UPDATE:
In keeping with traditions, Neil Young is 80 years young today, November 12. So Happy Birthday Neil!!! Of course -- naturally - long may you run.
2025's “Love Earth Tour” of Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts demonstrated once again the enduring strength, stamina and grace that is the essence of the man we simply call "Neil".
As noted on Neil Young's 75th birthday, his outstanding moral character can be demonstrated with his efforts for The Bridge School (USA) and Farm Aid (USA), as just two examples.
@ Bridge School Benefit Concert 2011
Photo Gallery by By Jay Blakesberg Photography
Farm Aid executive director CAROLYN MUGAR (center), w/ DAVE MATTHEWS, JOHN MELLENCAMP, WILLIE NELSON and NEIL YOUNG (from left).
2008 - Mansfield, Mass., Photo by Mark O'Stow
We know that Neil Young is a humanitarian rebel with causes.
Neil Young
MusiCares Person Of The Year - 2010
In 2011, Neil Young was honored with the Allan Waters Humanitarian Award at Canada's Juno Awards. The award honors a Canadian artist whose humanitarian contributions have positively enhanced the social fabric of Canada and recognizes Young's compassionate legacy behind events such as Farm Aid, Live 8, and Bridge School Concerts.
As we have noted previously, rarely -- if ever -- has a single artist supported so many causes, for such a sustained period, raising considerable funds and awareness while reaching out to millions and millions around the world. When reviewing a listing of benefit concerts that Neil Young has played over the years, one is struck by the sheer diversity of causes he has supported over his 45+ year career.
One could contend that no other artist has made such an impact on causes involving social justice -- or a better moral character. As we documented in 2010, The Charitable Mr. Neil Young Keeps On Giving & Giving & Giving.
Neil Young
MusiCares 2010 Person of the Year
In 2010, Neil Young was honored as the 2010 MusiCares Person of the Year in Los Angeles, two days before the 52nd Annual GRAMMY Awards. An impressive roster of musicians lined up to honor Young which included Booker T. Jones, Jack Black, Jackson Browne, T Bone Burnett, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Sheryl Crow, Everest, Patty Griffin, Josh Groban, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, Elton John, Norah Jones, Lady Antebellum, k.d. lang, Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Ozomatli, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Leon Russell, James Taylor, Wilco, and Lucinda Williams.
Here is just a partial list of benefit concerts that Neil Young has played over the years that we posted on the Rust list back in 1994. And the diversity of causes is particularly striking. Of course, the two primary beneficiaries of Neil's generosity have been the Bridge School Benefit Concerts and Farm AID. The Bridge School concerts began in 1987 and are to benefit the school for children with severe speech and physical impairments. The Farm Aid concerts began in 1985 and benefit the small American family farm. Farm Aid is the longest running event of its type in music history.
Neil has performed annually for decades at both the Bridge and Farm Aid shows and has raised considerable sums for these causes. The performances at these two annual benefits are well documented.
The Farm Aid 4
Dave Matthews, John Mellencamp, Willie Nelson, Neil Young
You get the idea. He's got a heart of gold.
Pegi & Neil Young at Bridge 2005 Concert
photo by Craig Abaya
Happy Birthday Neil Young!!! Long May You Continue To Run & Run.
So Happy Birthday Neil!
Long may you run. It's all just a magical ride. enjoy.
Also, check out Scotsman's 2023 posting on Neil's birthday @ Patreon.
A Neil Young Birthday Tribute
by Ian
The great @Neilyoung turns 80 tomorrow.
— Stereogum (@stereogum) November 11, 2025
To celebrate, we asked 80 artists including Jeff Tweedy, Dave Matthews, Brittany Howard, Michael Stipe, Open Mike Eagle, Jewel, Tom Morello, Kurt Vile, Perfume Genius, and A-Trak about their favorite Neil song: https://t.co/JWycpc5YV8
Happy birthday Neil! Thank you for the decades and thank you for the miles. Thank you for the smiles! Let’s do Europe again!
ReplyDelete80. 24 and there's so much more indeed. Happy Birthday. Thanks for all the wonderful music ( so far ) . ❤️
ReplyDeleteMore glass armonica, please. No h. Refer to the film Mountaintop & the album Colorado.
ReplyDeleteHappy 80th Birthday to my favorite musician! Thanks for so much crucial music! The soundtrack to my life!
ReplyDeleteYour Brother Alan in Seattle
Forever Young! Happy 80th Neil!
ReplyDeleteThe Gods, who are infinite, give everything entirely to those whom they love: all joys, which are infinite, and all griefs, which are infinite - entirely. (J.W. Goethe)
ReplyDeleteNeil Young's life, of 80 years now, in one short dithyramb. The other song that comes to mind is by Bob Dylan:
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung...
Happy 80th Neil, if you're reading this. And thanks for all the memories.
ReplyDeleteI've long since given up on you ever playing in Santa Cruz ever again, but the Catalyst is still here, if you ever change your mind.
Many happy returns to Neil… I’m currently celebrating by listening to Arc, of all things. For sheer noise (as an art form), the coda of Wall Like a Giant is the only thing to come close.
ReplyDelete@ Thrasher : what a fantastic layout! Thank you for doing what you do Brother! YBAiS
ReplyDeleteHappy 80 years of being a Leader and Spirit Guide for our generation and ensuing generations Neil!
ReplyDeleteThe Chief and the Eagle
Beneath a sky painted red and gold,
a Chief stands tall as the day grows old.
Beside him rests a mighty eagle,
its wings once carving winds so regal.
The Chief’s feathers carry ancient stories,
prayers of strength, and timeless glories.
Each bead, each thread, a sacred key,
to the spirit world where ancestors still breathe.
The eagle’s eyes shine like fire,
seeing beyond, lifting higher.
It trusts the Chief, it shares his will,
together they stand—unbroken, still.
The land beneath, the sky above,
both bound by duty, strength, and love.
The sunset whispers: fight, endure,
for the warrior’s heart beats strong, and pure.
Message:
To all people—never forget:
You carry the strength of the Chief,
and the spirit of the eagle.
Stand proud, walk strong,
for your ancestors walk with you.
Beautiful words. -Brother Alan
DeleteHBD NY! As our greatest songwriters become octogenarians, it was fitting to me see the next generation of great sociopolitical critique in song last night. Young Jesse Welles put on a great show and I hope he enjoys a long and storied career like Neil.
ReplyDelete