The state of Neil Young & Crazy Horse: Touring halted, but new album released

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As a long-time fan who has followed Neil Young and Crazy Horse since their early days, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions about the current situation. On one hand, I’m deeply disappointed by the cancellation of their tour – it feels like a piece of my youth is slipping away. But on the other, I’m excited to dive into the treasure trove of previously unreleased recordings from 1969 with the release of “Early Daze.” It’s like finding an old time capsule filled with raw, unpolished magic that has shaped the course of rock music.

Back in June, I had to step back from my tour with Crazy Horse due to some health troubles within our crew. We’d been putting on some incredible shows, with audiences that were really into it, and performances we’d remember for a long time. But after our gig at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan on May 22nd, some of us started feeling under the weather. I didn’t say if I was one of them, but obviously, this wasn’t something that could be ignored. As a result, we had to postpone several tour dates across Canada and the US. It’s been tough, but health always comes first.

As a gamer, I was bummed to learn about the cancellations of seven Canadian shows in July and three U.S. performances in late September that I had been eagerly anticipating. These events included big-name appearances like the Hollywood Bowl, Ohana Festival in southern California (driven by Eddie Vedder), and Kentucky’s Bourbon & Beyond Festival. Unfortunately, my favorite artist, Neil Young, was no longer scheduled to perform at Ohana Fest, but they managed to secure a replacement – Sting – for his Saturday night headlining slot.

Essentially, Sting steps in for Neil Young at the Bourbon & Beyond Festival. The sudden pause in touring has left fans disheartened as they were eagerly waiting for these performances. Young himself conveyed his disappointment through a statement on his website, underscoring the significance of health and the necessity for the band members to recuperate fully before resuming their shows.

The rock legend and activist promised fans that they’d attempt to rearrange some canceled performances once the group is fit to take the stage again. Acknowledging the trouble many have encountered with travel arrangements, he expressed regret for any inconvenience caused. In a heartfelt message, the “Father of Grunge” conveyed his gratitude for everyone’s understanding and patience. Although Neil Young did not disclose which bandmates were impacted, it seemed that Crazy Horse’s rhythm section – comprising bassist Billy Talbot and drummer Ralph Molina, both 80 years old – may have faced challenges keeping up with the demands of their two-hour set during a recent New York show. The guitarist Frank “Poncho” Sampedro, also 75, has previously stepped down from the band due to arthritis.

It was observed that several tunes were performed more slowly compared to their original recorded speeds, which could suggest that the group might have been encountering difficulties.

It’s not all bad news for Neil Young & Crazy Horse

For those fans disheartened by the tour’s sudden halt, there’s a bit of comfort in the form of new music, although it’s technically a compilation album. Young and Crazy Horse have just dropped Early Daze, an assembly of unheard recordings from 1969.

As a longtime fan of Neil Young, I have always appreciated his raw and unpolished sound that sets him apart from many other musicians in the rock genre. Over the years, I’ve come to know Crazy Horse as his most frequent backing band, and their distinctive, almost chaotic style perfectly complements Young’s own improvisational approach to music. The band’s latest album offers a fascinating glimpse into the early days of their collaboration, transporting listeners back to the 1960s and 70s when rock music was still young and raw.

The band has been a vital foundation for Neil Young’s music, playing significant roles in iconic albums such as “Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere,” “Rust Never Sleeps,” and “Ragged Glory.” As fans eagerly wait for news about the tour, the connection between Neil Young and Crazy Horse remains unbreakable. Their bond continues to strengthen, with their legacy expanding through both their electrifying live shows and studio productions.

In simpler terms, playing live for such a long time serves as a constant reminder of the physical toll that touring takes, especially on seasoned musicians like Neil Young and his bandmates, who have been making music together for more than fifty years. Yet, the enduring fame of Neil Young and Crazy Horse demonstrates just how significant their influence has been in rock music.

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2024-08-18 15:01