Rock Concert Review: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts — Still Restless After All These Years
By Scott McLennan
Regardless of his age, Neil Young, now 79 years old, can still rage.
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts performing at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH. Photo: Scott McLennan
The venerable Crazy Horse may have collapsed midway through Neil Young’s Love Earth Tour last year, but that did not stop the restless Young.
Young is back with the Chrome Hearts, a band that came together at the end of last year with guitarist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick, and drummer Anthony LoGerfo — all members of Lukas Nelson’s recently disbanded Promise of the Real, which served as Young’s backing band in the mid-2010s — along with legendary Muscle Shoals organ player Spooner Oldham.
Young and the Chrome Hearts released the shambolic yet solid Talkin’ to Trees album in June and stopped at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, New Hampshire, on Thursday as part of the Love Earth trek that restarted this summer in Europe.
Nelson, who in addition to working with Young during the Promise of the Real years was also part of last year’s Crazy Horse lineup, has developed into an effective artistic foil who doesn’t challenge Young on stage, but knows how to creatively build on whatever Young is doing. This is in contrast to Crazy Horse, whose rhythm section of drummer Ralph Molina and bassist Billy Talbot went back to the early days of Young’s career. These players were apt to be more confrontational — rather than deferential — to the leadership of the guitarist and singer.
Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts performing at the Bank of NH Pavilion in Gilford, NH. Photo: Scott McLennan
The Chrome Hearts do not bring that sort of challenging, manic energy to a Young show. Instead, Nelson, McCormick, and LoGerfo — all a generation-plus younger than Young — treat the music with force and devotion. And Young, now pushing 80, used that power wisely as he went though an unwieldy but rewarding set of songs that were pulled from disparate corners of his long career, including his fat catalog of beloved classics.
The 82-year-old Oldham, whose most notable work with Young was on the Harvest Moon album, was a subdued presence throughout the two-hour show. In fact, he was hard to pick up in the mix, especially when the rest of the band was in full rocker mode. Oldham exited the stage at the concert’s end in a wheelchair with assistance from two “nurses,” one of which appeared to be Daryl Hannah, Young’s wife.
This poignant scene is just part of the larger surreal landscape Young creates on stage. Giant amps, tricked out organs that hang from the rafters, candlelit pump organs, blade-like microphone stands with megaphones affixed, create a tableau that serves as a framework for Young’s music. And, as in 2024’s Love Earth Tour, Young has Rev. Billy and his Stop Shopping Choir opening the evening with a bit of revival tent charisma rooted in environmental spiritualism. “Love Earth … Earthalujah!” preached the good reverend.
Young and the Chrome Hearts started off with “Ambulance Blues,” a slow-burn example of psychedelic reckoning from 1974’s On the Beach. Young, whose vocal work was unwavering all night, then went back into the early days of Crazy Horse for a cathartic version of “Cowgirl in the Sand” followed by the familiar chug of “Cinnamon Girl.”
The language of “Southern Man” springs from the early ’70s but the song’s spirit remains relevant as a moving indictment of systemic racism. Young’s most engagingly personable moment came when he told about how he recently reacquired his first-ever electric guitar — which he used to perform a garage-rock version of the Buffalo Springfield song “Mr. Soul.”
Following another shot of timeless political protest via Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s “Ohio,” Young went deeper into the CSNY catalog for “Looking Forward,” which commenced a run of songs Young played on acoustic guitar. This softened the concert, turning it inward for a spell.
Young’s ruminations on his tune “One of These Days” was both gentle and emotionally stirring, making it one of the concert’s highlights. The acoustic portion also featured the perennial concert favorite “Harvest Moon” and lesser-played gems, such as “New Mama” and “Daddy Went Walkin’,” the trio offering different facets of Young’s idiosyncratic way with lyrics — sometimes direct, sometimes impressionistic, sometimes inscrutable.
Young then pivoted from the delicate to the brash in a run of songs starting with “Sun Green” from the often overlooked Greendale rock opera he made with Crazy Horse in the early 2000s. Then came the meditative guitar fury of “Love and Only Love,” which can always be counted on to deliver a thundering jam. “Like a Hurricane” should have been the big capper for this portion of electric fury, but Young seemed to hold back, either because of a technical snafu or because of his feeling about the music itself. Let’s call this “Hurricane” a mere Level 3 at best.
