Neil Young Night (TV)

With TV slots usually reserved for the likes of Dylan, Clapton and Cash, it’s now time for the true greatest to be the main focus of attention. After more than 40 glorious years of profilic genius (including the much criticized 80’s!), Young’s career is tonight celebrated with a host of programmes on BBC4.

The viewing begins at 9:30pm with ‘Neil Young Live at the BBC’ (1971) in what is one of his great early performances. The gig is intimately set with Young on stage alongside piano and guitars with the audience right at his feet, in what is so relaxed it could almost be in your front room. This performance is so up close and personal it almost offers a window into the man’s soul. Performing classics including Old Man, A Man Needs a Maid and Heart of Gold, this is certainly one not to be missed!

Neil Young - Old Man (1971)



Next up at 10:00pm is the brand new documentary ‘Don’t Be Denied’ in which it is reported there are two extensive interviews with Neil, prompting him to look back over his illustrious career. Along with these hopefully insightful interviews, is a collection of previously unseen performance footage.

At 11:00pm Crosby, Stills and Nash accompany Neil in the documentary ‘Déjà vu’. This follows the 60’s supergroup on their ‘Freedom of Speech Tour’ around the US delivering Young’s anti-war message to a array of crowds, both welcoming and hostile. At one point they even play their anti-Bush repertoire to a Republican audience in the South. I think on this evidence we can safely assume that sixty-two year old Young is not ready to pack it all in just yet!

If you’re still yearning for more after this Neil Young feast, then there’s another fine documentary at 00:30am entitled ‘Hotel California: LA from the Byrds to the Eagles’ that focuses on the rise of folk rock in the 60’s and 70’s and includes appearances from the likes of Joni Mitchell. Enjoy!

Music Is Life

Thrasher