A Neil Young gig is pretty much top of the list now. You know he will deliver some great guitar and some great singing and he has a huge back catalogue of classic songs to choose from. Each tour is different so you are always in for a treat. This gig was at the Trent FM Arena (aka Nottingham Ice Rink) which for me is one of the better of the big impersonal arenas. As ever with such arenas you need to get a seat that has reasonable sound and we achieved that for this gig.
The support was Laura Marling a singer songwriter featuring quiet thoughtful songs. I enjoyed it but can't recollect any specifics.
Neil Young's band included Ben Keith on guitar, Chad Cromwell on drums, Rick Rosa on bass and Peggy Young on backing vocals.
He kicked off with "Hey, Hey, My, My (Into the Black)". Immediately he was off playing that inimitable guitar The grungy style of guitar was something he took up well into his long career but it is that which will keep me coming back to the gigs.
The stand out track for me was "Down by the River" which was late on in the set - it was a deliberate and powerful version. "Words" was another highlight - I am not sure I have heard this live before. "Pocahantas" was also outstanding - a grungy version rather than the usual more delicate form.
And then there were the old favourites "Heart of Gold" and "Old Man" - for me he can play those every gig if he wants.
An extended "Rocking' in the Free World" followed by "A Day in the Life" ended the gig.
The thing about Neil Young is that he follows where the music takes him and nothing else matters. That is why he will never resort to concert tours to rake in money and why he continues to be edgy and innovative despite his age.
This immediately became another candidate for "Gig of the Year" and it was shortly to be followed by another (see Eagles gig).
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