EXCLUSIVE: Crazy Horse Drummer Ralph Molina Interview

Crazy Horse on Australia 2013 Tour
Neil, Poncho, Billy & Ralph
Photo by Robert (Stringman) Sampimon
(Click photo to enlarge)
In an exclusive for Thrasher's Wheat, here is a recent interview with Crazy Horse's drummer Ralph Molina.

The Q&A session with Ralph came about after this past Spring's Neil Young and Crazy Horse Australia/New Zealand Tour. Aussie rusties Tony Maplestone, Robert (Stringman) Sampimon & Karen (Kaz) Webb had quite a bit of interaction with Ralph during the tour through Facebook and also on stage. Kaz managed to get 4 drumsticks from Ralph!! :) Also some of the guys went backstage after the Sydney shows and gave Neil and the Horse some Aussie made t-shirts.

A few days after the tour Tony Maplestone was chatting to Ralph to thank him for the great tour. This was just after Poncho's interview with Rolling Stone where he mentioned that this might have been the last tour. Evidently Ralph didn't agree, so Tony and Robert had the idea of compiling 20 odd questions from the Aussie Rusties and getting Ralph to answer them. Ralph preferred doing the interview via fax so we didn't get a chance to do follow up questions. Hence it is quite short but interesting to compare and contrast.

Q: "What's it like recording at Broken Arrow? Do you stay there? Do Neil and Pegi cook and feed you all and is it a real homely atmosphere or does Neil keep his private life away from the recording studio"?

Ralph Molina: Recording at "Broken Arrow" is awesome! We prefer recording in "garages, living rooms, Barns". I don't like studios! The Ranch and places I mentioned are not "sterile". Neil has the producer/engineer at all times keep the "tape" rolling!

The Ranch is so much more "cozy homey".

We have a "cook" at the Ranch whenever we are there - Linda is her name. We've had others but she's the cook now - awesome.

Our "private lives" are an open book, known each other a looong time.


Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Adelaide, AUS, 3/5/13
(Click photo to enlarge)
Q: On the ALCHEMY tour of Australia there was general admission standing at every venue. There was a lot of interaction between those standing & the band during each show. Did this format affect the way the band performed at each venue, as it seemed you were all enjoying yourselves immensely?

Ralph: The only way it affects us, or any other band, is that it is awesome having the audience/fans standing, dancing, rockin' with us. It helps to interact with each other which we love. It makes us even "looser"; the fans "looser". We're all part of each other; the band, the fans.

We were totally enjoying ourselves, totally.

Q: In the concerts we've been seeing down in Oz with at least four of the songs being over 10 mins long, extending out to nearly 23 mins, does playing songs for that length of time cause any injuries and if so, what do you guys do to lesson the chances of serious long term problems?

Ralph: Lordy, we've been playing songs like that forever. We love to jam, extend the songs.

I love when Neil has the chance to play his long, soulful solos, that's what makes us get off!

We just stay in shape, we exercise, eat good, stopped the messing around (if you know what I mean).

I've been asked by younger bands, "How are we still playing? Where do we get our energy?".

I tell them, "If you want the longevity, lose your egos and realise what you have to do, to last as long, you have to make changes".

I don't believe we will have any long term problems. We "think good, live good, take care of ourselves and love each other".

Q: On the "Road" what "Riders" do you request these days..have the requests gotten more elaborate over the years or have you all gone back to basics?

Ralph: No we don't have any elaborate requests on our "riders". Just no junk, plenty of water, fruit, salads, it's pretty basic. Like us.

Q: I always wanted to know what they all do when they are not playing with Neil...is that a good enough question..i.e. do they do session work or what...I know Billy has one album, but does he do other stuff and apart from Ralph growing veggies what does he do....I heard Barbara bakes cookies for the school kids...but what do they do musically!!

Ralph: When we are not playing, we do what you do, live normal lives. I play with my friends, Sometimes we play at my house; George Whitsell, Sonny More, Phil Lee and others, we just jam.

I've done some playing with Billy, on any projects he may have. We stay in touch with each other.

Play; Think Music mentally; it's what we do!

I've written some songs which I hope to record.

We just stay ready for what may come.


Neil Young & Crazy Horse
Perth Arena, Perth, Australia - 3-2-2013
Photo via Perth Arena on Twitter
Q: Has there been anything planned for putting down another album other than a live version of this tour?? Has Neil been writing during touring (ie. Hole In The Sky)?

Ralph: Well yes, "Hole In The Sky". I'm sure he (Neil) is writing and if he wants to record with us any other new songs, that's what will happen.

Right now we are concentrating on the NOW!

Q: Have they ever considered issuing USB concerts after the show like others are now doing ?

Ralph: Everything is considered! USB concerts? Time will tell.

Q: I know Neil often suggests to the guys to play like this or try that however do they in turn tell Neil to try this or that or do they not interfere with Neil’s creative?

Ralph: Neil doesn't do much "telling" of what to play, nor do we. Any suggestions by him or us will never interfere with "creativity". We'll ask each other, we suggest but don't "tell" each other.

Telling interferes, suggesting doesn't, it's co-existing. We don't mind suggestions, neither doe Neil. (That's) why we're together.

Q: I want to know about the Danny Whitten era Fillmore footage !! and what outtakes of alternative versions are there from everybody knows this is nowhere and after the goldrush

Ralph: Danny Whitten era? All I know are happy times, for the most part, the majority of it.

Only footage I know of are the "Scopitone Songs", the Fillmore East footage. Before the Horse we didn't do much, if any, filming.

Billy, Poncho, Ralph & Neil
Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Albuquerque, NM, Aug 3, 2012
Photo by Steve Snowden/Getty Images North America
Q: After each show do you guys like to dissect it and think about what you could have done differently. On listening to the songs of PP on the Australian leg of the tour, each night I noticed there were lots of differing little changes occurring, from all you guys. Was that a conscious effort to bring more life to the songs, or have the songs just naturally evolved, and will they keep evolving or are you all happy with how they sound now?

Ralph: To me recording and playing live are different! Right, there are times you do some dissecting while in the dressing room after shows. I call it locker room talk.

Recording , you don't have any fans, live obviously you do.

It's like an actor, they love to film and act but it's when they get on a live stage, they love more.

I don't believe we make any conscious effort to bring more life into the songs. It's natural, it's like there's the adrenaline (of) the fans, you play for them.

Yes, of course songs are always evolving, songs like "Cinnamon Girl" don't really evolve but the anthems do "Danger Bird" etc. They will keep evolving, each show you are different, the music will too.

Q: What I want to know is the band dynamics. On one hand they are effectively session players. Neil writes the songs, they play as instructed. On the other hand he obviously writes certain songs with them in mind, he has referred to them in YOTH as a true band (check the intro section), they look like a band on stage. Do they have any input into the shape of the song? does he tell them what he wants it to sound like or do they play and see how it goes?

Ralph: Band dynamics? Session players? Are you talking about us? lol

We're "feel" players, all of us! The arts of all arts is feeling. I'd rather look ugly playing with feel then pretty reading a chart. It doesn't matter who writes the songs, again suggestions may be made, that's it.

