Neil Young: Just Wonderful

Photo of Neil Young by Starcasm

First, off, seeing Neil Young in a smallish theatre -- the Marina Civic Center in Panama City, was unbelievable. Second of all, walking up to the venue and seeing surpise New Orleans great Allen Toussaint on the marquee-- well, yipee!!!!!!

This was a very, very special show. Toussaint started things out with an intimate set on piano, running down his hit songs ("Yes We Can Can," "Workin in a Coal Mine.") He told an absolutely gorgeous story about growing up in the country with shotgun houses and moon glinting off the shiny oak leaves, which left everyone rapt and led to a rousing standing ovation.

There were numerous standing O's for Neil Young, who absolutely gave this crowd his stripped-down all, running through classics and newish songs. His voice sounds as clear and lonesome as it did 30 years ago. Young was solo with an organ, piano, and a suite of seriously bad-ass guitars that made him sound  alternately like an electric band shredding mercilessly and an old-school tender crooner in a piano bar.
The stage set was way-cool, with big ole fringy hippie lamps, a tie-dye painted piano, and a classic old pipe  organ on a platform (Hurricane -- natch!)

Festgrrl felt truly lucky to be there!!!

Young has a new solo record coming out, and you can stream it for free through Oct. 5 at the NPR music site

Here's the Panama city setlist, with thanks to Starcasm


1. My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue)

2. Tell Me Why

3. Helpless

4. You Never Call

5. Peaceful Valley

6. Love And War

7. Down By The River

8. Hitchhiker

9. Ohio

10. Sign Of Love

11. Leia

12. After The Gold Rush

13. I Believe In You

14. Rumblin’

15. Cortez The Killer

16. Cinnamon Girl

 

ENCORE:

17. Old Man

18. Walk With Me