"Honor The Treaties": Neil Young Takes Yet Another Stand

Chief Allan Adam, actress Daryl Hannah and Neil Young in Janvier, Alta.
Photo courtesy of Eriel Deranger

The news that Neil Young will perform four benefit concerts for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) Legal Defense Fund has been widely praised across Canada -- and attacked here on Thrasher's Wheat.

From APTN News interview with Eriel Deranger, the main media contact for the First Nation:

Deranger said she remembers Young saying, “Your struggle is so important, not just for your people, but for this planet.”

Young had similar conversations with Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) Chief Allan Adam.

“Really, really strong words came from him when he started talking to the chief directly,” said Deranger. “Neil has a lot of pull in the world and he wanted to use it for some sort of good and he mentioned we should do some sort of benefit concert.”

“He met people in the community and they gifted him,” said Deranger.

“He is a very down to earth and humble human being,” said Deranger. “He has a genuine interest in helping.”

So far, so good. But here's what some TW readers think of the whole Tar Sands disaster. From a comment by Jason Smith:

I don't disagree with creating new alternatives to fossil fuel, that's what got me interested in LinkVolt in the first place.

However, I do not believe LinkVolt solves anymore problems then it creates but if one small idea comes out of the project, that is a good thing. Neil is a Mad Scientist and that is what I like about him, but whether you want to believe it or not he is preying on your emotions in order to sell his goods. All artists do it! Did you notice the Ati-Fracking t-shirt he had on at Farm Aid? Natural Gas is 30% cleaner then Oil, would it not make sense to burn more natural gas then oil? Not to Neil.

The problem I have with Neil these days is that he has become very political in his views about pipelines and sources of energy, but based on his past and present day life style I do not believe that he really buys it. He has picked all the low hanging fruit in his career and just like any other aging rock star he has to latch on to what the "Fancy" people are buying these days and that is Climate Change products. Do you think Neil will attend the award ceremony he so deeply despises all these years (the Grammys)? I am willing to bet he will throw 3 tonnes of carbon in the atmosphere to be there.

When a musician gets political in there views, we have to question their motivations, otherwise we just become jock sniffers. I am not a jock sniffer. Climate Change Album, video and book in the works with LinkVolt as the prop??

So Thrasher, are you going to support a "Thrasher Wheat" ban on Neil Young products because of his carbon intensive life style? Keep in mind what Neil says.....

"Whenever you do something good in the war against CO2, people around the world benefit. Everyone benefits."

Jason Smith

Thanks Jason. Your comment is welcomed and your civil tone is appreciated.

A couple of quick points. We never supported the whole "Shut up and sing" mentality. Now more than ever, folks need to speak up and sing and act. In fact, we're quite disappointed how many prominent folks in all sorts of industries, including music, have yet to say a word about "The Great Unraveling". And we've called them out on this while Neil walks into the flame.

Lastly, with all things, there's a balance. If all actions are weighed in total, are they more positive than negative? If so, then we can make a decision. For folks to come here and try and lecture Neil or thrasher about what we should or shouldn't do is really an insult without context.

We see the word hypocrisy thrown around here a lot. Way too much. Frankly, one can only level the hypocrisy charge if one's own life is without it. If someone would like to demonstrate that they live their life without hypocrisy then we'll be glad to entertain your challenges. Otherwise, we think you're just pissin' in the wind.

So we say, Canada: "Honor The Treaties".

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Neil Young’s ‘Live at the Cellar Door’ is a window into D.C.’s musical past - The Washington Post

Stories From The Cellar
The Washington Post, Dec 10, 2013
(Click photo to enlarge)
Today's The Washington Post has a feature article "Neil Young’s ‘Live at the Cellar Door’ is a window into D.C.’s musical past" by Dave McKenna.

The article traces some of the history of the iconic Washington, DC nightclub.

Devotees of the Everything Used to Be Better school will love Neil Young’s sorta-new record.

On Tuesday the rock legend releases the latest in his archival concert series, “Live at the Cellar Door.” The recordings are drawn from a six-show solo stand at the Georgetown nightclub in late November and early December of 1970. Alone on stage and switching between acoustic guitar and grand piano, the young Young’s folk-rock brilliance shines throughout a 45-minute set of faithful-to-the-original-recording renditions of many of his classics, including “Tell Me Why,” “Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” “After the Gold Rush,” and “Old Man.” The then-25-year-old also played unplugged versions of “Cinnamon Girl” and “Down By the River,” as he makes the latter easily the most beautiful song about a psycho’s gun-murder of a girlfriend ever put to wax. The Cellar Door recordings find the audience so reverent and rapt that staffers at the club obviously had no problems enforcing its famous “No talking!” rule during his stay.

For nostalgic locals, another highlight of this incredible period piece of a record is that it calls attention to the venue where it was made. Plainly, there will never be another Cellar Door. This was a tiny place (legal capacity under 200) at the corner of 34th and M streets NW where music was king, tickets for major acts averaged $3 and six-show stands like Young’s were considered brief stays.

“There’s no happier feeling than being in a room when everybody loves the music,” says Cellar Door founder Jack Boyle, “and we sure had that with Neil Young.”

Boyle got that happy feeling quite a bit at his club. The Youngstown, Ohio, native who first came to the District to attend Georgetown University, founded the Cellar Door in the early 1960s using what he describes as one night of poker winnings. (“About $1,100,” Boyle once said.) He sold the place after just two years and left the country to run bars in Europe, but got homesick for the United States and bought the Cellar Door back from Charles Lawrence Fichman in the fall of 1970. Fichman had established the club as a casual hangout for hardcore folkies, where “hootenannies” were a staple in which amateur local musicians traded licks with nationally known pickers. The casual atmosphere ultimately got to Fichman: Upon selling back to Boyle, Fichman told the Washington Post that a chief reason he rid himself of the club was because “pot had cut into the drinking” revenues.

“People used to come in an hour ahead of time so they could have a few drinks before the show,” Fichman said at the time. “Now they come in a few minutes early so they’ll still be high when it starts.”
...
In the Cellar Door’s case, size mattered. After strolling over to the Georgetown campus for a post-midnight interview with WGTB DJ John Zambetti, Young, who had played the Baltimore Civic Center a few months earlier as part of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young’s first tour, gave a rave review to the club.

“Small clubs are groovy!” Young told Zambetti.

For folks raised with the current 9:30 Club as this town’s premier music hall, the coziness of the Cellar Door must be hard to grasp.

“It was so intimate I’m not even sure how all these bands got on that stage,” recalls Nils Lofgren. “You could see and hear every little thing everyone did. . . . It was just completely real and very visceral and powerful.”

The article goes on to relay some of the legends which took place in the tiny club.

We had a very small role in all of this going to college not too far away and seeing at least one show there at some point but our memories fail us. Maybe John Prine?

Here's the Cellar Door in Georgetown today...

The Cellar Door - Today
Georgetown, Washington D.C.
(Click photo to enlarge)
Released today, Neil Young's new album 'Live at the Cellar Door', Washington D.C., 1970.



