As might be expected, Neil Young’s headline performance at Glastonbury lacked explosions, fireworks, elaborate stages, interactive displays, confetti, or any special effects. However, it’s important to acknowledge that the 79-year-old musician refrained from using the pre-recorded backing tracks and synthetic vocals that are so common in today’s live shows. Instead, there was simply an elderly man and his talented four-piece band, The Chrome Hearts, alternately creating a raw, grungy sound and strumming acoustic campfire ballads filled with sweet, delicate harmonies.
His opening song, “Sugar Mountain,” featured a lovely, soulful harmonica solo and heartfelt vocals. The following song, “Be The Rain,” extended for ten minutes, passionately addressing environmental issues and showcasing a wildly improvisational guitar solo that seemed to take even Young by surprise. Clad in a casual checkered shirt and trucker cap, the robust old star navigated between these two musical extremes throughout the night, appearing unfazed by anyone’s opinion. In any case, he looked like he was truly enjoying himself.
This is reminiscent of what rock festivals used to be before the era of modern screens and extravagant productions, and it felt refreshing: five men (typically men during those days) who, seemingly unbothered by their attire, ignited an electric storm of distorted guitar sounds while relishing their ability to improvise wild solos on the spot.
“Rock and roll will never die,” Young passionately proclaimed during an elongated, feedback-laden rendition of “Hey Hey, My My,” but the reality seemed to contradict him. This performance felt like the last breath of a waning art form, embraced by an appreciative but modest audience. Meanwhile, younger festival-goers had dispersed to witness the latest pop icons.
Charli XCX attracted a larger crowd at the increasingly crowded Other Stage, up-and-coming US rapper Doechi thrived on the West Holts stage, and there were lines being turned away from campy disco pop sensations, the Scissor Sisters, at the Woodsies marquee. While Young entertained his dedicated followers, the silence between songs was so pronounced that you could’ve heard a pin drop.
In a rare production highlight, a keyboard descended from above for “Like A Hurricane,” and the band appeared to treat it as a grand moment of showmanship. Although it was somewhat amusing, it hardly mattered as the audience listened to a group of extraordinary musicians skillfully navigate one of rock’s all-time masterpieces as if they were rediscovering it. The staging may have been simple, but the musicianship was outstanding.
“Harvest Moon” was stunning. “The Needle and the Damage Done” was deeply affecting. “Rockin’ in the Free World” was an exhilarating experience. Overall, it was a genuinely exceptional Neil Young set, filled with classic tracks performed with passion and flair.