He doesn't tell us what he wants the song to sound like. Geez what a question.

If you want the "magic feel" you don't instruct someone. You (as Neil does) let them play. Put their own feel into the song. If you instruct you restrict and you are not going to get that.

We play, let it go.

Q: If it was up to to you Ralph, what setlist would you choose?

Ralph: I like our setlists. I love the way Neil has new songs to do, he doesn't live (rest) on his laurels, he continues to evolve.

I would at times throw in "Dangerbird", "Cortez" which we do occasionally. It depends on the night, the way the show is going. Sometimes you have your setlist but you may not want to do the next song on the list.

I have to say, Neil is the most soulful guitar player on this or any other planet.



Q: On this tour, which song did you enjoy playing the most and why??

Ralph: Honestly I love them all but "Ramada Inn", "Giant", "Love and Only Love"," Mr Soul", Fuckin' Up", I love!

And of course when we would do "Dangerbird", "Cortez", I love the "anthems", where you can play them different each night.

Q: Are you ever going to play She's always Dancing?

Ralph: Working on it.

Q: We know a lot of music that influenced Neil growing up, what was the spark that drove the passion within you to pursue a career in music?

Ralph: I believe it was pre-destined for me. As a teen growing up in NYC Lower East side I used to read movie mags. I would sing in the hallways of my project building with friends. When we moved to LA at 16 years old, I ran into guys who sang and I sang with them. Bit I don't believe I ever pursued a career in music.

I grew up listening to the "Doo Wop" songs mostly, it's what I loved.

Q: You just had a long tour of Australia with a lot of days off in between shows...what did you guys get up to in your spare time? Write new songs like ‘Hole in the Sky’? practice obscure old songs (danger bird)? Hang out on the beach? Explore the cities?

Ralph: We spent some time on the beautiful beaches; some sightseeing yes; went to the shops; rested; yes we talked about putting songs like "Dangerbird", "Surfer Joe", etc. into the setlist or as encores

"See No Evil"
Neil Young & Crazy Horse
1987 Japan Tour Program
Q: Which Crazy Horse tour would you like to see released from the archives? Are there any truly memorable shows that you will never forget?

Ralph: Oh Lordy! The "Rust", the "Garage", the "Tonight's The Night" tours stand out from the past.

Honestly I will never forget any of the tours; the music; the friendship; all the "behind the scenes" goings on, never!

Like I will never forget my childhood!

Any tour from the Archives I would relish.

Q: Is there any truth to the Melbourne show at The Plenary being released as a DVD/Movie in the near future as reported in the press?

Ralph: I'm sure the Melbourne (Plenary) show will, in the near future be released!

Q: You have been playing and touring with Neil for almost 45 years, what has been the highlights for you in terms of touring, both musically and atmosphereHighlights?

Ralph: All of it.

Each tour, Each recording, Each moment is a highlight for me, us.

The things we did, got into, while on tour when we were younger. The initials tours to Australia, Japan, Europe as mischievous little lads. Way too many highlights to mention.

Some I'd be in trouble if I mentioned them.

Q: Can you describe how your drumming has evolved over the past 45 years?

Ralph: My drumming, I believe, has evolved from my earlier years. I watch, I listen. I don't copy but I try something, to make me feel less constricted.

Most important to me and the guys is passion and feel.

If I've instilled those 2 things I'm happy.

Q: After a 3-2 hour show how do you recover?

Ralph: I just wait until I come down. No aches, no pain, I feel we could play for 5 hours as long as you're having fun, the music flowing, it makes it easy.

Me? I've been blessed in not having to (as you ask) recover.

Q: Neil in his book talked about compiling a boxset of Crazy Horse music. Can you give us an update on the likely release and what it might contain?

Ralph: Neil has the answer to that!

No release date yet. But sure it will contain unreleased tunes and his years of music with all his friends.


Handwritten FAX from Ralph

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Happy Mother's (Earth) Day!

Happy Mother's (Earth) Day!

Mother Earth by Neil Young

Oh, Mother Earth,
With your fields of green
Once more laid down
by the hungry hand
How long can you
give and not receive
And feed this world
ruled by greed
And feed this world
ruled by greed.

Oh, ball of fire
In the summer sky
Your healing light,
your parade of days
Are they betrayed
by the men of power
Who hold this world
in their changing hands
They hold the world
in their changing hands.

Oh, freedom land
Can you let this go
Down to the streets
where the numbers grow
Respect Mother Earth
and her giving ways
Or trade away
our children's days
Or trade away
our children's days.

Save Mother Earth for another day...


The Inconvenient Truth of Greendale
Be the rain.

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This Finger (& Note's) For You!

Alchemy Tour Program 2012: Neil Young & Crazy Horse
(Thanks Tony for the image scan!)
(Click photo to enlarge)
Tonight, Saturday, May 11 at 9:00 PM EST, (~2 hours from now) the Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour from WBKM.org will be streaming.

Tonight's edition will feature the latest Neil Young news, as well as, whatever else is on our mind's at the moment. Also, an update on Thrasher's Wheat Radio Europe Tour Plans for the summer.

Tune in details and podcast info @ Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour.



Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe!


4 concerts in 3 countries in 5 days.

Walk with us.

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Neil Young Breaks The 4th Wall: "Opera Star" [Encore] - Brisbane Australia - 7th March 2013 - YouTube

The concept of "breaking the 4th wall" was on display earlier this year at the Brisbane, AUS concert by Neil Young & Crazy Horse on 3/7/13.

In the clip above of "Opera Star", Neil "breaks the 4th wall" just before the camera starts rolling.

Here's how FiffteeFifftee saw things go down on the rail:

"Neil seemingly see's the camera outstretched, walks towards the edge of the stage, casually leans on the giant mic & momentarily pokes his head out through the 'stage bubble' into 'our world' to check out what's going on in the pit before quickly retreating back to the onstage action to finish the Encore!

Very cool :)

Thanks FiffteeFifftee! Very cool indeed.

We'll see folks down on the rail this summer! Maybe we'll get some "breaking the 4th wall" action also?!



Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe!

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Greendale News of the Moment: Into The Valley Of Death Rode The 600, Into The Valley Of 400 PPM Rode The 7 Billion

Temperature change over past 11,300 years (in blue, via Science, 2013) plus projected warming this century on humanity’s current carbon pollution emissions path (in red, via recent literature).
via Climate Progress
As Neil Young's LincVolt cruised thru the Mayflower, Arkansas area -- devastated by the Canadian Tar Sands pipeline rupture -- recently, we pondered whether we will ever learn before its really all too late?

Maybe not, given some of the folks Neil encountered on the road. And that gives us hope.

So the Greendale News of the Moment is Into The Valley Of Death Rode The 600, Into The Valley Of 400 PPM Rode The 7 Billion | Climate Progress by Joe Romm:

“It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could choose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing.” So ends Field Notes from a Catastrophe, the terrific 2006 book by Elizabeth Kolbert, one of the country’s most thoughtful climate journalists.

Certainly as we hit 400 parts per million (ppm) for the first time in human existence, with not even a plan to avoid 600 ppm, 800 ppm, and then 1000 — not even a national discussion or an outcry by the so-called intelligentsia – it is worth asking, why? Is there something inherent in homo “sapiens” that makes us oblivious to the obvious?

don't be oblivious to the obvious.
be the rain.