"Live At The Cellar Door"
Neil Young Solo
(#18 #20 in Amazon Best Sellers > Music)

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Neil Young To Perform Four Benefit Shows In Canada Jan 2014 + London's Hyde Park

**Please note revised on-sale ticket date in the following release**

December 9th, 2013 -(Burbank, CA.) Neil Young has announced that he will perform four benefit shows in his native Canada to raise money for the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation (ACFN) Legal Defense Fund. The "Honor The Treaties" concert dates are listed below. A very special guest, Diana Krall, will also perform on each of the dates. Tickets will go on sale Tuesday December 13th.

Sun Jan 12 Toronto Massey Hall
Thur Jan 16 Winnipeg Centennial Concert Hall
Fri Jan 17 Regina Conexus Arts Centre
Sun Jan 19 Calgary Jack Singer Concert Hall

The ACFN refer to themselves as K'ai Taile Dene, meaning "people of the land of the willow." A Legal Defense fund was set up to support the ACFN's legal challenges against oil companies and government that are obstructing their traditional lands and rights. As people of the land the ACFN have used and occupied their traditional lands in the Athabasca region for thousands of years, hunting, trapping, fishing and gathering to sustain themselves and continue spiritual cultural rights passed down through generations. The ACFN's legal challenges will ensure the protection of their traditional lands, eco-systems and unique rights guaranteed by Treaty 8, the last and largest of the nineteenth century land agreements made between First Nations and the Government of Canada, are upheld for the benefit of future generations.

Tickets for the Canadian concerts will range from $55.00 through $250.00 and will be limited to 4 tickets per person. Tickets for all performances go on sale Friday, December 13/13.

In Toronto, tickets available at www.livenation.com, all Ticketmaster outlets, Roy Thomson Hall Box Office or call 1-855-985-5000. In Winnipeg, tickets available at www.livenation.com, Charge-By-Phone 1-855-985-5000 and in-person at all Ticketmaster Outlets. In Regina, tickets available at www.livenation.com, Charge-By-Phone 306-525-9999 or 1-800-667-8497 or in-person at Conexus Arts Centre Box Office - 200A Lakeshore Drive.Tickets for all performances go on sale Friday, December 13/13. In Calgary, tickets available at www.livenation.com, Charge-By-Phone 403-294-9494 and in-person at Epcor Centre.

For more info on the Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation, please visit: http://www.acfn.com/.
From The Canadian Press by Bob Weber:

"The theme of the concerts is honour the treaties," said Athabasca Chipewyan First Nation spokeswoman Eriel Deranger. "All the ticket sales, all the proceeds from the concerts, not a single cent goes to anyone other than (the First Nation)."

Young's gesture is by far the largest, said Deranger. The band hadn't even asked for support during his brief visit in early September.

"When he left, we didn't ask him. We were kind of surprised by his, 'I'm going to do something for you.' We've heard that before.

"It's fantastic to have someone follow through and giving directly to a community, the grassroots people."

The Athabasca Chipewyan band is gearing up for a major legal fight against the latest oilsands development to be approved.

The federal government announced on Friday that Shell Canada's Jackpine mine expansion could go ahead. The approval came before a 35-day delay to give the band a chance to make its concerns known to Ottawa had expired.

The review panel that looked at the project concluded it would create irreversible environmental damage. It said Jackpine would mean the permanent loss of thousands of hectares of wetlands, which would harm migratory birds, caribou and other wildlife and wipe out traditional plants used for generations.

It also said Shell's plans for mitigation are unproven and warned that some impacts would probably approach levels that the environment couldn't support.

The company has purchased about 730 hectares of former cattle pasture in northwestern Alberta to help compensate for the 8,500 hectares of wetland that will be lost forever.
Shell has said the expansion will double its production and create 750 jobs.

Deranger said the band plans to file legal action against the development in January.

"The finances that will come from (the concerts) will be beneficial," she said. "This type of financial fundraising strategy with such a big name can make or break our ability to move forward with a large legal strategy."

Geraldine Anderson of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers said Young is welcome to voice his opinion.

"We would also encourage Mr. Young and his fans to learn about the innovation and technical advances that are helping to develop oilsands and develop (them) responsibly."

The benefit concerts are to be held Jan. 12 in Toronto (Massey Hall), Jan. 16 in Winnipeg (Centennial Concert Hall), Jan. 17 in Regina (Conexus Arts Centre) and Jan. 19 in Calgary (Jack Singer Concert Hall).
Deranger said the news is a huge emotional boost to the band.

"Sometimes we feel as though our work and our struggle is going unnoticed. But when you have the backing and support of people like Neil Young, it revitalizes the spirit of the community and strengthens our struggles to move forward."

Also, Neil Young and Crazy Horse will headline an outdoor concert at London's Hyde Park on Saturday July 12, 2014, per NME.

Neil Young - Glastonbury 2009
Photo: Guy Eppel - NME

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Nelson Mandela and Neil Young Will Keep On Rockin' In The Free Worlds

Nelson Mandela: 1918 - 2013
“Madiba,” by Kadir Nelson
(Click photo to enlarge)
It can be said that no one on this planet embodied the spirit of "Rockin' In The Free World" more than Nelson Mandela.

Nelson Mandela passed on to the Great Beyond this week and in his wake has left a living legacy that will pervade the generations. Mandela, as "The Black Pimpernel", was "The World’s Last Great True Hero".

On April 16, 1990, Neil Young - among many others -- honored Nelson Mandela at Wembley Stadium in London, 4/16/90.

Young's acoustic performance of "Rockin' In The Free World" was simply electrifying. Neil Young's song "Rockin' In The Free World", from the album Freedom , is "one of his most popular, important and prophetic songs. "

One of the more remarkable aspects of the video is how Neil deliberately sets out to evade the TV cameras surrounding him. Ever wary of the "one eyes", Neil lunges and plunges about the stage, turning his back to almost every camera cut. By the end of the song, Neil is leaping stage levels in his quest to thwart the cameras and bring it all home directly to the people.



Nelson Mandela's "work goes on, the cause endures, the hope still lives, and the dream shall never die."*

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LINCVOLT NEARING LIGHTSPEED RUNNING ON PURE LIGHTFUEL – NEVADA

Lincvolt nearing Lightspeed running pure Lightfuel – Nevada
by Adam Vollick
(Click photo to enlarge)
Photographer Adam Vollick has posted a series of infrared space-time paintings from the year, chasing Neil Young and the Horse around the world. The final image is of Lincvolt herself, it's a limited edition collectors series of metallic prints on aluminum.

Vollick writes:

The things I’ve learned just by proximity to this car inspire and anger me at the same time.

On one hand, it shows that all of the technology is available to usher in a new reality. On the other, I’ve come to know about the oppressive deviant capital extremists knowingly poisoning the entire planet, while wringing our public necks for profits, and the governments who knowingly let them.

It’s set me out on my own voyage, to disseminate all the good information and make a change where I can, where I know people, where I grew up. I hope everyone will follow along and share the information with their friends. Take action where you live.

“Observe with Conviction.”

Love,

Adam

Thanks Adam. “Observe with Conviction.” Indeed. solidarity

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A Neil Young Fan's Concert Story: On That Alchemy Road To Everywhere

Soldier Steve & Alchemy & TW Radio

We're always quite delighted when we hear from our dear readers and listeners.

And it always gives us a thrill to share it back to you -- our wonderful readers and listeners. Here's some mail we received from long time TW supporter Soldier Steve up in Depew, NY.

