountain Years
by Rustie Sharry "Keepin' Jive Alive in T.O." Wilson

"the definitive source of Neil Young's formative childhood years in Canada"

neil & joni
Joni Mitchell & Neil Young

europe 1987.jpg


dylan-young-crop
Bob and Neil

weld
So Who Really Was "The Godfather of Grunge"?


Four Dead in Ohio
kent state
So What Really Happened at Kent State?


The Four Dead in Ohio



May The FOUR Be With You #MayThe4thBeWithYou

concert-pass-europe-2003-solo.jpg


dissent is not treason
Dissent is the highest form of patriotism

Rockin' In The Free World



Sing Truth to Power!
When Neil Young Speaks Truth To Power,
The World Listens

emmylou-harris-neil-young-0305-crop
Emmylou Harris and Neil Young

wilco-062305-wide-background.jpg
Wilco and Neil Young

bluenotes-pass-young88crewlam-sm.jpg

bruce-springsteen-neil-young-bridge-oct-1986.jpg
Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young

europe87concertpass


elton-john-neil-young-crop-sm.jpg
Elton John and Neil Young

ronnie-vanzant-neil.jpg
Lynyrd Skynyrd and Neil Young

+

The Meaning of "Sweet Home Alabama" Lyrics


Neil Young Nation -
"The definitive Neil Young fan book"

powderfinger
"Powderfinger"
What does the song mean?

Random Neil Young Link of the Moment
neil-sad.jpg

Bonnie Raitt and Neil Young

Wisconsin-solidarity.jpg
I'm Proud to Be A Union Man

UNITED WE STAND/DIVIDED WE FALL


When Neil Young is Playing,
You Shut the Fuck Up


Class War:
They Started It and We'll Finish It...
peacefully

A battle raged on the open page...
No Fear, No Surrender. Courage
WE WON'T BACK DOWN. NEVER STAND DOWN.

"What if Al Qaeda blew up the levees?"
Full Disclousre Now


"I've Got The Revolution Blues"

Willie Nelson & Neil Young
Willie Nelson for Nobel Peace Prize



John Mellencamp:
Why Willie Deserves a Nobel

willie_picnic_poster_070503


BOYCOTT HATE

Love and Only Love

"Thinking about what a friend had said,
I was hoping it was a lie"


We're All On
A Journey Through the Past

Neil Young's Moon Songs
Tell Us The F'n TRUTH
(we can handle it... try us)

Freedom:
freedom-video
Does Anything Else Really Matter?

"Nobody's free until everybody's free."
~~ Fannie Lou Hamer

Here Comes "The Big Shift"
#BigShift

Maybe everything you think you know is wrong? NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
"It's all illusion anyway."

Propaganda = Mind Control
NOTHING IS AS IT SEEMS
Guess what?
"Symbols Rule the World, not Words or Laws."
... and symbolism will be their downfall...

Brighter Planet's 350 Challenge
Be The Rain, Be The Change

csny2k-plate.jpg
the truth will set you free
This Machine Kills Fascists


"Children of Destiny" - THE Part of THE Solution

(Frame from Official Music Video)

war is not the answer
yet we are
Still Living With War

"greed is NOT good"
Hey Big Brother!
Stop Spying On Us!
Civic Duty Is Not Terrorism

The Achilles Heel
#NullifyNSA
Orwell (and Grandpa) Was Right
“Emancipate yourself from mental slavery.”
~~ Bob Marley

The Essence of "The Doubters"



Yes, There's Definitely A Hole in The Sky


Even Though The Music Died 50+ Years Ago
,
Open Up the "Tired Eyes" & Wake up!
"consciousness is near"
What's So Funny About
Peace, Love, & Understanding & Music?

churchsign

Show Me A Sign

"Who is John Galt?"
To ask the question is to know the answer

"Whosoever shall give up his liberty for a temporary security
deserves neither liberty nor safety."

~~ Benjamin Franklin

Words

(Between the lines of age)


And in the end, the love you take
Is equal to the love you make

~~ John & Paul

the zen of neil
the power of rust
the karma of the wheat

~Om-Shanti.

Namaste