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James Taylor & Neil Young

A short video of James Taylor discussing working with Neil Young.

This must be from a biography of Neil. Maybe the BBC doc?

More on James Taylor & Neil Young working on album "Harvest".



Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe!

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Rebels With Causes Join Global Citizen Ticket Drive

Neil Young
(Click photo to enlarge)
We all know that Neil Young is a Humanitarian Rebel With Causes.

So Neil -- along with some of our favorite rebels with causes -- is joining the "Global Citizen Ticket Drive".

From Pearl Jam, Bruce Springsteen Neil Young Join Global Citizen Ticket Drive | Music News | Rolling Stone by Steve Knopper:

To fight world hunger and transform their fans into social activists, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Beyoncé, Black Sabbath, Neil Young, Kanye West, My Morning Jacket and dozens of other stars will donate two tickets to every show they play for the next three years. The Global Citizen Tickets Initiative, announced today, allows fans to earn points (one for sharing a Facebook video dealing with extreme poverty, 20 for raising $20 or more for a participating charity) and apply them to a ticket lottery.

Keep on Rockin'!



Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe!

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Photo of the Moment: Neil Young & Crazy Horse, 1986

Neil Young & Crazy Horse
(L-R Billy Talbot, Frank "Poncho" Sampedro, Neil Young, and Ralph Molina w/ Elliot Roberts)
Spectrum in Philadelphia,PA on September 17,1986
©1986 Ebet Roberts
(Click photo to enlarge)   The Photo of the Moment is Neil Young & Crazy Horse from backstage at the Spectrum in Philadelphia,PA on September 17,1986.

As we get ready for Neil & The Horse to head to Europe, here's last week's Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour podcast from WBKM.org is now available for download here.

Enjoy & Keep on Rockin'!



Thrasher's Wheat Radio
Goes To Europe!

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Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe T-Shirts!

Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe T-Shirt*
(back of shirt, more details below)
As you probably know by now, we finally have a plan for Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe.

Here's what we're trying to pull off and the itinerary:

2013-06-02 Waldbühne, Berlin, Germany - Opening Date of Summer Tour of Neil Young & Crazy Horse
2013-06-03 O2 World, Hamburg, Germany
2013-06-05 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2013-06-06 Le Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, Paris, France


4 concerts in 3 countries in 5 days.

We're working on arrangements to stream via internet live audio & video from venues immediately before and after the concert with reports, interviews, setlists and whatever else seems fun at the time.

The logistics are quite daunting for us all and WBKM.org. This is something that hasn’t been done before and will be pretty cool if we can pull it off.

Many, many folks around the world have been asking how best they can support our efforts. And you -- our dear readers and listeners -- have responded with enthusiastic support and encouragement for which we are so grateful. Across Europe we have had offers of concert tickets, lodging, transportation and financial support which has been so wonderfully gratifying to see how much folks really want to help make this happen.

The priority item now, of course, is tickets. There will be 4 crew members (audio/video engineer/uplink, sound, camera & blogger) for Thrasher's Wheat Radio needing tickets to 4 shows. Our preference is General Admission tickets. So if you know of anyone with extra tickets for Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, or Paris, please get in touch with us at thrasher@thrasherswheat.org .

Also, we will be printing t-shirts & buttons(see above) with the Thrasher's Wheat Radio logo and we'd love to send you one to say thanks for supporting Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe. Here's the deal:

Solo Acoustic Support Level: Thrasher's Wheat Radio button

Crazy Horse Electric Support Level: Thrasher's Wheat Radio button + Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe T-Shirt

ALL ACCESS SPONSOR Support Level: Here's your opportunity to Program a Quarter Hour of a Thrashers Wheat Radio Episode. You Create a 15 minute personal Neil Young set list which will be broadcast during a Thrashers Wheat Radio episode. You pick the songs and tell us to whom each song or your segment is dedicated. Hey, give a shout out to Neil and the Horse! Prior to broadcast we may be able to record you dedicating each song and play them on the air. (Note all material and dedications requires prior approval of WBKM Radio and Thrashers Wheat in their sole discretion).

Plus Thrasher's Wheat Radio button + Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe T-Shirt

Choose your support level and we'll ship as soon as we can!

Solo Acoustic Support Level: $5.00 USA & $8.00 International/Non-USA
Crazy Horse Electric Support Level: $35.00 USA & $40.00 International/Non-USA
ALL ACCESS SPONSOR Support Level: $100.00 USA & $105.00 International/Non-USA

To support Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe , donate securely using PayPal. Only your credit card is necessary to apply directly & securely. No PayPal account setup is necessary.

Only your credit card is necessary to apply directly & securely. No PayPal account setup necessary. (NOTE: Any excess donations will be contributed to helping The Bridge School, Farm Aid, Musicares, and other worthy causes.)

Your donation must include shipping address, including country. Also, if supporting at Crazy Horse Electric Support Level or ALL ACCESS SPONSOR Support Level, include your T-shirt size (Medium, Large or Extra Large). (First, login, then enter $ amount, and before confirming, complete field "Instructions to merchant")

Feel free to get in touch with us on any questions at thrasher@thrasherswheat.org .

Let's all make this historic tour coverage happen so that we can bring the music and magic of the Neil Young & Crazy Horse Alchemy World Tour to all of those who are unable to make it to Europe this summer.

This is really all up to you -- our loyal and faithful readers here on Thrasher's Wheat, our radio listeners and the entire Neil Young fan community.

Let's all not be denied.

(*Thanks for logo design by Geoff Moore - Silver Moon Graphics.)

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Berlin Pre-Show Party on June 1

Berlin pre-glow « HH.org

With Neil Young and Crazy Horse in Berlin, Germany on 2 June 2013, there will be a pre-show party of the fan community.

The pre-show party on Saturday, June 1st, will be the warm up for the Neil and The Horse show on Sunday.

The Internet radio „Radio der von Neil Young Getöteten“ and Neil Young Info News summon you to a Neil Young Tribute show on June 1st, 18h00 in the Columbia-Club, Berlin.

The Bands playing are Tom Liwa, „Bozz Rockband“, „OldWay“ and „Forever Young“. All these musicians are close in spirit to Neil’s music, though not being just cover bands. They hook up to different periods in Neil’s work.

It’s also planned to have aside from the main acts in the Columbia-Club a side stage in the open air area for an acoustic Open Stage for other musicians/bands/jam sessions. If you are interested, ring here:

post@drdvnyg.de .

All info and to order tickets for the Columbia-Club event in Berlin, Neil Young pre-show party, go to:

>>> neil-young.info/fanaktivitaeten/neil-young-feste/vorgluehen.html

Enjoy!

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TUNE IN: Thrasher's Wheat Radio Tonight

Neil Young
photo via The United Church Of Neil Young And Bob Dylan
(Click photo to enlarge)
Tonight, Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 PM EST, (~2 hours from now) the Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour from WBKM.org will be streaming.