Dear Thrasher,

Here is my story and my history with Neil Young and Crazy Horse. My journey is really a long but amazing one that’s for sure. Where do I ever begin with my concerts that I have attended? I started seeing Neil Young & Crazy Horse in concert when I was 12 years old and I have been a diehard fan ever since.

Each of these shows were all different but meant so much to me, and each concert has its own meaning. Like in 9/15/86 the first time I saw Crazy Horse in Rochester, NY it was the opening show on the Rusted Out Garage tour. It was the first show I ever went to and saw Crazy Horse and it really inspired me, and by the end of the night I couldn’t wait to see my next Crazy Horse concert.

I have been to 14 Crazy Horse shows below you will find the dates and locations:

Crazy House Shows I have attended:
• Toronto Life Tour- 9/2/87
• Buffalo,NY Smell The Horse tour- 2/16/91 (Like A Hurricane & Blowin In The Wind on Weld CD, Blowing In The Wind, Mansion On The Hill, Powderfinger on Weld VHS)
• Canandaigua, NY Broken Arrow Tour- 8/18/96
• Barrie,Ontario Electric Needle & The Damage Done- 8/31/96 (On Old Black).Also Smell The Horse on this one, Sedan Delivery on Year Of The Horse CD).
• Hamilton,Ontario Halloween Show Boo!- 10/31/96 (The show that seemed to go on for days)
• Buffalo, NY – 11/10/96 (Out Of My Mind)- Buffalo Springfield song
• Vernon Downs, New York H.O.R.D.E Tour- 8/5/97 (short show but great).
• Saratoga Springs,New York H.O.R.D.E Tour- 8/10/97(change up in set list.Opened up with Slip Away then Down By The River)
• Burgettstown,Pennsylvania- 6/16/03 (Greendale Tour) Short but awesome show
• Saratoga Springs, NY -7/4/03 (Longest show of the tour with 17 songs.Blistering Show! Listen to Prisoners Of Rock & Roll.Neil says during Harmonies Fuckin’ Eagle’s Man!)
• Cleveland,Ohio Greendale Show- 3/11/04 (Highlights were Grandpa’s Interview,Be The Rain,Powderfinger,All Along The Watchtower,Cowgirl In The Sand)
• Cleveland, Ohio Alchemy Tour- 10/8/12 (first show in USA).
• Kitchener, Ontario Alchemy Tour- 11/20/12

So as you can see I have gone to numerous concerts, I have also been to 16 other shows with Neil. Solo, CSNY, Shocking Pinks, The Bluenotes, International Harvesters ,Chrome Dreams Band ,Friends & Relatives, .But I have to say the NYCH shows are my favorite. The two '07 Chrome Dreams tour is worth mentioning it was spectacular, acoustic set and electric set. No Hidden Path was worth the price of admission. The Bluenotes show was great! Ordinary People & On The Way Home highlights.

When I heard the news on Thrashers Wheat that Neil was making an album with the Horse I was blown away. Americana was great and Psychedelic Pill would follow. Two albums in '12, who would of bet that one, awesome they were out of the barn. Then came the news of an upcoming tour. Tour dates announced and Cleveland, Ohio was the show I picked to go to. Purchased two general admission tickets. My wife & I left Buffalo, NY early morning and got to Cleveland in about three hours .We've been to the Rock & Roll Of Fame a few times so we didn’t go again .Checked out the city again ,wow! What a city! By the way this was my wife's first Crazy Horse gig. I told her she was in for one hell of a night. She saw Neil with CSNY in '06 Burgettstown ,PA ,two shows in '07 Toronto, Buffalo, show in Toronto ‘08,show in '10 Albany, NY ,show in '11 Toronto, Journeys film show and recently Farm Aid 9/21/13 Saratoga Springs, NY . But never with the Horse.

We were like the first ten fans in line on one side of the arena .Got in after a long day and hurried to the rail in front of Neil's mic stand. The Alchemy stage crew started right after Los Lobos finished their set .It was very cool to witness the hard work put into the stage setup .The guitars, amps, red effects pedal, piano, mics, giant microphone with yellow ribbon, giant rust never sleeps speakers .It was something I will never forget to see from the rail the Rust Never Sleeps stage setup. Saw it on the '91 Weld tour but not from the rail.

A Day in the Life started and Neil's stage manager Eric Johnson (Jed in Greendale) was directing the amp covers to be raised up. It was really cool to hear the chains lifting the fake speakers. Then on stage ten feet from us Neil, Poncho, Billy, and Ralph appeared shoulder to shoulder with their hands on their hearts to the sound of Star Spangled Banner. The crowd erupted. Neil & the Horse singing, laughing, joking with each other. Then strapped on their guitars and launched into Love and Only Love, they nailed it; the crowd loved it.Powderfinger was next a favorite of many.My wife was blown away. Then a new song Born in Ontario, I liked it.

Then I thought it was going into Like a Hurricane, it was a new song Walk like a Giant, unbelievable power this song is. A favorite of mine to crank driving down the road. My wife didn’t care for the ten minute feedback at the end but it’s the horse and I loved it. Then No Rain, No Rain, No Rain from Woodstock into Needle And The Damage Done.Neil wearing the red suspenders like on the '78 Rust Never Sleeps tour .A new song followed called Twisted Road that is solo acoustic but electric with the horse on Psychedelic Pill, good song .Then what would come next is my all-time favorite song Ramada Inn. This song just rocks! Seeing it live brought many emotions and tears,still does every time I hear it.Neil & the Horse hammered it.Fuckin' Up was next, great version with Poncho flipping everyone in the front off. Then another new song Psychedelic Pill, good rocking' version.Hey Hey, My My, pure power and the arena went crazy.Then encore time and we got Mr. Soul and Roll Another Number. It was great to see the Horse again after eight years. I figured this could be my last show with the Horse, boy was I wrong.

My friend Tim who lives up in Toronto called me and said he had tickets for the 11/20/12 Kitchener, Ontario show. Kitchener is less than an hour from Toronto and Buffalo is about an hour and a half. I left Buffalo early Tuesday and arrived in Kitchener around eleven a.m. Small arena I noticed as I drove around it. Semi Trucks were unloading equipment, three to four buses parked, Los Lobos and Crazy Horse buses. Neil’s bus was not there yet. The arena is home to the hockey team Kitchener Rangers. I walked into the arena and watched the hockey team practice on the small ice rink in the building. Then i heard Los Lobos soundchecking, it was really amazing to be in the arena so early. I walked up some stairs and sat down behind the stage and listened and watched as they set up for the show. There were about ten to fifteen fans hanging out. I went to the restroom and tried to return to where I was and was spotted by someone on Neil's road crew hey where you going? I’m going to listen, you’re not allowed up there, I said okay and hung around still in the arena. Los Lobos played a few songs. A few rangers players came in to practice, they asked who was playing tonight I say NYCH, they say we might have to hang around for that. I ran into a few of the fans and they said they were thrown out from behind the stage. I returned to my car at about three thirty for a cold Yuengling beer. There are fans outside the buses with LP's, posters, etc for autographs. I was parked about fifty feet from the buses. It was a sunny day about 55 degrees, not bad for a fall day in Ontario.

