Concert Reports
Neil Young
07/08/2023, Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles
Neil Young Brings his "Coastal Tour to Vina Robles Amphitheatre on July 8
Photo: Joey Martinez
Neil Young performed his concert on a beautiful summer night this last Saturday July 08, 2023, to a large crowd of die hard fans anxiously waiting to see their hero, with some people having attended multiple dates on the tour having followed Young from city to city. For now, the “Costal Tour,” as it’s called, has stuck to the west coast. The outing began with four nights a the 1,200-person capacity Ford Theatre in Los Angeles. Young then moved on to larger venues, including the Santa Barbara Bowl, the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles and Berkeley, and then Vina Robles Amphitheatre in Paso Robles.
Young being one of the quintessential rock stars of the 60s proved it Saturday night. Fan of all ages were in attendance, from products of the 60s who remember Young's early work, ( The Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills Nash & Young, ) to younger fans who wanted to see just what the music legend had in store for the night.
The sold out evening began as Young casually walked out waving to the audience and then began his music, opening with “I’m the Ocean”, from Young’s 1995 Album “Mirror Ball,” which features members of Pearl Jam.
The show pulled from the more obscure reaches of Neil Young’s catalogue, highlighting songs he has yet to perform live over his six-decade career. The two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Famer prefaced the setlist choice to patrons of the Neil Young Archives, saying, “I don’t want to come back and do the same songs again. I’ll feel like I was on some sort of carnival ride. I’d rather be doing these others songs I haven’t done… I won’t have to compare how I’m doing ‘Heart of Gold’ to [how I played it in] 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2020…”
Among the songs Young played were “Song X” from Mirror Ball, the 1995 album made with Pearl Jam; the Trans outtake “If You Got Love”; and “Prime Of Life” from 1994’s Sleeps With Angels. “They’re old songs. But I wake up with them in my head every morning,” Young explained. “They are songs that apply to my life right now, and apply to everyone’s lives in this era that we’re in. Some of them were written 10, 20, 30, 40 years ago, but never really played live.”
Half way through the setlist Young did a very unusual version of "Mr. Soul” performing with his Pump Organ, which was made in 1885 by Estey Organ Company, towards the end of the evening Young performs a few of the favorites “Ohio” and “Heart of Gold” with a gorgeous Martin D-45 Guitar that was a gift from Stephen Stills.
As the concert came to a close it brought the audience to their feet, cheering and showing their love for Young. Then a final encore closing the evening with “Love Earth” and “Four Strong Winds”. … the concert was a definite crowd pleaser, and most of all at age 77 Young's voice has remained the same.
Neil Young’s long-lost album, Chrome Dreams, is set to be released this summer.
The album was originally set for release in 1977, but plans changed leaving Chrome Dreams floating about in a musical wasteland for almost 50 years.
Widespread bootleg pressings of the album have circulated during the last four decades, but fear no more as you can soon get your hands on the real thing this August.
The album hosts studio recordings produced between 1974 and 1976, and has a total of 12 tracks. Two previously unreleased versions and four original songs will be making their vinyl debut.
“It emerges as Young envisioned it, featuring 12 classic songs, including four originals. Sedan Delivery stands out with its unique lyrics not found in later versions, offering a fresh take on this classic,” a statement reads on Young’s YouTube channel.
About Vina Robles Amphitheatre
Welcome to the Vina Robles Amphitheatre, where European Inspiration meets California Character and the stars always shine. Here, two of California's great compositions meet, as exceptional wine and intimate live music are paired to create an unforgettable wine country experience.
The 3,300 seat boutique amphitheatre is nestled on a picturesque, oak-dotted hillside in Paso Robles on California's Central Coast. With its opening in the summer of 2013, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre became one of the largest outdoor venues for arts and entertainment in San Luis Obispo County. Featuring a style reminiscent of the California missions, guests are able to immerse themselves in a unique and intimate concert adventure as they enjoy modern amenities and first class hospitality. The concert season runs from May through November and features top tier acts from around the world in all genres. Various seating options all within 150 feet from the stage, including regular, VIP and general admission lawn seating, make events accessible to anyone in the community. We look forward to sharing our love of wine and the arts with you soon. For more information about the Vina Robles Winery, Click Here
www.VinaRoblesAmphitheatre.com