Neil Young & Barclays Bank: The Concert Sponsor and The Damage Done

#BoycottBarclays

The #BoycottBarclays movement continues to pickup speed after this weekend's outraged passion pledge by Neil Young over the Hyde Park concert sponsorship.

Neil Young: "There’s no doubt about it - Its been a massive fuck up!
Subsequently, the NYA team has had many ‘Come to Jesus’ meetings."
Image via NYA

In a 2018 report by the Rainforest Action Network on fossil fuel funding, Barclays "The Dirty Bank" scored a D+ on tar sands, a D in Arctic oil, and a B- in the coal mining category.

Neil Young continued his campaign against Barclays' fossil fuel funding in a posting titled: BARCLAYS BANK : Dark Decisions at the Top.

"BARCLAYS BANK : Dark Decisions at the Top"
via NYA T-C

Many Neil Young fans seemed to solidly support his taking a strong stand -- even at the risk of this potentially jeopardizing the whole affair. A comment on Neil Young is Pissed: Poor Coordination on Hyde Park Gig with Dylan by Dwayne:

I've seen Neil Young at Hyde Park before, but what I don't remember, and what truly sickened me about this gig, is the segregation between members of the audience as per the "Diamond Circle" and "Gold Circle".

When I saw Neil Young at Hyde Park formerly - and at other similar large events, the ticket price was pretty much a flat fee, and if you found your way to the front, then so much the better. Separating people on the basis of what they're prepared to pay means that only a privileged few will get anywhere near to the stage. That is not acceptable and is about as far from rock and roll as you can get.

Frankly, I'm elated that Neil Young has taken a stand on this. It clearly shows that he's a man of integrity who genuinely cares about his audience. As it is, the UK is completely blighted by these greedy and nauseating companies ripping off the concert-going public. How refreshing to see Neil Young challenging their behaviour. I don't know how this situation will play out ultimately, but hearing about this has made my day.

And well done to the staff of Thrashers Wheat for also playing their part in restoring my faith.

Many thanks Dwayne and couldn't agree more that enough is enough. As Neil writes: "Dark decisions, once safe, may now have dark consequences." We hope hope not either.

As noted yesterday, Neil Young "will be taking the rap" for this debacle.

Neil Young: "I Will Be Taking The Rap"

But is there a bit of irony here? Or possibly the dreaded "hypocrisy"?

Neil Young & Crazy Horse - 2014
Photo by David Fallon Media

"Things that used to be alright are not alright anymore," Neil writes on Dec. 8.

More on the upcoming Bob Dylan & Neil Young Concert: Hyde Park, London - 12 July 2019, Neil Young's reaction and Neil Young's long time manager Elliot Roberts apology to fans.

Bob Dylan & Neil Young Concert:
Hyde Park, London - 12 July 2019

"My Back Pages"
Bob Dylan and Tom Petty & Neil Young

BobFest: Madison Square Garden, New York City - 1992

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