A Great Concert Experience with Neil Young

Neil Young has announced two solo acoustic concerts at the historic Chicago Theater. Neil recently played a series of shows at Carnegie Hall, treating the audiences with old favorites, songs he hasn't played in a while and cover songs.

I have seen Neil live about fifteen times.  I've seen him solo acoustic, with Crazy Horse, with Crosby Stills & Nash, at two Farm Aids, with just his longtime sidemen Ben Keith and Frank Sampredo, and even with Booker T & the MG's behind him. Every show has been excellent.

Once at Poplar Creek (the outdoor venue that was where Sears Arena now stands in Hoffman Estates) in 1989, I was up front resting my arms on the stage as Neil stood right in front of me singing 'Pocahontas'. This is my favorite song from his half electric/half acoustic 1979 album 'Rust Never Sleeps', and he was so close that I could have tied his shoes for him. The guy standing to my right was 'well-oiled', if you know what I mean. I think he was thrity beers into the evening by this point. Between songs, this gentleman was holding his beer up and yelling at Neil to take a sip. Neil acknowledged the guy and proceeded to chug his whole beer. Neil handed the cup back to the man, who then exclaimed 'I'm never washing this cup!' It was not unlike a twelve year old girl after meeting Justin Bieber.

Three years later, it was quite the opposite experience. I had a seat in about the last row at the Chicago Theater for the second of two shows scheduled there on Neil's 'Harvest Moon' tour. I wore my grungiest jeans and tshirt and planned on knocking back beers and watching a great show, only to be told by the venue that 'Neil wasn't allowing alcohol sales at this show.' WHAT!!!! Was Neil on the wagon? Apparently the night before, folks were so noisy and boisterous that Neil said 'No booze' for the second show.

So now the lights the dim and Neil walks out on stage. With a bottle of beer. Grinning. People yelled at him, "Where's my beer, Neil?" To which set the beer centerstage and replied, "Right here. Come and get it." He then went on to play an outstanding show that included all but one song from 'Harvest Moon', if memory serves me.

The only thing for certain at a Neil Young concert is that it's going to be great, no matter what else happens. His songs have broad shoulders and will carry the night. Maybe you'll even be talking about them 20+ years later.