REPORT - Neil Young Day 2023: A Great Success at the Broadway

Billy Bragg, Ian Knowles & Darren Rodwell Neil Young Day 2023(Click photo to enlarge)

 

As we've reported previously, earlier this month we had a Neil Young Day: The Broadway Barking, London on June 3, 2023.

 

Now comes a report on that 1st annual Neil Young Day and what might become -- hopefully -- an annual tradition.

 

 

A Great Success at the Broadway

 

The Broadway Theatre Barking welcomed music lovers and fans of an iconic Canadian singer/songwriter on Saturday 3 June for the venue’s first Neil Young Day.

Neil Young Day commemorated the time in 1971 when Neil Young recorded two tracks for his best-selling album Harvest at the Broadway which was then known as The Barking Assembly Hall or Town Hall.

Special guest for the occasion was the Bard of Barking, Billy Bragg, who unveiled a plaque to commemorate the event and spoke movingly of his memories of the venue, both professionally and personally.

Leader of Barking & Dagenham Borough Council, Darren Rodwell was also present to introduce Billy Bragg. In his powerful address, Rodwell spoke passionately of his belief and pride in the borough’s diversity and cultural heritage.

Events during the day included a Record Fair which attracted vinyl collectors from across the borough, a screening of Harvest Time, a documentary made in 1971 of Neil recording at both the barn, his studio in America and at the Barking Assembly Hall. He recorded in Barking with the London Symphony Orchestra and the film shows him at work with the orchestra and legendary engineer Glyn Johns. The film showed the interior of the Broadway before it was refurbished in 2007 and included footage of Neil and his manager in the dressing rooms. The audience was visibly moved by the material contained in the film.

Critically acclaimed author and presenter Daryl Easlea gave a fascinating talk about the career, music and influence of Young, accompanied by Southend based musician Tom Burgess who performed three songs. A mirror ball accompanied sections of Easlea’s presentation and held the audience rapt.

Rust for Glory, Europe’s premier Neil Young tribute band, performed to round off the day, playing Harvest in its entirety plus other selected Young classics. Understandably, the band were tremendously excited to be able to use the very dressing room Neil had made use of in 1971. Footage from their gig is now on YouTube illustrating their version on A Man Needs A Maid alongside Neil’s 1971 version.  

The band said “It was our honour to be asked to help commemorate this amazing occasion. To perform Harvest where part of it was recorded was an experience we won't forget".

Rust for Glory: Neil Young Tribute Performs 'A Man Needs a Maid' in the Venue Where It Was Recorded in 1971!

Neil Young Day: The Broadway Barking, London - Saturday 3 June  (Click photo to enlarge)

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