News Summary
Rock icon Neil Young delivered a powerful two-hour performance at the Hollywood Bowl, concluding his three-month ‘Love Earth’ tour. The concert featured classic hits and newly updated lyrics addressing contemporary social issues, including Ukraine. Young, despite performing from a wheelchair, captivated the audience with a mix of acoustic and electric songs, including a new track criticizing former President Trump. Young’s performance emphasized his legacy and ongoing relevance in the music scene, leaving fans with a blend of nostalgia and reflection on pressing societal themes.
Los Angeles – Rock legend Neil Young gave a memorable performance at the Hollywood Bowl on Monday night, wrapping up his three-month ‘Love Earth’ tour. The iconic musician, now 79 years old, showcased his unique style with a classic outfit consisting of jeans, a flannel shirt, and a train engineer’s cap, delivering a concert that lasted two hours and included both beloved hits and timely contemporary themes.
Young opened the show with fan favorites such as “Ambulance Blues” and “Cowgirl in the Sand,” setting an engaging tone for the evening. The setlist featured a rich blend of classics, including “Harvest Moon,” “Ohio,” “Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black),” “Southern Man,” and “Old Man.” Notably, Young reflected on his first performance at the Hollywood Bowl with Buffalo Springfield back in 1966, emphasizing the venue’s significance in his long career.
This particular concert not only highlighted Young’s musical repertoire but also conveyed critical social and political messages. During his performance of “Long Walk Home,” he updated the lyrics to address current global issues, including the ongoing situation in Ukraine. Young’s band, the Chrome Hearts, featuring guitarist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick, drummer Anthony LoGerfo, and organist Spooner Oldham, contributed to the dynamic stage presence. Despite being in a wheelchair due to a recent injury, Oldham’s performance was both impactful and vital to the overall experience.
Among the surprises of the night was Young’s debut of a new song titled “Big Crime,” which criticized former President Trump with a refrain of “No more great again.” The overall performance was a seamless mix of hits and lesser-known tracks, showcasing Young’s storied career while reinforcing his ongoing concerns about societal issues. The audience’s engagement was palpable, with standing ovations following most songs.
The evening also included a theatrical element, highlighted by a dramatic synthesizer descent during “Like a Hurricane.” A variety of acoustic and electric performances throughout the night kept the crowd enthralled, while Young intentionally minimized chatter between songs, allowing the music to take center stage. The combination of compelling guitar work between Young and Nelson during tracks like “Hey Hey, My My” and “Like a Hurricane” underscored the concert’s energy.
Young concluded the show with “Roll Another Number (For the Road)” from his classic album “Tonight’s the Night.” The performance, marked by powerful moments and heartfelt lyrics, paid homage to his legacy while asserting his relevance in today’s rock music landscape. The night was not solely about entertainment; it served as a platform for social commentary, aligning perfectly with the overarching themes of his tour.
Opening the night was Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir, whose act emphasized themes of anti-materialism, setting a fitting tone for the evening ahead. Overall, Neil Young’s Hollywood Bowl concert was a testament to his enduring impact in music and his dedication to addressing pressing issues through his art. The crowd departed with the resonation of his classics, grateful for both a nostalgic and thought-provoking experience.
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Additional Resources
- Variety: Neil Young Hollywood Bowl Concert Review
- Los Angeles Times: Neil Young & Chrome Hearts Hollywood Bowl Review
- OC Register: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts Deliver a Powerful Night
- Rolling Stone: Neil Young’s Latest Performance Highlights
- Wikipedia: Neil Young
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
