Review: Neil Young, Trent FM Arena
NEIL Young is playing a few festivals this summer – the Isle of Wight is already under his belt and Glastonbury looms at the weekend.
And he's getting into the festival spirit with crowd-pleasing sets that draw on a long, idiosyncratic and sometimes cantankerous career.
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Neil Young
Thankfully, that meant just a single song from this year's turgid Fork in the Road, a pedestrian blues-rock paean to his electric car.
It was the only hiccup in an enthralling snapshot of a career that began in the mid 60s and shows little sign – to (mis)quote the electrifying opener, Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) – of burning out or fading away.
After more riff-driven classics like Cinnamon Girl and Pocahontas, the hippy, dippy side of Young's character got an airing with wry ballads Don't Let It Bring You Down and Comes a Time.
The two sides of Young's musical character – the grungy guitar hero and long-haired dreamer – perhaps best came together with a beautiful, smoky version of Words that showcased the band's stunning playing.
It flowed so well, yet it was hard to guess what might be coming next. Like his contemporary, Bob Dylan, the 63-year-old Young likes to keep his audience – and band – on their toes. No two gigs on this European tour have had the same setlist.
So while we were predictably treated to beautiful versions of early 70s crowd-pleasers Heart of Gold and Old Man, Young went even further back to his Buffalo Springfield days for a couple of rarer outings – a joyful stomp through Burned and, in the one of the evening's highlights, a raucous, piano-led reworking of On the Way Home.
Who knows what Neil Young will play at Glastonbury – with such a rich catalogue and a determination never to repeat himself, any number of songs could get an airing.
But he would find it hard to better Nottingham's encore – a triumphant, moving version of the Beatles' grandest moment, A Day in the Life.
Like the rest of the show, it was unpredictable, while feeling just right, and full of passion.
Rob Ounsworth
16 Comments
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by James, Swadlincote
Friday, July 10 2009, 6:40AM
“40 years a Dylanfan and a veteran of many gigs, this was my fist Neil gig; absolutely terrific. Worth every penny of the £50 and the years of waiting to see him. So many highlights, especially the hoped-for "Cinnamon Girl", but how about that "Rockin' in the Free World" that went on and on but never got lost. One of Bob's entourage should have been there to explain to Bob how to electrify and audience to get them on your side, especially after his limp show in Birmingham in April. We must get Neil back asap.”
by Helen, Manchester
Monday, June 29 2009, 7:19AM
“Absolutely fantastic! Worth travelling all that way from Manchester for! Shame on ITV 2 for not showing him on the Isle of Wight festival.”
by Mike, Nottingham
Thursday, June 25 2009, 8:34AM
“As Ant says below, the support act was the excellent Laura Marling.”
by J, Notts
Thursday, June 25 2009, 8:30AM
“er....isn't the support act mentioned by Ant in the second comment, scroll down and you might see it - it's Laura Marling Ergates”
by Keith T, Gedling
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 10:36PM
“What a fantastic performance, so many highlights, but Words was awesome and when you thought it couldn't get any better Rocking In The Free World was just brilliant. He's goiung to blow bands half his age away at Glastonbury!!”
by Phil, Boston Lincs
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 7:37PM
“Stunning, and the choice of songs was electrifying, truly made the hair on the bacl of the neck prickle. Shame the lady in the support band didn't introduce herself and band more loudly, thought they were excellent - who were they ?”
by Phil H, Boston lincs
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 7:36PM
“What a stunning performance! Electrifying. Like Ergates though - who was the support? She and her band were very good, shame she mumbled the intro while the arena was talkikng to itself. Burned though ?! First performance for 40+ years, Rocking the free world.....!!!! speechless”
by Rob, Nottingham
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 2:46PM
“The set list:
My My Hey Hey
Mansion on the Hill
Are You Ready for the Country
Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere
Pocahontas
Words
Cinnamon Girl
Mother Earth
Don't Let It Bring You Down
Comes a Time
On the Way Home
Burned
Heart of Gold
Old Man
Down by the River
Get Behind the Wheel
Rockin in the Free World
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A Day in the Life”
by mike, cinderhill
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 1:51PM
“my brother had last seen him live 40 years ago,he said the gig was fantastic and worth the 40 year wait.”
by Mike, Nottingham
Wednesday, June 24 2009, 1:38PM
“But what was the deal with Neil's onstage artist-in-residence, tucked away at the back of the stage, facing away from the band, and working on multiple canvasses as the gig progressed? He was never introduced, so I'm a bit puzzled.
I was also amused by the way that Neil wore his shirt by a single sleeve for most of the show, leaving the garment draped over one shoulder like a cape. Some innovative styling there!”