July 2003

Neil Young
And Crazy Horse

Germain Amphitheatre,
Columbus, Ohio 6/14/03

By Cory Tressler

Neil Young never changes, yet he is always changing. His music continues to evolve and grow, yet his integrity and honesty prevails and dominates all that he does. Neil’s latest artistic exploration has resulted in a movie and a soundtrack (both entitled Greendale) that reeks of his own personal views of the world yet is still accessible enough for large crowds to digest. Neil’s current tour revolves around 90 minutes of the new “Greendale” material and a new stage setup that evokes elements of the theatre while at the same time creates a movie like atmosphere for the audience. Although many fans may be confused as to why Neil isn’t playing “After The Gold Rush”, “Needle and the Damage Done”, or “Cinnamon Girl” every night on his tour, it is very plain to me that Neil is still expanding and exploring as an artist and that is why people got into his music all those years ago after he walked away from Buffalo Springfield.

Neil has always been an emotional artist who isn’t afraid to sing about the real life he sees around him, and his “Greendale” project is no different. “Greendale” tells the story of a small town girl, her family, and the normal everyday shit that goes on in the town of Greendale. The new “Greendale” songs are about heartache, the murder of a policeman, and the life of a disgruntled grandfather. Neil explores small town realities in a way that most, if not all, successful artists from his time period cannot do anymore, mostly because they have lost touch with real life do to the millions of dollars they have made over their careers. Like always, Neil tells it like he sees it by blasting Clear Channel for their blind support of the United States’ unlawful war against Iraq and condemning the unjust drug laws that dominate the world today. Neil is still able to connect with his audience even though he has been performing in front of them for over thirty years.

Some of the concertgoers were a little put off by Neil’s 90 minute set of new material, but the majority of the crowd just sat back and soaked in all that he was putting before them. With Crazy Horse as his backing band, Neil was able to create some heavy, poignant music to accompany his spirited and rebellious lyrics. Throughout the night The Horse bopped and weaved through it’s normal garage like style of rock, but at times the normally raucous Horse was able to put down some smooth and slithery notes much like Neil’s past backing bands; The Santa Monica Flyers, The International Harvesters, and The Blue Notes. Overall, it was the most well rounded night of music I have ever heard Crazy Horse perform.

All of the “Greendale” material was interesting to hear, but most of the people in attendance gave out their biggest cheers of support when Neil and Crazy Horse came back onstage to do an encore, and “my oh my” what an encore it was. The beginning notes of the rock and roll anthem “Hey Hey My My” made the audience scream with appreciation and pleasure. This classic Neil tune sounded as great as ever. Neil followed “Hey Hey My My” with what I thought was going to be the last song of the night, “Powderfinger”. “Powderfinger” is one of Neil’s master works; the pounding guitars, the throbbing bass and drums, all mixed perfectly with Neil’s heartfelt lyrics. I would have been completely satisfied if “Powderfinger” would have ended the concert, but after another wild roar from the crowd Neil and Crazy Horse came out for a second encore. This time they chose “Rockin’ In The Free World”. This song fit perfectly with the small town rebellious story lines of the new “Greendale” material. The crowd really appreciated this rockin’ song, and when it finished everyone cheered what they thought was the end of the show, but as always Neil caught everyone off guard by performing a fourth encore! “Roll Another Number (For The Road)” was the final song of the night and it was fantastic. Although “Roll Another Number” was never one of Neil’s chart topping hits, it has always been a fan favorite and this night was no different. Neil and Crazy Horse ripped into the good time song with astounding vigor, leaving the crowd worn out from all the intensity, but ultimately happy from seeing one of North America’s greatest songwriters at the top of his game after such a long career. So as some members of the classic rock genre are touring the world playing their ancient hits trying to make another buck off of their fans, Neil Young continues challenging his fans with original and inspired music that is ever changing and always important.