Young wound down the set with a more genial touch, first playing CSNY’s hopeful “Name of Love” and then “Old Man.” The latter resonated with a piquant twist given that Young is five decades removed from the time when he wrote the song, inspired by a caretaker living on a ranch he has bought in California.
Regardless of his age, Young can still rage, which is exactly what he did during an encore reading of “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black).” The band was operating at full tilt here, pushing themselves toward meltdown. Strings busted on Young’s guitar and Nelson dragged his guitar across the floor to produce some buzzing feedback.
The Chrome Hearts never got around to playing anything from the album they made with Young. Selling a new album doesn’t seem to be why Young is hitting the road. Rather, Young and the Chrome Hearts are after something more significant — an affecting reflection on how love and chaos intertwine in the fabric of everyday life.
Scott McLennan covered music for the Worcester Telegram & Gazette from 1993 to 2008. He then contributed music reviews and features to The Boston Globe, Providence Journal, Portland Press Herald, and WGBH, as well as to The Arts Fuse. He also operated the NE Metal blog to provide in-depth coverage of the region’s heavy metal scene.
Saw the band on Dublin earlier this year on this tour. A point not made in the review is that at 79 years of age Young’ss voice is still awesome
I have to agree!
13,000 people showed up at Bethel Woods & Mr. Young did not disappoint at his old stomping grounds! He kindly thanked us fans three times for coming out to see him!
Yes, that’s all the interaction he had with the audience. No frame of reference to the historic return to Woodstock. He had difficulty remembering lyrics, not to mention his the very abridged version of Southern Man. Chrome Hearts were boring , no Crazy Horse energy, they were just phoning it in. Seen Neil a numerous times. He needs to hang it up. Neil Young is now Neiil Old.
I was there as well, and I agree with you. This was my first time seeing Neil and I wish I would have seen him in the 70s or 80s. There were so many great songs he could have done from his many albums, instead of the gimmicky songs with the distorted microphone. Most disappointing to me was his lack of interaction with the audience. He said the same thing three times to the audience. “how ya all doing? thanks for being here, we love you.” He has always been political and I thought there would be some mention of the mess we are all in. I was glad he did Ohio, but I needed more. I will always love his music but this wasn’t worth the two hour ride.
Oh but he DID refer to the venue as “the sacred place” or some such description of Bethel Woods in relation to 1969 Woodstock.
Seeing Willie Nelson’s son Micah playing was a treat as well.
I guess you are not a true fan. Is that how you feel about Lynyrd Skynyrd and ZZ Top?
Excellent review of an incredible show!
At every stop on the Love Earth tour, Neil’s crew sets up “The Village” of tents, chairs and tables, and invites local justice, voting rights, green energy and organic farming groups to share with audience members and build community. We were honored to have a booth for the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire. As volunteers, we were invited to eat backstage, where food from local organic farms and sustainable seafood was served to the crew, musicians and volunteers. And, Neil made sure that only local beers were sold at the venue.
Neil walks his talk and rocks his rock!
I beg to differ, good sir:
Young, whose vocal work was unwavering all night, then went back into the early days of Crazy Horse for a cathartic version of “Cowgirl in the Sand” followed by the familiar chug of “Cinnamon Girl.”
King of the world
Tonite. Could b my. 60th 61st show. Not sure. Lost. Count
Neil. Young never. Let’s. You. Down
Always been a harsh or tender force to be reckoned with
Love Neil. But …saw him in Charlotte NC and thought Neil could do less jamming and more great songs he has written. Very disappointed
I could go to a Neil Young show where he plays one song for 2 hours. Neil Young jamming is what it’s all about. It’s too bad you don’t get it.
Heading to Bethel Woods tomorrow night – really hope he plays Don’ Cry No Tears again (they played it earlier in the tour). Neil’s shows have always been fantastic – perfect mix of classic ballads and full out jams.
Wow you don’t get neil at all …jamming is what he’s all about.