As I’m leaning against my car I notice Neil's bus pulling in down the road. I get my phone camera out and start recording. In front of the bus is Bob Young Neil's brother driving his Cadillac. Bob waves to me as he drives by. Ben Young, Neil's son is riding shotgun in the bus, a young bus driver in his twenties. The bus pulls up next to the others and Bob Young enters the bus for a while. I finish my beer and walk towards the buses. There is a rope keeping fans from walking close to the arena and buses. We see Eric Johnson, Elliot Roberts, Ben Young, All of Crazy Horse, Los Lobos band members and Neil and Bob Young walk from buses into the arena. My friend from Toronto arrived and we had a few beers before going in arena. He talked about the previous night’s show in Toronto. He was excited to be seeing the tour two nights in a row. We got in a small line inside the arena and got to the rail in front of Neil. The arena filled in quickly for Los Lobos. It was their final show on the tour opening for NYCH until the summer tour in Europe 2013. They are a good band, David Hidalgo on guitar and vocals, a very underrated guitar player. Lots of good songs too. The crowd got into them. Then it was time for the stage setup for the Horse. Very familiar faces setting up the stage. The crowd was getting loud for Neil chanting Neil, Neil, Neil. Then the stage lit up. Oh Canada started. The arena was on their feet. Neil, Poncho, Billy & Ralph with hands on their hearts. It was so amazing to be seeing another show on the Alchemy Tour.

A month later after seeing them in Cleveland and the Horse was alive & kicking. They were having so much fun up there. They launched into Love & Only Love. Then Powderfinger with 4 guitar solos between the verse. Then Neil spoke to the crowd and the place went crazy. The Rangers were in your house, we brought the team along to play on this one. Born in Ontario and the arena erupted with noise. Neil was all smiles and says Go Rangers! Then a storm blew in, Walk Like A Giant was great to see live again. What a song, so full of power. Then No Rain, No Rain, No Rain into Needle And The Damage Done, done beautiful. Twisted Road was next, a nice version with crowd singing along. Another new song co-written with Lukas Nelson, Willie’s son. A Singer Without A Song. With Billy Talbot on bass,Ralph Molina on drums, Frank Poncho Sampedro on acoustic guitar and a girl strolling across the stage holding a guitar case. The crowd got restless during that one. But get right back into it when Ramada Inn started. A smoking' version on the tour.

I’ve heard them all on the Alchemy tour and this one Neil & the Horse are in the zone this night. Next up Cinnamon Girl, kick ass version. Then Fuckin' Up, great version with Poncho flipping everyone off. Mr. Soul was next and it lifted the roof off the arena. Then came Hey Hey, My My, the arena erupted again. Everyone singing along. Encore was Farmer John with Los Lobos. It started and Neil stopped it and restarted. I think it’s the first time that an opening band has played with the Horse. It was Los Lobos final night on the tour. It was an excellent show in Kitchener. Drove home to Buffalo in foggy conditions. Got better as I drove south. It was a long day but worth every mile. I have collected and listened to each show on the Alchemy tour thanks to a fellow rustie friend. The USA, Canada shows were special but the 2013 shows in Australia & Europe were even better. The fans their got treated to some nice ones. Dangerbird,Surfer Joe & Moe The Sleaze, Prisoner’s Of Rock & Roll, Opera Star, Welfare Mothers, Barstool Blues, Sedan Delivery, Love To Burn, Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere, Human Highway, Red Sun. Then the tour got cancelled when Poncho broke his hand after the Oslo, Norway show. It was a huge disappointment for fans on the remaining gigs in Europe,Canada,USA. I’m sure it was even more disappointing for the Horse. Hopefully the Horse gets out of the barn soon and ends on a high note. The last show on 8/7/13 in Oslo, Norway was rocking' give the show a listen.

Thanks to Thrashers Wheat for the Thrasher’s Wheat Radio T-shirt and keeping us diehard Neil fans up to date with daily news. Also thanks to Eric & Tony in Burlington, Vermont giving us Thrashers Wheat Radio every Saturday evening at 9:00 p.m.I listen each week and post the set list to Thrasher. Thanks to Neil & The Horse for the good tunes. Wonder what 2014 will bring? A CSNY tour?, Neil solo acoustic tour? We will find out soon enough. For those fans attending the Carnegie Hall shows in NYC in January, wish I could be their. (Every Morning Comes The Sun)

Here are my other non Crazy Horse shows I've attended.My ticket stubs are posted on Tom’s excellent www.sugarmtn.org site. Thank you Tom.

8/30/83 Syracuse,New York
9/3/85 Buffalo,New York
8/19/88 Darien Lake,New York
6/8/89 Darien Lake,New York
3/23/00 Cleveland,Ohio
8/20/00 Burgettstown,Pennsylvania
2/25/02 Cleveland,Ohio
9/21/02 Burgettstown,Pennsylvania Farm Aid
9/10/06 Burgettstown,Pennsylvania
11/26/07 Toronto,Ontario
11/30/07 Buffalo,New York
12/4/08 Toronto,Ontario
5/18/10 Albany,New York
5/19/10 Buffalo,New York
5/11/11 Toronto,Ontario
9/21/13 Saratoga Springs,New York

Since 1983, thirty Neil concerts. It been a blast. Every concert was fantastic. Thanks
everyone for reading my story,hope you enjoyed it. Long May Neil Continue To Run!

Keep On Rockin’
Soldier Steve
NYAS #4576

Thanks so much for all of your support Soldier Steve. Really appreciate your help in keeping us up to date with the weekly playlist. And thanks for sharing your Neil stories with the Rustie community.

See you on the radio on Saturday!



Thrasher's Wheat Radio
Tune in on WBKM.org, Saturdays @ 9P EST

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A Message of Hope & Love & Alchemy

Regular readers of TW know that we get a lot of mail, comments, etc. and we try very hard to answer as much as we can.

And sometimes we get stuff that we just don't know what to do with like this email below.

This was passed along to us along with a request to post with the thinking being that it might help others. Apparently various versions of this have been circulating on the Net's for sometime now but this isn't our scene, thankfully.

Please take a moment to consider the following from Croatia...

Hope is defined as “a feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”.

I believe whomever took over this planet created this word and it’s meaning. Hope is often used in religious sermons. Obama used the word in his campaign for President: I believe he used the word Hope along with Change. Our president Ivo Josipovic also used the same slogans and I guess people like to “feel” hopeful so they voted for him. A few weeks ago he made a speech and said he wanted to give “hope” to the Croatian people and not debt. So, I wrote him a letter and asked him to stop using that word, we don’t want and need hope, we need jobs, we need better healthcare, etc., etc.

I hoped my mother would not grab me by the hair when she was angry at me, or when I brought home a lousy report card. How can a child have good grades when both parents remind her she will never amount to anything? Each day of my first sixteen years of life, I hoped my parents would stop abusing me. On my 16th birthday, as soon as I was legally able to leave home without the police bringing me back, I grabbed my things, put them into my Vauxhaull and sped off while my parents were at work. I never looked back, but I kept hoping my younger sister, who was 1eleven years old at the time would talk to me one day. My parents told her the day I ran away that I pushed my father down the stairs and he suffered a heart attack and then I ran away. My father was not home when I ran away, but my parents needed to blame me for their shame. Being Croatian and living in a very religious community, it was a shame for a child to leave home, so he told everyone that he threw me out of the house because I attacked him.