Tonight's edition will feature the latest Neil Young news, as well as, comments on the 43rd anniversary of the Kent State, Ohio Massacre. Also, an update on Thrasher's Wheat Radio Europe Tour Plans for the summer.

Tune in details and podcast info @ Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour.

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Neil Young Solo - "Ohio", Farm Aid 25, Milwaukee on October 2, 2010

Neil Young, "Ohio" solo. From broadcast of Farm Aid 25: Growing Hope for America, Neil Young performs "Ohio" at Miller Park in Milwaukee on October 2, 2010.

So what really happened at Kent State, Ohio 43 years ago today? Here's a start -- More Kent State, Ohio Massacre Coverup Evidence Surfaces.  

More on the Kent State, Ohio Massacre tonight, Saturday, May 4 at 9:00 PM EST, the Thrasher's Wheat Radio Hour from WBKM.org will be streaming.

"Those who cannot remember the past, are condemned to repeat it."
  ~~George Santayana, Reason in Common Sense

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More Kent State, Ohio Massacre Coverup Evidence Surfaces

Kent State Massacre Evidence
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 11/15/73 document
via Kent State Truth Tribunal
(Click photo to enlarge)
On April 3, 2013,Kent State Truth Tribunal’s submission to the United Nations was posted ONLINE at the UN Human Rights Committee website.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) 11/15/73 document (above) shows the shipment of 12,000 weapons within possession of the Ohio National Guard (ONG) including weapons used to kill and wound student protesters at Kent State University on May 4, 1970 with commentary on the destruction of 12,000 weapons.


Kent State Massacre Evidence
US Dept of Justice letter 11/19/73
via Kent State Truth Tribunal
(Click photo to enlarge)
The US Dept of Justice letter 11/19/73 pertains to Mr. Terry Norman -- a critical link in the Kent State Ohio Massacre Coverup.


Terry Norman - FBI informant/provocateur
70 Seconds Before Kent State Shootings
May 4, 1970 @ 12:24 PM
Kent State Truth Tribunal

So what really happened at Kent State, Ohio 43 years ago tomorrow?

Based on last week's U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation report, we still might never know. Or will we someday learn the awful truth of that tragic day that left 4 dead in Ohio?

It seems that the key to the truth lies with Terry Norman.

In recently discovered film of the Kent State Shooting in 1970 (1:07.40 thru 1:08), FBI informant provocateur Terry Norman (photo at top) is the young man in the light colored sports jacket. Earlier that day Norman's mentor, Detective Tom Kelly from the Kent Police had attempted to have Norman's gun approved for carrying on campus during the demonstrations, but that approval never came so it's KEY that the video clearly shows Norman handing over his gun to Detective Kelly.

From forensic evidence expert Stuart Allen's analyses of the Kent State Tape in 2010, we learned that Norman shot that weapon at the May 4th demonstration as he was attacked & beat-up by students who saw his gun. (More on Terry Norman ~ Does Terry Norman Hold the Key to Kent State?.)

Watching these Kent State videos without sound, Norman's gun hand-off coupled with the post-Kent State Tape analysis, we now understand the importance of this interaction caught on video & at many other sources.

Norman's pistol 'created the sound of sniper fire.'

In response to the DOJ whitewash report Congressman Dennis Kucinich issued a statement:

“The letter also failed to indicate any efforts to reconcile the evidence in the recording with any prior statements about the incident made by FBI paid informant, Terry Norman, who was on campus that day and was known to have brandished a gun that might have created the sounds caught in the recording.

“While I appreciate the response from the Justice Department, ultimately, they fail to examine key questions and discrepancies. It is well known that an FBI informant, Terry Norman, was on the campus. That FBI informant was carrying a gun. Eye witnesses testified that they saw Mr. Norman brandish that weapon. Two experts in forensic audio, who have previously testified in court regarding audio forensics, found gunshots in their analysis of the audio recording.

Did an FBI informant discharge a firearm at Kent State?

Did an FBI informant precipitate the shootings?"

Why is understanding the Kent State Ohio Massacre critical?

To understand the events of May 4, 1970 at Kent State and the four dead in Ohio, is to understand much of what has happened in our history before, during and after.

In the intervening 41 years, there have been a wide range of commissions, studies, research and theories of what actually led to twenty-eight Ohio National Guardsmen shooting into a crowd of anti-war protesters at Kent State University which left four college students dead on the ground.


Photo by Kent State photojournalism student John Filo

"History never exactly repeats itself.

But its currents are never far from the present. As today’s protesters and police employ bolder tactics, the Kent State and Jackson State anniversaries should remind us that deadly mistakes can and do happen. It is the government’s responsibility to wield proportionate force, not to over-arm police and place them in a position where they could panic with deadly results."
~~ Steven Rosenfeld, Will a Militarized Police Force Facing Occupy Wall Street Lead to Another Kent State Massacre? | Civil Liberties | AlterNet

Despite many official denials, there have always been persistent theories that the National Guard was actually provoked into the shootings by a belief that they were being fired upon themselves and therefore were acting in self defense.

What follows is a brief recap for those less familiar with the The Kent State Massacre, followed by the latest developments.

The spring of 1970 was a time of significant unrest on college campuses protesting the Vietnam war and President Richard Nixon's announcement of a new American invasion of Cambodia, provoking an escalation in anti-war protests. The anti-war protest movement culminated with the Kent State Massacre which resulted in hundreds of universities, colleges, and high schools closing throughout the United States due to a student strike of four million students. The official President's Commission on Campus Unrest concluded that "the indiscriminate firing of rifles into a crowd of students and the deaths that followed were unnecessary, unwarranted, and inexcusable."


Twenty-eight Ohio National Guardsmen fired sixty-seven rounds in thirteen seconds, leaving four students dead

Here is a summary of recent new developments from Kent State Truth Tribunal. (For more, see Kent State Truth Tribunal. Thanks Laurel for all of your work in your sister Allison's name.)


Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young - Minneapolis, MN 1970
"They were about to walk out on stage and were spending a moment warming up."
Photo by Henry Diltz

Immediately after the Kent State shooting on May 4, 1970, Neil Young composed the song "Ohio" after looking at photos appearing in Life magazine and then taking a walk in the woods. Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young went to the studio and recorded the song which was released to radio stations shortly after the killings.

A rather significant article in today's The Cleveland (Ohio) Plain Dealer "Neil Young's 'Ohio' evokes strong images of May 4, 1970 shootings at Kent State" by Mark Dawidziak:

It was more than just another protest song.

Ohio was a cry of anguish, penned by Neil Young after seeing pictures taken at Kent State University on May 4, 1970.

But 40 years after members of the Ohio National Guard opened fire on college students, Young's "Ohio" remains the most evocative pop-culture response to a defining moment in American history.
"This is an event that now is in every history book," said Carole A. Barbato, a Kent State University professor of communication studies who team-teaches a course on May 4. "Wherever you live, even though your environment obviously shapes how you perceive things, you're probably as aware of the shootings at Kent State as those of us in Northeast Ohio. And even though this still would be in the history books, the pop culture certainly does perpetuate that. "Ohio" was entering the pop-culture consciousness within three weeks of the shootings.