Be kind and accepting, my friends: there’s room under the NY tent for a variety of perspectives – after all, Neil is also all about writing brillaint lyrics and a dizzying variety of musical styles in a catalogue of over 1,000 songs. That said, a suggestion for Ted would be this: if you love an artist for any reason, try your best to go with them where ever they take you, and to enjoy the ride.
The Pine Knob show up above Detroit was two and a half hours long, the longest show on the tour. It looks like it was jamming and Mr. Young is still Rockin’ In The Free World.
Drove to Toronto for 8/19 show. I miss Crazy Horse but lads are solid, especially bass. Saw the tour last year & knew Neil would deliver again. An artist’s artist…
Like most I’ve been to dozens of concerts- of all types of musical styles. Jones Beach last night was my first Neil Young show; one of the best shows I’ve EVER seen. Frankly, I was shocked at how good he AND the band were; how great his voice sounded; and his energy. All of the social awareness just adds beauty to it. Final thought — it’s a rock show (not the radio) and if it’s nearby you I would strongly suggest you go. Keep on rocking Man!
God bless Neil Young
Saw Neil Young last night at the beach… been seeing him for 50 years… my favorite did not disappoint! Long live Neil Young! XXOO
Did he do a lot of political ranting?
You mean did he share with the people some of his most personal and worrying concerns?
Yes and the crowd was into it!
I hadn’t seen Neil since “89”..which was solo acoustic..and an amazing show! To see Neil again was beyond description of words.. Spiritually…love…! He touched my spirit and soul. The love and admiration we have for his music fills places only Neil can fill. Tears shed as his energy and music fill me with comfort! I am sooo grateful and fortunate to have been able to experience this bubble of existence…! Thank you so much Neil! I love you!
I was here, in the pit. Great rocking show with a little mellow thrown in. What better way to end a show than when Neil thrashes so hard the strings pop. Saw Crazy Horse last summer in Mansfield and that Cortez was one of the best 10 (12?) Minutes of my life. Love Neil, such a legend.
“Neil Young’s set tonight at Bethel Woods was amazing—I’m a longtime fan and his music is incredible. I did want to share feedback about the opener, Reverend Billy. The performance felt very politically charged and was a bit of a turnoff for some fans, including me. I understand the artistic intent, but a shorter or less intense opener might keep the focus on Neil’s music, which is what most of us come for. Thanks for listening!”
Hey Karen, I didn’t want to dwell on this in the review (because you’re right: it’s about Neil’s music), but I see Rev Billy not so much as an opening act but part of the show Neil wants to put in front of his audience. The whole Love Earth theme started with Crazy Horse and carried into this Chrome Hearts tour and Rev Billy has been part of it all. Just a thought.
I agree Scott. But in addition, the political and social concerns have been woven into the fabric of his music for his entire career – you take out the salt and it loses some of its savor.
You’re a great listener and a skilled reviewer; thanks for this one!
Rev Billy set the stage for Neil Youngs political slant IMO. He’s always been about planet conservation, freedom of speech and how we as humans screw it all up with our consumerism.
It’s why you couldn’t buy a Coke or any one of a number of Bethel Woods regular concession foods.
Inconvenient truths seem to bother people in denial more than that truth bothers others.
I feel that too! I have seen him many times throughout my life and wasn’t sure if I would ever get the chance to see him again.
I drove to Charlotte NC form ATL GA for the 1st show of his North American Tour.
He was everything and more. Tears ran down my cheeks as he stepped out onto that stage. The excitement and emotions were intense.
I am still reeling with that feeling of feeding my soul.
Forever Young
Others may lose sight of our planet’s well-being,
but YOU , YOUR MUSIC and your dedication remains a BEACON of LIGHT and an EXAMPLE of HOPE for Us!
Your Music has meant SO Much to us over the years!
Thank you for choosing to tour again! We are SO
grateful we got to see you in our senior years!
Keep on ROCKING!
God Bless You and Your Family
I saw neil and the chrome hearts at deer lake park, in Burnaby. They sounded great, Micah Nelson is wonderful, great supporting vocals and guitar, really knows how to support the song. Great band and they did powderfinger, my fave neil song. rev Billy, on the other hand, is annoying as hell.