I was sexually molested at the age five, being watched by a neighbor while my parents as new immigrants worked a lot. I kept hoping that my mother would stop working so that this man would not hurt me anymore, but she kept working. I was raped by a man that worked for my father when I was twelve years old. I had a crush on him, he took advantage of that; he was twenty-four years old. For years I never thought of it as rape, I felt responsible, but eventually I realized that I was under age, a little girl and he was an adult and should have known better. I hoped that he would never tell my parents because their punishments were brutal.

I married the first man that paid attention to me, who didn’t leave me after having sex. What did I know about love? I thought by having sex with a man that I would get love in return. My parents didn’t prepare me for the world, and I didn’t have very good role models either. I never saw my parents say a nice word to each other, sit beside each other, let alone kiss each other.

I had two children with this man, our marriage lasted five years because he abused me, I lost a child in between the two because he got drunk one night and kicked me in the stomach. I hoped the police wouldn’t ask me about it, because he said if I said anything that he would beat me some more.

During the birth of my son via a planned C-Section, my heart stopped. I was clinically dead for twelve minutes, flatlined I think you call it. I had an NDE experience, but not typical of the tunnel and stuff. It’s another story for another article and much too long to insert into this one.

After awakening from my coma which I was in for ten days, since I was hooked up to life support, I couldn’t talk so I gestured with my arms as if cradling a baby and the nurse told me she was going to go and get the baby. Doctors told my mother to get ready because they were not sure I would survive. After my heart stopped, they could not intubate me so they had to rush a tracheotomy, severed an artery and filled my lungs with blood. I hoped he was a boy — I wanted a boy. I had complications with both of my children because (finding out a few years ago), I was born with a severely deformed spine and pelvis. The babies got stuck in the pelvis, my heart stopped because of the spinal cord pressing on the heart.

After five years of marriage, I divorced my husband and ran away to Seattle WA, to complete my PhD in Psychology. I met a man there and he quickly moved in with us, I found out years after I left him that he had molested my daughter for three years. It started when she was eight and went on until she was eleven. Once my daughter realized he was not coming back, and we moved back to Canada, she felt safe enough to tell me. He claimed that he loved her, and that what he was doing was out of love. I moved in with my mother until I could find a place for myself and my children, but things got really hard and I attempted suicide with pain medications. I had suffered from pain most of my life, because my mother used to hit me over the back with a broomstick, telling me to straighten up. If only she took me to a doctor, I might not be living with chronic pain now.

My mother and daughter showed up in emergency just as I was fighting against having my stomach pumped. I kept telling the nurses that I wanted to die. It was very traumatic for my daughter to watch her mother in that condition.

I felt responsible for what happened to my daughter. I was so busy working on my PhD and working to support us, I never noticed the signs of abuse. I hoped that she would pull through this because I knew what it was like to be raped.

Just as I got my life together and my kids left home, just as I was working and making good money, I was diagnosed with Liver Cancer. Doctors didn’t give me much hope, but a colleague of mine referred me to a Chinese Doctor. He treated me, cured me and became my mentor and teacher. I have been working as a TCM practitioner for thirteen years.

Fast forward to twenty-five years later, looking back at my life, I am still amazed that I am “normal” today. It wasn’t easy, I spent thirty years of my life searching for truth. My NDE was necessary in order to awaken me; it went against everything my religion taught me. My priest told me it was the devil tempting me, although I couldn’t understand why the devil would have tempted me with love and light.

Hope is a meaningless word, it serves no purpose, it creates nothing. When we love, we love with intent. When we feel hungry, we eat. When we are sad we cry, but when we hope, we are nowhere and nothing happens. Hoping is like staring into empty space.

I no longer ”hope”, I even tell my clients after I tell them their healing will continue that hoping is giving their God all the power, and that they need to believe in their healing and not hope for it.

Why do we love to use the word hope so much?

We are taught and comforted with hope, it falsely creates the impression that if we feel hope, it’s a positive move towards whatever we are hoping for to realize. If you are hoping, you are not awakened yet. I can use “hope” in sentences or as a form of communication, but the dictionary defines it as “a feeling of expectation”. I hope you realize just how powerful you are. I didn’t know this at the time of all those traumas and events happening in my life over thirty years ago. But I know now that intuitively I knew who I was, but my parents, the priests, the teachers programmed me to believe that I was a piece of crap and that only God could save me. Yet I knew even as a small child looking out of my bedroom window on nights when I was punished for something, I would stare up to the stars and say “Please come and get me, I want to go home. Why did you leave me here, what have I done to deserve this hellhole?” This went on for years into my adult life, and it would perplex me to think and say that.

I believe we all know who we are when we come into this world, but the programming overwrites the program we come with and some people like myself get a reminder such as an NDE, and we start seeking and searching for our true identity, because nothing they teach us makes any sense, at least that is how I felt.

I can say that it isn’t psychology that helped me deal with my traumas growing up. The moment I realized who I was, the moment I pieced all the pieces to the puzzle together I understood why I chose the experiences that I did. Every single negative thought, emotion and memory of my past dissipated. Knowledge of GOD Creator “nous”, knowledge and understanding of who I was empowered me.

I, YOU, WE are so incredibly powerful and instead of “hoping” things will change, just know they will. Buddha said:”The only certainty in life is that nothing stays the same. Humans create their own suffering by living in the past and hoping things will change.” There is no need to hope for change because it’s already guaranteed through Universal Laws. We are eternal, immortal and beautiful. We are very powerful, and I hope that my story will inspire you to let go of words that keep us in one place, and help you to know and believe that change is coming, it’s the Law. It’s the Law of One, The Law of Attraction. Hope is like wishing, nothing happens but if you change your thought process, to know, it will come to you.

When I realized who I was, my life changed overnight. I no longer acted like a victim, no longer blamed anyone for my horrific experiences. Instead, I live in the moment, expect change and look forward to the changes taking place. Also, upon realization that I was a powerful being, a creator, my ego abandoned me. It no longer had a function in my life because I no longer use my mind to make decision; instead, I follow my heart and stay connected to my higher self.

When I look back at my life, I no longer wonder how I managed to get through; instead, I stand in AWE at the incredible human being that I always was and try to teach others how special they are. You see, it doesn’t take a psychologist to heal the traumas of our lives, it takes knowledge of who we are to put it all into perspective. That’s why people spend years in therapy, they may have a better understanding of why they behave or think in a certain way, but they still don’t know who they are. Not many psychologists will admit to this, and I am not saying they are not effective, I’m saying that they have no role in society. We are paid to listen, we have to follow rules that only allows us to be reactive and not proactive. There are no such things as mental illnesses, only wrong thoughts or incorrect perceptions. We are programmed from the day we take our first breath and are taught a set of rules that go against everything we stand for as human beings.

In 2004, I listened to my higher self, packed my bags and with a few thousand dollars in cash moved back to my country of birth, Croatia. I had no idea what I was going to do here and how I was going to live, I just knew it would work out. It has, I met the love of my life eight years ago, and he built me a beautiful home on a small island with 1500 population. I work when I want, eat when I want, sleep when I want and love when I want!

