Neil Young, the legendary Canadian-American rocker, recently made history in an artistic way. He proved this when he gave a private performance via direct-to-fan livestream from his farm in Colorado in 2020. This concert took place in the midst of a lively carnival atmosphere, complete with alpacas, ducks, chickens and a horse. Fans got a very personal look into his life through the pandemic lockdown. Their concert became the unrivaled highlight of Young’s extensive career. His wife, actress Daryl Hannah, directed the event, artfully documenting both the music style and the calm nature of the surroundings.
In Hannah’s view, the animals were responding positively to the music. They were all so amazed by that. It truly is a setting unknown to the industry, filled with unthinkable possibilities. The musical score aside, the livestream sparked energy that would ultimately lead Young to write a new song, “Rapture,” that looks back on that experience.
As Hannah transitions from directing the livestream to documenting Young’s 2023 solo tour, she reveals insights into his artistic process and mindset. He has reaped the benefits of those millions of fans over his 57-year career. She and her current European tour have their work cut out for them. Famed Canadian-American musician and activist Neil Young has criticized upcoming travel restrictions. His sustained opposition to Trump as a leading figure in charged party politics has been refreshing.
“If I talk about Donald J Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminium blanket,” – Neil Young
Even with these concerns, Hannah is hopeful about Young’s capacity to overcome any challenges ahead. She thinks that his deeply rooted presence in America will help him. After all, that was the place he’d lived and paid taxes on since his twenties.
In this documentary — directed with loving care by Hannah — the music notwithstanding, we’re left with a broad portrait of Young’s idiosyncratic character. “It’s funny because he didn’t do any rehearsals before the tour. He likes things to be real and spontaneous,” she explained. The moment he walked on stage, he showed his trademark swagger.
Young’s recent shows have featured, as very few popular artists do, deep cuts like “Vampire Blues,” “If You Got Love,” and “Prime Of Life.” These picks really resonate with audiences familiar with his deep catalog. They laud his relentless pursuit of artistic purity above all else finding popular success.
Hannah’s gotten used to Young’s sincerity catching fans off guard, many of whom expect a scary image, rock star type. “People think of him as this intimidating, inscrutable person who’ll make an album the record company refuses to put out,” she noted. Instead, she describes him as someone who engages openly with others—whether conversing with his bus driver or the audience during a performance.
“So many performers put on a persona, and Neil just does not have that quality at all,” – Daryl Hannah
His dedicated pups and other pets round out his home life. Most importantly, they showcase the warmth and loyalty that continues to envelop him when he’s off stage. These days, he savors each day at home in Colorado with his family and son, Max. As long as he’s surrounded by nature and his beloved animals, he’s at peace.
Amidst the pressures of touring and potential legal complications regarding travel back to the U.S., Young remains grounded in creativity. Once the towering figure of rock and roll, he is motivated solely by devotion to his art, not money, fame or what’s expected of him.
“He’s not driven by financial interests, he’s not driven by self-aggrandisement, he’s not driven by anything other than that creative force, and it’s pretty incredible to witness,” – Daryl Hannah
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