Neil Young and Crazy Horse Showed Up Big at Webster Bank Arena (12-4-12) photo:Todd Tracy

Old-time rockers open themselves up for criticism from rock journalists and fans when donning the stage two and sometimes three decades after their prime.

The 12.12.12 Concert for Sandy Relief show gave the world a close glimpse of how time has really treated the Stones and The Who.  Although the stuff is spirited and fun…it ain’t the same; not even close, especially with high-def sight and sound. 


I’ll take an up-and-comer at The Brooklyn Bowl any day of the week.


Like Roger Waters Wall show earlier this summer, in which he defied the odds by keeping his voice and stage presence in tact through four decades…


Neil Young appears possessed by a 20 yr old grunge rocker.  Can I get an “Amen.”  Ahhhhhhhhhh.

By the way, Patti Smith (who opened the show with a short and spirited set, is exempt from any old person comments for obvious reasons.)

Leading up to Neil’s latest tour, I had lots of options…MSG, the new fancy new place in Brooklyn… and Bridgeport, CT.


Yes, the fine new team at CT’s own Webster Bank Arena (just 2 miles from my office) finally brought in an act of might…


Finally a draw… someone worth seeing and giving me an opportunity to enjoy this intimate arena. Note: great, great friendly staff!


Perched stage right in the mezzanine press box area, we comfortably witnessed (with bourbon-based cocktails and buffet egg-rolls/mini-hot dogs in hand) Neil’s latest chapter in his musical life journey.


BTW…if you are a Neil fan, his book Shakey, is a must read.  I think more insightful for the music fan than his latest memoir mash.


As an amateur musician with many garage band hours under my belt…I got a huge kick and deep satisfaction watching Neil and his old pals from Crazy Horse “jam” together.  

Jam is the key word.  A good old-fashioned jam that oozed garage rock fun and the passion of 16 yr old kids after school.


Now, the last two times I saw Neil Young…this special spark — that was present this warm December 4th night — was missing.  It is very comforting to see Neil at the top of his game one more time (perhaps).  I feel lucky to have caught this tour with such an up-close and personal viewing.

The show (see set list below) included many classics and some interesting new ones.  Two weeks later, his version of “F#c*in’ Up” (play the YouTube clip below) still rings between me ears… always a sign of a great, great performance.

The encore “Roll Another Number” has always been one of my favorite Neil tunes, and his version this night was strong and sturdy.


In the strangest of places at the most random times…I find myself singing:

There is a more traditional show review by Todd Tracy (click here) at Hearst, CT Post (click here) by Tom Cleary with great pictures like the one below, and Glide Magazine by Shawn Donohue (click here) if you are interested.

Setlist:

NOTE: After much thought, I have decided to remove two paragraphs from this story about Neil’s “Last Trip to Tulsa” and instead dedicate a whole piece specifically about that song. 


It will include original video from my personal last trip driving through Tulsa with my late dog Max.


In the meantime, here is a nice version found online (click the picture to listen)…