I know I had to come here for a reason, I know there is a reason for my moving here, I am being told to wait and prepare. When it starts, I will have my work cut out for me. I trust. I am ready.

I have to thank Stuart Wilde and his book “Whispering Winds of Change”. You have no idea how much that book changed my life and led me in the right direction. I am saddened that Stuart didn’t live long enough to see his book come true, but I am sure he is out there somewhere, smiling and celebrating. I came in contact with a psychic who told me I had Pleadean eyes, that I was an old soul and had lived over 300 lives on this planet, 80 lives as animals, 40 lives as plants and matter. Whatever the truth is in that is irrelevant, what matters is that we all chose to be here at this time, we the brave souls volunteered to help with the Ascension, the Event, the Changes. These are exciting times, and even if there was NOTHING to happen, I am prepared for anything that comes my way. I am ready for whatever happens because I know that this body is just a container for my experiences here on Earth. I have been in the LIGHT, I have felt the Love of the light, that place was familiar to me, I return there after each life, kiss Creator hello and goodbye.

It is my Alpha and Omega, I have a home away from home and I can’t wait to get off this planet and go back to wherever I am from. I never felt that I belonged here. I never let anyone control my life, I fought for justice, I could never understand why people kill each other, why we make wars, why we have to get a license/permission to drive. I believe it’s because I was a higher dimensional being and chose to come here for the Event. I think only the brave ones came here to go through this hellish experience we call 3D Earth. Change is here, it’s up to us how fast it will happen.

This is my story, my experiences, these are my perceptions and my reality. I am sure there will be those that may not agree with my reality, but it is MY reality, my experience. The purpose for sharing this story with you is because I come across so many souls who have time to whine and complain, but don’t have much time to do something about it. There are many of us who have gone through horrific experiences in our lives, but I am grateful for them because I believe I am a better human being for it.

–

There is no difference between Politics and Religion. They both work towards stripping humanity of their dignity. Neither one allow humanity to think for itself.

Ines Radmen

We know a lot of folks out there are in pain. All we can say is pack up and get out as fast as you can and go as far as you can. True friends and love will find you. Those "secrets" are merely lies told to you to keep you locked in your situation. Break on through to the other side.

If anyone has suggestions for our friends who are hurting, please post a comment below.

Unconditional love and only unconditional love.

Be the alchemy.
namaste

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Crazy Horse Reschedules Europe Concerts!? + New Neil Young Album Recorded @ Jack White's "Third Man" Label

Crazy Horse
Berlin - June 2, 2013
Photo by Paolo Brillo
(Click photo to enlarge)
As we often like to say, expect the unexpected from Neil.

Some major Neil Young news via bh @ BNB

Scott @ NYAS reports:
Confirmation that Neil's next album was recorded in Jack White's record booth.

It should be out sometime in the new year. I don't know its release details but would be surprised if it's only available via Third Man. But this is Neil, so who knows. I anticipate this will be a very big seller. It is an album of covers. In it, as anticipated, he pays tribute to other renowned singer-songwriters. There are 12 tracks on it. There are no Neil Young originals, but...each side starts with an introduction (part 1, part 2) of the same title. That could be a Neil Young original although I have another theory on what these might be... A couple of the songs chosen will astonish you. Sorry for the secrecy but more on this might leak soon...

Ralf speculates:
I guess the regular Album will be released by Warner/Reprise but Jack Whites "Third Man" label will release exclusive a special edition of twelve 6" vinyl 111 seconds copies which were cut directly in the booth. This wouldn't affect Neil's contract with Warner. Perhaps it will also be the start of Neil's PONO system.
___________________________________________________
Thanks to all including Kleon for previous post.

Thanks bh, Scott & Kleon!

Kleon also reports:

NEIL AND CRAZY HORSE are going to play in Ulm, Germany on the 20.07.2014.

I heard at the press conference in Ulm they said, that crazy horse wants to play the cancelled shows from this year, and added a few…

http://www.swp.de/ulm/lokales/ulm_neu_ulm/Schwoerkonzert-2014-mit-Neil-Young-und-Crazy-Horse;art4329,2341872

http://www.donau3fm.de/allgemein/schwoermontag-wer-wird-spielen/74776

Via Rustie Ian MacD.:

Also organizer Rolf Weinmann of "provincial Tours" is very satisfied with the coup. "Neil Young plays only four concerts in Germany and Ulm is the only concert in southern Germany," she informed the concert organizers. He estimates call for fans. Within a radius of several hundred kilometers from Ulm in the guest performance by the Canadian rock legend under the cathedral tower -Be is confident that the concert - similar to the appearance of Eltion John two years ago - will make for busy hotels in Ulm and Neu-Ulm. Praise was also from the town. "My compliments on the part of the city to this choice. Neil Young joins the list of top stars on the Cathedral Square, "said mayor for finance Gunter Czisch at a press conference at City Hall. The concert was also a "tourist attraction that will lure across regions, many visitors to Ulm." Neil Young, who celebrated his first success in the 60s and is often referred to as the inventor of grunge because of its distorted guitar tones, was in 2012 by Rolling Stone chosen Magazine Artist of the Year. too, with 68 years playing the Canadian impressive, energetic concerts. A big concert of the rock legend, therefore, the organizers expect in summer on the cathedral square. these days will see a new album "Live At The Cellar Door" with different recordings of six live concerts from the year 1970. thus fans can look wonderful on the concert on July 20 to join in Ulm. Tickets are on sale on Tuesday 11 December in time for Christmas. Tickets cost 69 euros or 89 euros in the "front of stage" area, so close to the stage. Franziska Salzer

Well, so much for a slow news day...

“Good times are comin', I hear it everywhere I go. ”

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Pearl Jam - Fuckin' Up - Hartford (October 25, 2013)

Another recent Pearl Jam cover of Neil Young's "Fuckin' Up" in Hartford, CT on October 25, 2013.

This has a nice little shout out by Eddie Vedder to Neil and Pegi Young. The concert was the same night as the annual Bridge School Benefit.

Enjoy!

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▶ RARE TRACK: Neil Young Solo on The Monkees "You and I"

Here's something we never heard before.

Most are quite familiar with the story of Stephen Stills auditioning for the Monkees and being rejected (Stills claims he was only auditioning songs that might be selected for broadcast [link]). But now with this YouTube video of The Monkees - "You and I", Neil Young clearly had a The Monkees connection as well.

Neil's solo is very distinctive so we're pretty sure its him. This is from Instant Replay album version.

Thanks Ron!

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STREAM ALBUM: Neil Young 'Live at the Cellar Door' 1970

Available for streaming now, here's Neil Young's new album 'Live at the Cellar Door', Washington D.C., 1970.



"Live At The Cellar Door"
Neil Young Solo
(#4 #6 in Amazon Best Sellers > Music > Classic Rock)

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Neil Young Continues To Answer His Own Question Affirmatively + The BIG Shift

Thanksgiving Day by Neil Young
Earlier this Fall, Neil Young posed the following question on his official website asking "How hard should I try?". Certainly a thought provoking question for us all as we observe the ongoing chaos as "The BIG Shift" approaches (More on "The Big Shift", evolving awareness, mass consciousness, full disclosure and total transparency in comments below. Also, see The Illusion of The Matrix Shatters: Corruption, Fake News & The Big Shift.)

