A Wish for "Harvest Moon" is Granted

There are times when we really are left just simply speechless and find it impossible to find the right words to type.

Today is such a time.

Many may recall last January when Steve and his girlfriend Danielle made a request for "Harvest Moon" in Brisbane, Australia. And by some extremely wonderfully little miracle, Neil Young performed "Harvest Moon" that night and it brought a tear of joy for many around the world.

Is it ever possible that such a song can bring such sweet, sweet sorrow and overwhelming joy simultaneously?

Well, last night at the Neil Young concert in Köln, Germany we had another instance where the collective global community of Neil fans came together again to send some good karma out to one of our dear friends Liza.

You may recall that Liza was the winner of the "Johnny Magic" Video Contest only to have her husband Michael -- who shot the video -- tragically pass away shortly thereafter. The broken hearted Liza informed the Neil community that she would not be able to attend the upcoming Köln concert because of her mourning.

Earlier this week, we posted a similar heartbreaking story from Gavin in Ireland also requesting "Harvest Moon" in memory of his father.

When Liza read Gavin's story, she resolved to attend the Köln concert afterall. Liza commented:

Dear Gavin,

My deepest condolences go to you and your family and thank you for the beautiful photo.

I hope that your wish comes true in Dublin... The funeral service you arranged for your father sounds just so special....

Today it is three weeks ago since my husband Michael suddenly passed away on that Tuesday morning in his office. Two weeks ago we had his funeral and it was also very special, my church choir sang, our youngest son, 14, played a beautiful Adagio on his clarinet.

At the end of the church service a very dear friend of us, Albert from the NY Coverband "Crazy Young" played "Light a candle" for Michael and for me.

It is such a beautiful song and to hear these words, when you feel like in a tunnel of darkness and sadness, is very moving. I was deeply touched and so thankful.

In the other thread I wrote that I would be happy about Neil playing "Harvest Moon" in Cologne this Friday, but that I wouldn't go there, that friends could tell me about it.

"Harvest Moon" because it reminds me of the first time Michael and I heard the song together on TV. We suddenly zapped in the MTV Unplugged Show and Neil started playing "Harvest Moon". Michael and I both looked at each other and we started dancing in the livingroom together, with me singing the words along with Neil: "I'm still in love with you...."

Now when I look at Michaels picture, he seems to be saying to me: "go, go to Cologne, go to the concert with Neil, there is the ticket laying on your desk and it will do you good..."

Another dear friend from the German Human Highway Mailinglist offered me to pick me up, so I won't have to drive myself..

And to think about Neil playing either Harvest Moon or maybe Light a candle for Michael would be surely unforgettable...

Love, Liza

So last night, about 2/3's into the concert, Neil says "we heard about you on the internet, so this is for you.... hope we don't mess it up". And then Neil played "Harvest Moon" for Liza.

Watch it.


This morning, Liza responds:

Yes, Neil played "Harvest Moon" for me and words aren't enough to describe my feelings yesterday evening......

Neil, since all the words I can think about don't seem enough, all I say to you is:

THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART FOR PLAYING THIS SONG FOR ME AND MICHAEL

Also thank you to Pegi and the rest of the band, of course.....

I was standing in the second row right in front of Pegi and I raised my arm, to show that I was there and listening......

When "Comes a time" started I called my boys at home, because it was one of Michaels favorite songs, and they were listening at the cell phone. When the song was over, I was thinking, maybe this could be the place for Harvest Moon and then I saw that Larry brought a different gitarre, but Neil said something to him and went to the micro and said:

"There's a young lady out there tonight and we read about what happened on the internet....he paused a little....and said:

THIS SONG IS FOR YOU

He didn't say: don't mess it up, at least I didn't hear him say that.

Tears were rolling down my face and sadness and so much happiness and thankfulness at the same time were in my heart.....

And I felt Michael was with me at that moment and I was so glad, that I was there.

I also want to thank my friends for their support, especially Albert from K-town and Albert from Hülchrath Castle and all my friends from the German HH Mailinglist.....

Love, Liza

So Liza, our dearest friend who we've never met. Thrashette and I say bless you and your family. We're all here for you whenever you need us. We love you.

And Gavin, may tonight be your night for you and your family as well in Dublin in memory of Papa Joe.



But there's a full moon risin'
Let's go dancin' in the light
We know where the music's playin'
Let's go out and feel the night.

Here are the 3 Harvest Moon stories:
- Steve and Danielle in Brisbane, Australia
- Liza in Germany
- Gavin in Dublin, Ireland