"It was the quickest and best reaction to Kent State, with Neil Young acting as 50 percent songwriter and 50 percent journalist," said David Bianculli, a pop-culture historian who teaches at Rowan University and regularly contributes to NPR's "Fresh Air."

"I'll tell you what that song meant," said Bianculli, author of the recently published "Dangerously Funny: The Uncensored Story of the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour." "After the assassinations of Martin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy, you felt kind of helpless as a young person. It seemed that when someone had your voice, that voice was silenced, usually by violence.

"Then you have Kent State, and college kids are actually fired upon. And when you just might start to be thinking, you don't dare have a voice or there is no voice, from the radio comes this voice of solidarity and outrage. It wasn't just a pop song."

...
"After 1970, that doesn't happen again. It didn't need to happen again, mostly because it didn't need to happen there. And that's what Neil Young's song spoke to."

Thanks Ken D.

More on Neil Young composed song "Ohio" performed by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY).

Timeline of Events Leading up to May 4, 1970:

4 Days in May: Ohio, May 1, 1970

4 Days in May: Ohio, May 2, 1970

4 Days in May: Ohio, May 3, 1970

4 Dead In Ohio: May 4, 1970

Let us continue the struggle to ensure that Allison's murder (& Bill's, Jeffry's and Sandra's) was not in vain.

The Four Dead in Ohio

Allison Krause - Age: 19, 110 Yards
William Schroeder - Age: 19, 130 Yards
Jeffrey Miller - Age: 20, 90 Yards
Sandra Scheuer - Age: 20, 130 Yards
 

A video collage of still images commemorating the 36th Anniversary of the killing of four college students by National Guardsman at Kent State in 1970

 

Art Threat | Sadly, Neil Young’s Ohio still relevant 43 years after Kent State massacre  (Click photo to enlarge)   Also, see "My 285th post on Kent State." Why the 1960s still matter by Will Bunch.  

 Let a million flowers bloom.

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Horse Sense: Billy Talbot on Energy, Emotion, and Free Expression with Neil Young | Bassplayer

Billy Talbot
A great interview with Crazy Horse's Billy Talbot in Bassplayer "Horse Sense: Billy Talbot on Energy, Emotion, and Free Expression with Neil Young" By JIMMY LESLIE:

Bassplayer: What is at the heart of your bass style, and how do you
apply it to Crazy Horse?

Billy Talbot: My bass style is simply to keep the feel flowing. I don’t like to make up things, per se. I like to let elements beyond playing the changes and the groove come to me within the feel as the song progresses.
We don’t play R&B songs built on dominant bass lines; our songs are all about the lyrics or the sincere expressiveness of Neil’s lead guitar, so mostly my job is to play a lot of root notes with the main feel, and stay that way for however long is required with energy. Capturing that magic is really important to Crazy Horse, so we like to record a new song the first time we perform it.

Bassplayer: Can you cite an example from Psychedelic Pill?

Billy Talbot: “Driftin’ Back” was the first real jam we’d played together in eight years. It’s mostly Asus2 to Em for nearly a half an hour. You’ll hear us expound on the feel in different ways during long instrumental sections. The important thing is when Neil starts singing again the song isn’t in a completely different place.

Bassplayer: How much direction does Neil offer?

Billy Talbot: He might offer suggestions, but Neil never tells anybody what to play, and neither do I. When you
start telling someone what to do, you lose a dimension of that person. You’re not letting them breathe,
so they’re not going to bring all of whatever they’ve got to your song. The key is getting the right people.

More of interview with Crazy Horse's Billy Talbot in Bassplayer "Horse Sense: Billy Talbot on Energy, Emotion, and Free Expression with Neil Young".

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Thrasher's Wheat Radio Goes To Europe! Here's the deal

Neil Young & Crazy Horse World Tour
2013-06-02 Waldbühne, Berlin, Germany
2013-06-03 O2 World, Hamburg, Germany
2013-06-05 Ziggo Dome, Amsterdam, Netherlands
2013-06-06 Le Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy, Paris, France
2013 Europe Tour Map
Last month, we announced our hope for Thrasher's Wheat Radio Going To Europe for Neil Young & Crazy Horse's tour this summer.

And our readers and listeners have responded with enthusiastic support and encouragement for which we are so grateful. Across Europe we have had offers of concert tickets, lodging, transportation and financial support which has been so wonderfully gratifying to see how much folks really want to help make this happen.

Thrasher's Wheat and WBKM.org is working hard to provide live radio coverage of this summer's Neil Young & Crazy Horse World Tour leg in Europe. The aim is to broadcast live from venues around Europe with fan interviews before the concert and instant reactions and reviews afterwards. NYAS members, Rusties and Zumans, come be a part of the show!

Our plan now is to start with the tour kickoff on 2013-06-02 in Berlin, Germany, then on to Hamburg, Amsterdam, and Paris. 4 concerts in 3 countries in 5 days.

This is something that hasn’t been done before and will be pretty cool if we can pull it off. As you might expect TWRH is a not-for-profit organisation and funding such a trip is a big challenge. Thrasher's Wheat, WBKM.org and others are now trying to raise the necessary funds for travel, logistics, tickets, lodging and other expenses.

Right now, with dates committed, we are looking to the Neil Young community for any assistance. So if you can make a contribution, provide lodging, transit, tickets or any other support, Thrasher's Wheat and WBKM.org would love to hear from you. Reach out to us at thrasher@thrasherswheat.org. We would love to hear from you with your suggestions and support.

The priority item, of course, is tickets. There will be 4 crew members for Thrasher's Wheat Radio needing tickets to 4 shows. Our preference is General Admission tickets. So if you can help us out with tickets for Berlin, Hamburg, Amsterdam, or Paris, please get in touch.

If you have already contacted us, we will be back in touch soon. If your offer to provide assistance is not for a city on our trip, we thank you tremendously and hope that you may be able to pass along your offer to another Neil fan in need.

Let's all make this historic tour coverage happen so that we can bring the music and magic of the Neil Young & Crazy Horse Alchemy World Tour to all of those who are unable to make it to Europe this summer.

This is really all up to you -- our loyal and faithful readers here on Thrasher's Wheat, our radio listeners and the entire Neil Young fan community.

Let's all not be denied.

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Happy 80th Birthday Willie Nelson!

Willie Nelson
(Click photo to enlarge)
Happy 80th Birthday Willie Nelson!

Long May You Run.




Neil Young sings Happy Birthday to Willie Nelson.


Willie Nelson will celebrate his 80th Birthday on April 30, 2013.

More on Willie Nelson's 80th Birthday with Neil Young, others in Nashville.

DEMOCRACY NOW'S AMY GOODMAN: Music legend Willie Nelson turns 80 today. A lot of websites say it’s the 30th, tomorrow, but we talked to his wife Annie; she said he was born just before midnight, the doctor recorded it after midnight, so legally it’s the 30th, but really it’s the 29th.