Naturally, most would like Neil to get back to the music -- an obviously valid suggestion.

But Neil has been answering his own question with ongoing messages, the latest of which was posted on Thanksgiving Day.

Today

Today, I am thankful for all of the people world wide who work tirelessly for a good future on Planet Earth. And to my Canadian friends I say this, along with Elizabeth May:

STEPHEN HARPER IS NOT CANADA.
When he became Prime Minister, he cancelled all climate programmes, repudiated our Kyoto targets, chose far weaker targets, weakened them again, legally withdrew from the Kyoto Protocol, and then failed to meet the weaker targets.

Harper's Conservatives now compete with Australia's pro-coal government for the worst climate record in the industrialized world. As a result Canada's international reputation has been severely damaged, but I must emphasise again:

STEPHEN HARPER IS NOT CANADA.

80% of Canadians want climate action. 80% of Canadians continue to be very concerned about tackling the climate crisis. It is not too late -- Canada can be part of an international solution, we can repair our reputation on the world stage. We cannot give up on our own and our children's future with a collective shrug.

Please watch this.

Neil Young
Thanksgiving Day
California USA.

To which we say, "Go Neil." No Fear, No Shame. Once again, When Neil Young Speaks Truth To Power, The World Listens.

Here's the video link of Neil Young titled "The Calgary Address 01.19.14". This is Neil Young unplugged. This is Neil speaking truth to power. Courageous statements on his opponent's own home field turf. Anyone who listens to this knows that Stephen Harper's days are numbered as Canada's Prime Minister:



Righteous. Or more succinctly, Neil Young: A Humanitarian Rebel With Causes.

So who else dedicates their entire official website page to an activist cause?

No one. Everyone else uses their front page to sell merchandise and simply provide relevant links to concert tours, etc.

Not Bob Dylan
Not Paul McCartney
Not Bruce Springsteen
Not The Rolling Stones
Not U2
Not Lady Gaga
Not Taylor Swift
Not Kanye West

We challenge other artists to step up and prominently support something other than themselves. Go ahead. Put up a dedicated front page on a cause or action you support.

“…..So let us not talk falsely now, the hour’s getting late”
~ Bob Dylan / All Along The Watchtower

The BIG Shift is Consciousness

"We're The Ones We've Been Waiting For"
Gulf Oil Blowout Disaster Rally, Florida, June 2010
"Walk with Us"
UPDATED: Nov. 2016 Also, see The Illusion of The Matrix Shatters: Corruption, Fake News & The Big Shift.

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Neil Young @ Carnegie Hall Tickets Available - Monday 1/6/2014

Neil Young at Carnegie Hall, Monday 1/6/2014 extra tickets are available selling at face plus fees. $448.00 for the pair.

Performances
Qty. Loc. Seat Pricing Price Conv.Fee* Facil.Fee* Total
Neil Young - Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
Carnegie Hall
at Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
Carnegie Hall (1/6/2014,8:00 pm EST)
1 Second Tier(P2) 42 - 7 Regular Price(REG) $200.00 $22.00 $0.00 $222.00
1 Second Tier(P2) 42 - 8 Regular Price(REG) $200.00 $22.00 $0.00 $222.00

Interested?

Contact Hounds That Howl @ howell.posner@verizon.net .

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Sleater-Kinney Reunite w/ Pearl Jam & REM for Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World" - Portland, OR, 2013-11-29

Pearl Jam has recently been closing their concerts with special guests for Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World".

Once again, in Portland, OR on 2013-11-29, Pearl Jam covered Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World". This time with Sleater-Kinney reuniting for the first time in seven years along with former R.E.M. band members Peter Buck and Scott McCaughey for another rousing lights up finale.

Lots of joy.

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"Cinnamon Girl" - Neil Young: Live At The Cellar Door

Here is the much anticipated track "Cinnamon Girl" from Neil Young's upcoming release Live At The Cellar Door, 1970.

Most are very familiar with the heavy Crazy Horse electric version of "Cinnamon Girl". But this is solo on a Steinway grand piano.

“That’s the first time I ever did that one on the piano,” Neil says at completion.

Breathtaking.




"Live At The Cellar Door"
Neil Young Solo
(#4 #6 in Amazon Best Sellers > Music > Classic Rock)

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GIVEAWAY: Ultimate Music Guide of Neil Young - Our Way of Saying Thank You To All of Our Friends & Readers

Neil Young edition of the Ultimate Music Guide
Last week, we posted on the upcoming release of the Neil Young edition of the Ultimate Music Guide. The Ultimate Music Guide to Neil Young is 148 pages with interviews from the NME, Melody Maker and Uncut archives which reveal that, among many things, "Young has been consistent in his contrary single-mindedness. The new reviews of every one of his albums provide a similarly weird and gripping narrative, finding significant echoes and hidden treasures on even his most misunderstood and neglected ‘80s records."

So we just want to say a giant "Thank You" to all of our loyal, dear readers who have so generously supported our endeavors and allowed us to bring you the past, present and future Neil Young news coverage. Our way of saying "Thank You" to all of our friends and supporters is to give away a few copies of Ultimate Music Guide to Neil Young courtesy of Uncut Magazine. For giveaway contest details, see further below.

If you've supported us in the past, we sincerely appreciate it. And even if you haven't, we truly appreciate your just visiting, reading, and contributing. That -- after all -- is what makes this blogging all worthwhile. All of the positive, loving energy you send helps to sustain us and reflect the love back out to you, our wonderful readers.

This all makes for a thrilling time to be alive and share the magic of Neil's music around the world. You know in your heart and soul that those who truly appreciate and recognize the significance of our little secret of the "Hidden Path" are part of a very special group of which we're all so fortunate to experience and transcend.



We've been thrilled to share the love and give away Neil Young concert tickets, books, posters, magazines and all sorts of other stuff. But the best of all is sharing what we call Neil Stories -- those which "emotionally resonate" with us all and make it such a joy to be part of the community of global rust.

Truly one the greatest highlights in the 18 years of Thrasher's Wheat existence was -- without a shred of doubt -- was taking Thrasher's Wheat Radio on WBKM.org to Europe this summer for the Neil Young & Crazy Horse Alchemy Tour.

Thrasher's Wheat Radio Supporters Go To Europe
for Neil Young & Crazy Horse Concert Tour - June 2013
Thanks go out to Eric, Tony, Howell, the Haram Sisters, Henrik, Roel, HarryO, and all the many other global Rusties who made it all happen! We're looking forward to 2014 and trying out some new concepts in bringing the joy of Neil Young's music to a global listening internet radio audience.

But we do need you to join us in this venture: Support the blog, engage with us, make your repeated participation formal. Find a level that suits you and slip into the groove.

We need your financial support, at least at the most basic level of *just* $3 per year. Only $3 per year.

At less one penny a day, it’s less than your daily newspaper, cable television, subscription package or internet service. Less than a 6-pack of decent beer, even?! And you very well know the high quality of independent blogging, informed opinion, thoughtful commentary, wonderful and bizarre reader comments and warped humor you get here for that minimal contribution. Is there any other blog you read anywhere that provides you this much fun?

