Neil Young + Promise of The Real

Neil Young not only remains to be one the most vital songwriters and live performers of these times, he is one of the most rebellious and outspoken individuals in the modern music industry. On his latest live outing, the Rebel Content Tour, Young continues an anti-corporate and strong environmentalist narrative, drawing upon the contrast of old classics and new material from the heavily political 36th studio album The Monsanto Years, separated with acoustic sets and full-blown rock jams. Joining him on the journey is his band Promise of the Real, featuring Willie Nelson’s prodigious sons Lukas and Micah, alongside Corey McCormick on bass and Anthony Logerfo on drums.

Neil has structured these shows as journey-like performances opening the shows with acoustic sets featuring piano, harmonica and, of course, an array of guitars leading into a semi-acoustic set with the band before progressing into a fully-fledged electric performance. For the acoustic sets he has dusted off songs such as “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and the title-track “After the Gold Rush” from his seminal 1972 album. From the classic 1979 album Harvest he has played his biggest hit “Heart of Gold”, as well as its tender title-track, the timeless classic “Old Man” and “Out on the Weekend”.

Later in the sets, when he’s in full-flow with the Nelson brothers, essential rock classics such as “Southern Man”, “Cinnamon Girl”, “Cortez the Killer” and “Down by the River” were given the full shredding treatment.

Outside of the hits, Young started playing old album classics, some of which he has either rarely or never performed live before.

“It seems barely a show has gone by where Young hasn’t pulled some stunning rarity from the archives – “Time Fades Away” for the first time in 12 years, “Here We Are In The Years” for the first time since 1976, “Alabama” for the second time since 1973, “Western Hero” for only the third time ever, “Vampire Blues” for the first time since March 1974… The shows were for some, the finest Neil performances for decades…” – Michael Bonner UNCUT Magazine

WATCH 10 DEEP CUTS FROM NEIL YOUNG’S LATEST TOUR:
http://www.uncut.co.uk/blog/the-view-from-here/watch-10-deep-cuts-from-neil-youngs-latest-tour-71316

“He came out solo first, beginning with ineffably poignant renditions of “After The Gold Rush,” “My My, Hey Hey (Out Of The Blue),” and “Mother Earth,” his voice perhaps even finer now than ever, with the years to match his woeful old soul. Being a big fan like most in the audience, it’s hard to overstate or even describe the dreamlike and emotional awe that befell the crowd. It was hard to believe it was real.” – Richie DeMaria, The Independent

“We played songs we had never played before EVERY NIGHT. That has never happened to me, the new songs and the hits & 3-hour performances night after night. The crew loved it, the band, and people too! Playing with these guys was a gift – such positivity, pure energy & no fear. I loved rocking with Promise of the Real. I love this band. Let’s keep it going…” – Neil Young