Country music legend Willie Nelson turns 80 years old today. Last night he performed a benefit birthday concert in Austin to raise money for the fire department of West, Texas — the town devastated by a fertilizer plant explosion that killed 14 people earlier this month. Nelson was born just a few miles away in Abbott, Texas, in 1933. In addition to being one of the most celebrated country musicians, Nelson has been politically active for decades. He co-founded Farm Aid, the annual benefit and awareness-raising concert for small farmers. Nelson has partnered in a biodiesel plant that fuels trucks with vegetable oil. And he serves on the advisory board member for the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. We broadcast an excerpt of our hour-long interview with Nelson when he joined us in our studio in 2008.

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The Driver Has A Message

Monument Valley
Photo via LincVolt's Timeline | Facebook
(Click photo to enlarge)
Yesterday, we posted on Neil Young Riding LincVolt with Tim DeChristopher For a Solution.

If you appreciate Tim "Bidder 70" DeChristopher's purpose, then you'll appreciate this message from The Driver out in Monument Valley and Arches:

Imagine the beautiful majestic canyons and valleys of Canyonlands National Park, the same legendary landscape immortalized around the world in car commercials and posters of American beauty, and you know where we are now. Imagine a nightmare where these lands are raped by Big Oil and the American Government, working hand in hand to create another tar sands disaster for Planet Earth in our sacred Canyonlands National Park. The plans are made and the forces are moving.

Ignoring the Climate Chaos that has become the new normal, ignoring the inefficiency of tar sands oil production, ignoring the species becoming extinct as you read this, ignoring a chance for a clean tomorrow, these forces of reckless greed are moving forward and if you don’t do something about it and get active, raise awareness, make your own statements, then it will be partly your responsibility. The destruction will rest on your shoulders. Get active. Make change now. Fight for Freedom to choose the fuel you use. End fossil fuel abuse. End carbon waste. Begin now.
The Driver

Thanks The Driver!

As you may know, this blog fights climate change everyday.

"You can make a difference if you really a try".
rise, resist & change
be the rain
peace

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Tim DeChristopher & Neil Young Riding LincVolt Together For a Solution

Tim DeChristopher & Neil Young
Photo via Bidder 70 - Film
(Click photo to enlarge)
Tim DeChristopher spends a day riding around with Neil Young discussing climate change for a new documentary by Daryl Hannah.

And you may say who is Tim DeChristopher?

Well if you don't know who Tim DeChristopher is, he is known as the "Bidder 70".

The documentary film Bidder 70 will be released soon. Here's the trailer on Tim's story.



It's great to see Neil standing with Tim.

Rush the field.

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Photo of the Moment: Neil Young, Guitar Player Magazine - February 2013

Seattle, WA - Neil Young & Crazy Horse, 11/10/12
Photo by Jay Blakesberg Photography
(Click photo to enlarge)
The Photo of the Moment is from a 2 page spread of Neil Young in the February issue of Guitar Player Magazine featuring photography by Jay Blakesberg Photography.

Reviews and more of Seattle, WA - Neil Young & Crazy Horse, 11/10/12.

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ANNOUNCEMENT TONIGHT: Thrasher's Wheat Radio Europe Tour Plans

Thrasher's Wheat Radio
Tune in on WBKM.org, Saturdays @ 9P EST
Logo design by
Geoff Moore - Silver Moon Graphics
Tonight, Saturday, April 27 at 9:00 PM EST, (~3 hours from now) the Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour from WBKM.org will be streaming.

Tonight's edition will feature the latest Neil Young news, as well as, a major announcement of Thrasher's Wheat Radio Europe Tour Plans for the summer.

Thrashers Wheat Radio Hour is presented and produced each week by WBKM.org in the heart of Burlington, Vermont.

A podcast of tonight's broadcast will be posted for your listening pleasure here soon after broadcast.

Don't Be Denied.

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Rust Radio Redesigned & Goes 24/7!

Rust Radio
Rust Radio is now streaming 24 hours a day, seven days week.

Also, the website has been completely redesigned with new features including an in-browser player, a schedule of upcoming shows, direct links to the excellent Sugar Mountain and Song X websites.

Great job Roel & Fredrik. Check it out at http://www.rustradio.org and crank it up. Enjoy!

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3 Year Old Covers Neil Young's "Comes A Time"

OK, we admit that we must receive on any given day here at Thrasher's Wheat, at least a half dozen or more Neil Young covers.

Some good. Some not so good.

We usually listen a few seconds and move on.

Now this isn't the best cover of Neil Young's "Comes A Time" we've ever heard. But maybe the youngest Young cover -- 3 years old?!

Hi Thrasher,

Just wanted to say I've been reading your site on close to a daily basis for quite some time.

I'm a huge Neil fan as my wife can attest. After the Gold Rush is what did it for me. But one of my favourite songs is Comes A Time, and that whole album is a beauty too. It was one of the first songs I ever sang to a group of people (around a campfire to children at a summer camp). More recently I've adopted it as a useful lullaby to sing to my 3 year old son before bed. He loves it and repeats all the words. On a hike the other day while he was sitting up on my shoulders I captured him doing his best to cover the song, and thought I'd share.

So here you go. It's never too early to be a Neil Young fan!

Geoff in Ottawa

Thanks Geoff! You're right -- You can never be too young (or old) to be a Neil Young fan!

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VIDEO - Neil Young: Ain't Singin' for Pepsi but WIll Sing for Cellulosic Ethanol

A nice little video of Neil Young's visit to POET, in Sioux Falls, SD, on April 12th, 2013 with his LincVolt car while on a cross-country road trip.

The converted 1959 Lincoln Continental, is fueled by POET-DSM cellulosic ethanol.

This fuel's for you. Save planet for another day.

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"I met Neil Young on a Gravel Road in Mayflower Today. Yes Really."

Shelli Russell with Neil Young
Mayflower, Arkansas
(Click photo to enlarge)
Neil Young was driving his LincVolt thru Mayflower, Arkansas the other day looking at the aftermath of the Canadian Tar Sands pipeline rupture and devastation.

Shelli Russell just happened to encounter Neil Young.

Here's Shelli's story I met Neil Young on a Gravel Road in Mayflower Today. Yes Really. – MySaline.com.

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Neil Young, others Go To Nashville to Honor Willie Nelson's 80th Birthday

Neil Young & Willie Nelson, 2005
Photo via FarmAid.org
Rolling Stone Mobile - News - Music: Willie Nelson Rings in 80th Birthday With Neil Young, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow By Adam Gold:

Willie Nelson turns 80 next week, but the festivities got underway last Thursday night in Nashville, where a star-studded cast of duet partners featuring Neil Young**, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Jamey Johnson, Ashley Monroe and Leon Russell paid tribute to the outlaw country icon at an intimate birthday soiree. The celebration – held at Jack White**'s Third Man Records – doubled as a taping for an upcoming CMT Crossroads episode.

Of all the guests, Young was the only one who played his own songs (not that anybody complained), as well as the only guest who joined Nelson to perform as an unaccompanied duo. Although Young's appearance wasn't a surprise to the 100 or so attendees who packed the makeshift TV studio in Third Man's warehouse/office space (and, unfortunately, not the adjoining record store/compound's cozier live music venue, the Blue Room), it was as though the audience couldn't really believe they'd witness the Godfather of Grunge rock out with the Redheaded Stranger in such close confines until they actually saw it. And Young diehards probably couldn't believe what they were hearing when the singer busted out the rarely-performed, resplendent Rust Never Sleeps** lullaby "Sail Away," which he performed standing almost nose to nose with Nelson at center stage.