Donations are the only model we can see as we look ahead at the media landscape that faces us. Without a corporate sell-out (that would limit our independence) and without a mega patron (ahem... who would likely impose opinions and views while probably also staking out No-Go areas of speech) we simply cannot continue onwards toward the New Media Paradigm we’ve become. In addition to this blog, we also have Twitter and Facebook stream feeds, as well as an email list all requiring daily maintenance.

As the people-powered, irreverent blog that Thrasher's Wheat is, we can only remain this way with your help. Your support will let us continue to do what Thrasher's Wheat tries to do as well as possible. Won’t you please donate now? (securely, safely, privately)

Walk with us.

Support us now, please. It’s really easy, almost painless. Your support matters: it’s the only way we can see our way into the future.

Which we plan to continue, with your help. Today. Now. C'mon just 3 bucks. Only $3 today for a year of Neil fun. Such a deal. Thank you!

Only your credit card is necessary to apply directly & securely. No PayPal account setup necessary. (NOTE: A portion of ALL donations also help The Bridge School, Farm Aid, Musicares, and other worthy causes.)
Sponsored by Nobody:
This Blog's For You!
So Why Bother To Support Neil Young News on TW?

Our goal is simple: we create the best Neil Young blog we possibly can, refrain from contaminating it with nasty, evil corporate advertising, and then ask you to donate to us what you think it's worth. So far it seems to be working out sort of. We're not likely to break even on bandwidth and storage expenses (much less donated labor) this way, but that's not our goal.

Here at TW we're not just non-commercial. We're anti-commercial. We feel that quality blogs and corporate advertising just cannot co-exist. We also choose to refrain from forcibly extracting money from you by charging subscription fees. We want to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed so generously over the past few years. We quite literally couldn't do it without you.

And, as always, we understand that contributing money is just not an option for some of you. That's fine. All posts, feeds and services at TW are open to everyone, and we will do everything in our power to keep it that way.

We’ve helped influence decisions on release formats and availability, we think, through our writing and your activism in response to it. We’ve exposed the hypocrisy of professional music critics and tried to speak out against the madness, fear and greed. All the while trying to find some hope in the future and have a little fun along the way!



But the basic underpinnings of our financial model haven’t changed: we’re often only one blog post away from pulling the plugs at any given moment.

So, here's how you can help.

Purchases via Amazon.com of *anything* (books, CD's, shoes, etc.) will provide Thrasher's Wheat with a small commission.



United States - Amazon.com

Canada - Amazon.ca

United Kingdom - Amazon.uk

Germany - Amazon.de

(Please note: International Amazon orders (non-U.S.A., non-Canada, non-U.K., non-Germany) do not credit to Thrasher's Wheat unfortunately. Other international readers are asked to please use PayPal account or credit card to support Thrasher's Wheat.)

You have proven that Thrasher's Wheat matters to you, and that you support our mission: to bring free Neil Young knowledge to the planet, free of charge and as free as possible of advertising. You've helped make and keep Thrasher's Wheat available for the whole world. If you find this site helpful as a reference or news source, please help us continue to help all Neil Young fans. Hopefully, this will continue to work to help defray the costs of running Thrasher's Wheat. Any excess funds generated above and beyond operating expenses will be donated to The Bridge School.


Pulling the plug on TW simply cannot happen. After all, we've been implored to "Keep on bloggin' til the power goes out."

And if shopping for stuff isn't your thing, we understand.

Just spreading the word about Thrasher's Wheat is a huge help. If you have friends that you think might enjoy TW - please take a moment to drop them a note. Postings about TW on appropriate web forums are also a great way to spread the word. As a matter of fact, we have folks using our Thrasher's Wheat logo on their blogs!

So LIKE us on Facebook , follow us on Twitter and/or subscribe to our email list. (On occasion we pick random folks on the mailing list for little Neil treats. And no spam. We promise.)

In response to our semi-irregular begging fund-raising effort we also received some nice notes from our beloved readership. And -- as we are fond of saying in these tough times -- it is your words which really keep us going with our little Neil Young blog thing.

Words, such as these, by the oh-so delightfully handled ShittyHorse:

Thrasher, what you provide to us Neil Fanatics is truly invaluable.

I visit other "Neil Sites", and Thrasher's Wheat is by far my favorite, not to diminish others, just my personal preference. You've created a strong community here, where Neil fans can talk everything Neil- from news and events to albums, songs, concerts, personal experiences and feelings, band members and other musicians, but most of all you give us a place to gather, to show our numbers, and be with others who truly understand why Neil's music touches us in such a profound and meaningful way.

I think it's safe to say that we all, even the most critical fans, appreciate the hard work and dedication that you and Thrashette put into this site. Times are tough, which is why your site and others like it become more and more important- it provides a much needed escape at times, entertainment, information and always puts a smile on my face. Even Neil Young himself has recognized the importance of Thrasher's Wheat.

You are part of Neil history and, in turn, Rock n' Roll History.

From here on I'd say any definitive book written on Neil's life and career would be lacking if missing a Thrasher's Wheat reference- you've been a liaison between the fans and the man himself. What you do is important and appreciated. Never loose heart.

I've made a large purchase this morning on Amazon through this site, as I always try to do, which I hope helps out. Of course it is a small thing, but if all your readers did this same, one small thing I'm sure it would help out a lot.

Again, thank you for your hard work, and devotion, not only to Neil but also his fans.

Happy Holidays to you and Thrashette!

Thanks SH! And Happy Holidays to you as well. We appreciate your kind words of support. Always and sincerely.

Again, thanks everyone for their contributions. But mostly thanks for all the reviews, photos, links, videos, and comments. And your kind and supportive words, especially. We truly enjoy sharing the Neil love around the world. We've been doing this on & off for 18 years on Rust/HH/RH and 15 years on TW and we'd really like to continue -- readers willing.

So by helping us out, you'll also help out to spread the Neil love around the world. And -- maybe in some small way -- it all helps the Bridge School, Farm Aid, Musicares, and the LincVolt project. Because we all want to light a candle, make a difference, be the rain, and be the change.

Be the wheat.
peace and love,

thrasher & thrashette

"Keep on bloggin'
`Til the power goes out
The batteries dead
Twist and shout"
- "Fork In the Road"

ps - it keeps us searchin' for a vista and a muse.

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HOW TO WIN A COPY OF "Ultimate Music Guide of Neil Young"

Several lucky Thrasher's Wheat supporters will win a free copy of the "Ultimate Music Guide of Neil Young" from Uncut magazine. We truly appreciate being able to what we do here at TW, and we love being able to give something back in return.

To enter the contest, follow these steps:

#1) Subscribe (or be already subscribed) to one of our blogfeed channels either via Facebook (LIKE us), Twitter (FOLLOW us) and/or subscribe to our email list.

2) Then just email us (thrasher@thrasherswheat.org) with your name, postal mailing address with *country*, and which blogfeed channel you signed up for (Facebook, Twitter, email list options noted above in Step #1). *Be sure to identify your complete Facebook ID, Twitter handle, or email address.*

Entries must be emailed with SUBJECT line: Contest - Ultimate Music Guide of Neil Young

Deadline: Dec. 13, 2013

We'll then randomly select Thrasher's Wheat readers as winners.

Don't Be Denied!

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