"I wrote it for my car, but it works for you great," Young joked in barroom-chum fashion before serenading Nelson with his next number, a spellbinding rendition of the 1976 Stills-Young Band classic "Long May You Run." Strumming and swaying back and forth, eyes obscured by a baseball cap, his voice sounding pristine as if preserved in time, Young mostly sang it directly to Nelson, not to the crowd or the cameras. With White, Johnson and Monroe watching enchanted from the wings, it was a moment not lost on anyone but maybe the man of the hour, who was keeping a close eye on his friend and fellow Farm Aid organizer's left hand for the chord changes, making the rawness all the more real.

From Willie Nelson's CMT Crossroads Taping at Third Man Records Feat. Neil Young, Norah Jones, Sheryl Crow and More, 4/18/13 | Nashville Cream:

And then it was the moment we still can't exactly believe we were privy to: Neil Young striding out plainly in his T-shirt and baseball cap, joining his old pal Willie Nelson for a take on "Sail Away" from Young and Crazyhorse's superb 1979 LP Rust Never Sleeps. Not only were Young's two tunes the only non-Willie numbers of the night, but "Sail Away" was also the only song that began with a false start — it seems the wrong lyrics were cued up on a teleprompter, and, Young admitted with good humor, it tripped him up a bit. While Nelson's contributions to the number were somewhat limited, it remained a goosebump-inducing moment, right up until Young punctuated the song's end with a mildly premature "thank you" — he mentioned that while on tour with the Judds many moons ago, he noticed their penchant for thanking the audience before the song was through. That got a big laugh. Young introduced his next song with the note that it was actually written for his car, but that it would work for Willie too. The tune was "Long May You Run," of course, and between the song's sentiment and Young's top-notch performance, it was The Spin's favorite moment of the evening.

(Thanks Matt!)


Neil Young
Jack White's Third Man Record Booth
From Third Man Records:

To be fair, most of our excitement is tied-up in the success of our Third Man Record Booth.

The dozens of people who waited in line to record their very own 111 seconds of vinyl magic walked away with one-of-a-kind audio mementos that we (and they) will never forget. Whether it was a marriage proposal, folk song, last will and testament, poem, one act play, a Sir-Mix-a-Lot cover or birthday greetings, accompanied by everything from a vintage 1920's Gibson mandolin, a boombox or an iPhone, every last recording from the booth was inspired and fulfilling. Even Neil Young stopped by and recorded a song in the booth.

The booth was carefully monitored by two engineers throughout the day to ensure all the mechanizations were in fine working order. Third Man made the decision (at least for Record Store Day) to use the highest quality aluminum substrate lacquers. These blanks offer the best fidelity for cold needle record cutting and can be played dozens and dozens of times without any noticeable audio degradation.

Record Store Day weekend has really put the booth through its paces and our engineers (Third Mangineers?) have learned a lot from this weekend and are making the necessary modifications to ensure the booth can soon be a permanent fixture in the Novelties Lounge.

Jack White also did a recording in the booth this weekend and we share that with you here for free so you can hear the warm analog fidelity that radiates out of this booth.

Neil Young
Photo via Third Man Records

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Neil Young - "Happy Mother Earth Day"

Happy Mother Earth Day!

From Farm Aid 1990, Neil Young sings "Mother Earth".



Happy Mother's (Earth) Day!

Mother Earth by Neil Young

Oh, Mother Earth,
With your fields of green
Once more laid down
by the hungry hand
How long can you
give and not receive
And feed this world
ruled by greed
And feed this world
ruled by greed.

Oh, ball of fire
In the summer sky
Your healing light,
your parade of days
Are they betrayed
by the men of power
Who hold this world
in their changing hands
They hold the world
in their changing hands.

Oh, freedom land
Can you let this go
Down to the streets
where the numbers grow
Respect Mother Earth
and her giving ways
Or trade away
our children's days
Or trade away
our children's days.


Save Mother Earth for another day...


The Inconvenient Truth of Greendale
Be the rain.

t’s as quiet out here as it looks, folks, and it’s lovely. It’s a long road ahead, but I’m proud to be moving along, part of the change. It’s Earth Day, and I’m reminded that I love her. We need to save her. Mother Earth is in trouble, and every idea to help her has merit. I’m one idea, and proud to be one. LV

LincVolt

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Concert Review of the Moment: Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Auckland, New Zealand, Mar 21, 2013

Neil Young & Crazy Horse in Brisbane Australia 7/3/13
Photo by Stuart Mazz | Facebook
(Click photo to enlarge)
First, a nice photo by Stuart Mazz | Facebook:

Neil walked forward during the start of the 'Opera Star' Encore and leant against the giant mic whilst casually glancing around & checking out what was going on in the Pit -- much to our delight ;) — at Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD Australia.

And the Concert Review of the Moment of Auckland, New Zealand - Neil Young & Crazy Horse Concert Reviews - Mar 21, 2013 by Baz Cleverley:

Thursday night, 21st March 2013. Vector Arena in Auckland.

First time here and I was pleasantly surprised at the venue. I think I expected a sort of tin shed where people mostly play horrible netball stuff. However, the Grounds and surrounding area, and the facilities available to you before the doors opened at 6.30, were excellent. Naturally, we were there a good few hours before we needed to be,( 4.1/2 to be precise.!)..but once the Eatery was open, we basked in glorious sunshine at an outside table where very attentative staff made sure we were happy, kept the table clear and bought drinks for those silly sods that needed them. Why seemingly sane folk would want to get tanked up on alcohol before a NEIL YOUNG concert is beyond me but I suppose this IS Auckland, a different sort of crowd to Wellington.

The Support act, The Drones, an Australian band, opened for Neil in Wellington. They were here tonight too. The Drones were earsplittingly LOUD and not at all enjoyable but probably only for that reason.. Some 'quieter moments' showed that they were melodic and accomplished so why they chose to unleash this vicious assault on the Audience is beyond me. BeCAUSE of the Wellington performance, we chose not to enter the Stadium in Auckland until 8.30, after they had left the Stage. Such a shame and they could so easilly have done themselves some real good had they toned it down. As an aside, NEIL YOUNG is 67 and a good proportion of the Audience would have been of similar age or maybe a DECADE or so YOUNGer.

Why the Promotors thought it a good idea to present the Drones to such an Audience is beyond me but maybe they would have been palatable had the volume been reduced to that which NEIL and CRAZY HORSE managed to survive with..... I might still hunt out some Drones material, just to see what we missed by BEING there.!!

And so to 8.44. The Stage was set and the Gigantic Fender 'Speakers' were unpacked. Eventually, the large gaggle of white coated boffins that were responsible (If they could stop squabling amongst themselves...) for setting up the Stage, lowered the huge HUGE Microphone and Stand, you know, the one from Rust never sleeps n that. The Boffins maintained their petulant antics much to the delight of the crowd and eventually, Order seemed to be established and to a huge roar from the Capacity Crowd, NEIL and the HORSE entered Centre Stage and stood lined up on the left side. The New Zealand flag appeared and the New Zealand National Anthem rang out. A great touch and NEIL likes to show that respect in every County he plays... Nice one Son. Out came the white coats and assisted the Band into their instuments.

Neils almost constant companion, 'Old Black, his beloved '53 but heavilly modified Gibson Les Paul, burst into LOVE and only LOVE at 8.53 and the crowd roared their approval. We were on our way and we were at one with the Master and the Horse... Some favourites, POWDERFINGER, some new, ONTARIO, heavy times with the feedback rich Walk like a GIANT (and He IS too) made sure that the excitement level never ever dropped. The HORSE were blindingly brilliant and the raport between NEIL and Poncho is something to see. The tempo slowed a wee bit at 9.39 with a beautiful version of Hole in the sky. NEIL was taking a break from the blistering pace already set.

Out came a white coat and took Old Black.... Suddenly, an Accoustic appeared and a harmonica cradle.... NEIL burst into HEART OF GOLD to a huge roar of approval from the crowd who were by now totally sold on the evening. It was a great rendition too, from a time long ago and far away. Next came TWISTED ROAD, which I 'think' was done with his Gretch white Falcon..? Somebody will correct me. From here to the beat up old piano at Stage Right. NEIL sang this beautifully, his voice over the entire night was just perfect (for an old guy.!) and it didnt let him down on this slow evokative ballad. While he was singing, a beuatiful blond girl wandered out onto the stage, carrying a beat up old guitar case. She wandered from prop to prop and to the Piano, she looked whistfully at the Speakers and the microphones, and the HORSE. She wandered here and there, stopping sometimes and staring into a space she knew but couldnt reach. The Singer without a Song.... and then she was gone..

It was now 9.57 and after donning Old Black again.... The unmistakable Chords for RAMADA INN rang out.. A Great long version too and quickly followed by a strange elongated funky, rap, whispered, howled, chastising, humourous, pleading, oh, you name it, every emotion, FU#*#n' up. A marvellous concoction of words and riffs that rattled back and forth between Ralph and Billy and Frank and NEIL, any spaces neatly filled by the audiences noisy participation...14 minutes saw some good humoured banter between all present although I was beginning to think that some of the 'older' members of the Audience might be getting uncomfortable with THAT word.. (which came out about 150 times.?? )

Suddenly we were into the Mighty CINNAMON GIRL at 10.27. There had been no breaks in the performance, no waffle or setting up etc.. Just hard and fast performances all round.10.32 saw a strange piece of theatre. NEIL talked long about his Analogue Time machine, and 'demonstrated it on the Les Paul, scratching the wire wound 'low E' string down its length producing the comb tooth effect, all the while letting us know what era we were now in, mentioning various albums and times. The Time machine went too far and NEIL exclaimed that this was no good because he hadnt MET the HORSE yet... so he cranked it upstream a bit.

Suddenly, and with much storm effect sound all through this theatre, we arrive at Woodstock. Rain appeared across the stage and side screens. Loud thunder and lightning and NEIL began shouting out those immortal words that we know and love...."Hey, maybe if we think real hard, we can stop this rain..... No rain, No rain, No rain... Keep off those Towers, we dont need any more weight on 'em..." .A great skit and I was half expecting him to break into I'm driftin' back but instead, Neil announced that they were going to do a 'new one' because thay stand a good chance of messin it up as they didnt usually do it.... They launched into a great version of SURFER JOE, such a suprise to hear this rare performance tonight...I must have been good in a past life.... This great song was closely followed by MR SOUL ., an 18 minute version that got us all warm n comfortable in our NEILship, and got us going again....The set finished with MY MY, HEY HEY..... Brilliant. This is of course the new 'old'.

The band did an extended version and the Audience joined in too. NEIL and CRAZY HORSE left the stage at 10.58. NEIL had been on stage since 8.44 without a break and without even a drink of water. Astounding stamina and he looked to be enjoying this, the last Show of a 31 venue Tour that has lasted for over a year. Incredible. Much stamping and whistling and shouting as the White coat brigade went about tasks on stage.. They looked busy but were doing very little of course...lowering the huge Speaker crates to within an inch of the Speakers and then stopping and argueing amongst themselves... All great fun. The head 'Coat' began whipping up the crowd out front to lift their game and make more noise. The response was instant and wonderful and from our seat we could see NEIL and the HORSE coming back.. There was rapturous applause and noise as NEIL entered the Stage area again, followed by the greatest Rock n Roll band EVER. It was 11.02 a mere 4 minutes had passed since they had left NEIL struck up a fantastic entry to DANGER BIRD. Stroking the strings with three fingers in a sawing action, producing that unidentifiable (until now) sound we hear on the Vinyl. He used his thumb and first finger to pluck out the action, all the while maintaining the sawing motion... My ears were tingling as was the hair on the back of my neck... It built and built into a beuatiful version of Danger Bird. 19 minutes too. SEDAN DELIVERY followed at 11.20 and at 11.26 NEIL sang... 'Hard to say goodbye' bringing us back to earth as we realised that the time was ticking down and this was quite possibly the close of the Show.

He burst into ROLL ANOTHER NUMBER (for the Road...). I must add that the camera work onto the big screens was supurb all night but with these last two or three songs we were given special intimate close up shots of NEILS playing. As Roll another Number played out, the camera lads swivelled into the standing Audience showing some rapturous faces and a crowd that was game to stay there for aNOTHer three hours. Neil though had done his thing. He had been, seen and conquered this wonderful crowd of NEIL enthusiasts. Auckland crowds can often be hard and unruly but THIS lot had seen the MASTER at work and behaved impacably. Suddenly, it was time to go, NEIL and the BAND fronted the stage and to be honest, apart from the screen shots, this was the first and only time a lot of us had SEEN Ralph the Drummer. His station was set well back between the huge 'speakers'.

I guess we had been spoiled a bit at the Wellington Concert two days earlier as we had had fabulous seating stage centre and not very far back. Eventually, of course, they all left the stage and we sat there noisilly just in case, as this was the last show on this huge tour, that HE would appear again for just a few more.... Of course, he was totally spent and had given his all for 3 solid hours. It was 11.42 when the lights went up and we knew in our Hearts of Gold that this was all there was. A fabulous fabulous Concert and we all filed out slowly, most with not too much to say as she was a hard act to follow.. I have woken up every morning since the Wellington Show with a NEIL song on my mind.. It is with me all day too but I am gradually becoming aware that there is a great sadness creeping in on me that I cant shake. Me and HE are not as YOUNG as we were... The chances of me every seeing the MAN up this close and personal again are about zero unless he comes to see us in New Zealand again and the possibility of that is pretty remote...

However, I AM left with a few scratchy pictures from my camera, a head full of the two Concerts and my deep and abiding LOVE for NEIL and the many many MANY years of joy and love that we have shared. "Pardon my Heart, if I show that I care.....For I love you more than moments, we have or have not shared"

Thanks NEIL. Thank CRAZY HORSE. NEIL YOUNG, FRANK SEMPEDRO, BILLY TALBOT, RALPH MOLINA

Thanks Baz! Quite a review.

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