Crosby and Nash Europe Concert Tour 2005 Photos

Crosby & Nash in Amsterdam's Paradiso on February 3, 2005,
Photo by Buzz Person

Super concert tour photos of Graham Nash and David Crosby from their Europe tour by Buzz Person.

More on the Europe tour at Crosby and Nash 2005.

Randomly Blogged - Ida, Blue Merle, Grammy's

Hunter S. Thompson, Gonzo Journalist:
1937 - 2005

Where the Buffalo Roam soundtrack with Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Creedence Clearwater Revival, and Neil Young

Ida: Like Neil Young and a lover popped Valium

Blue Merle's "Burning in the Sun" and touring with Neil

Grammy Awards ... Why Bother?

Wilco News - Webcast on Thursday, 2/24

Devoted Rustie Powderfinger Seriously Ill

UPDATE 4/2/05: Go here for update on Neil Young's health.
***
Long time Neil fan and dedicated Rustie Powderfinger suffered a stroke recently and is seriously ill. Ray "Northern Man" reports on Rust that Mark "Powderfinger" Klus is being transferred to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in Manhattan. Ray asks that we keep Mark & Tish in our prayers.

Also, Bill on Rust is gathering Get Well Cards for our friend. Bill asks that we take a quick minute today and send Mark a get well card. He would really enjoy getting a bunch of get-well good vibes from his "extended" family.

Send your card to:

Mark Klus
P.O. Box 89
New Hyde Park
New York 11040

Here's praying for a speedy recovery, my friend.

UPDATE 2/21 - Ray "Northern Man" reports on Rust:
I spoke to Mark's wife Tish last night and she said he
is doing better and has been moved out of intensive
care to a regular room.
she said his spirits are good and when I asked if I
could bring anything when I go to visit him tomorrow
she said to bring some Neil cds :)
good news.

UPDATE 3/8 - More good news on Mark aka "Powderfinger". He is back home, swiftly recuperating, and in good spirits. Powderfinger sent a note out filled with his usual humor and love of Neil's music and his friends and family. Wonderful news!

Mark writes:

"Once I realized that I did have a stroke, I didn't want to lose my freedom, which urge was quickly squelched as I basically fell out of bed and wasn't going anywhere far. The cerebellum controls much of one's sense of balance, so you can imagine mine was pretty shaky for the first several days. I didn't want to lose my identity either, so I insisted on singing Neil Young songs, however slurred my speech was then, when the occasion arose.

One of my nurses was Carmelita (from Haiti), so all of a sudden "Saddle Up the Palamino" comes from out of nowhere in my foggy memory.

Maybe it was better I didn't know the words to this song at the time:

Oh, oh Carmelina
The daughter of the wealthy banker
Since she's come to town all my friends are gone
& I'm stuck out here with Melody.

I would say Powderfinger is well on his way to a full recovery! Saddle Up the Palamino, Mark!

TFA Petition Update - Comments Highlights

Signatures continue to roll in and now we're over 800.

I'm just now getting around to reading some of the comments on the TFA petition, and really getting a tickle out of them. Some great posts, folks!

Here are just a couple of comment highlights I've pulled from the first few hundred signatures. If you see some gems that need highlighting, let me know. Drop a comment below.

To read comment highlights, go to the Release "Time Fades Away" Petition and scroll to post below announcement.

Salute to Brian Wilson

Photo by Frank Micelotta, Getty Images

Neil Young saluted Brian Wilson at the MusiCares' 2005 Person of the Year tribute to the Beach Boy legend.

Last Friday night, Feb. 11, 2005, in Los Angeles, Neil performed the Beach Boys song 'In My Room' and dedicated the song not only to Wilson, but to his late brothers, Dennis and Carl.

Very touching. More super photos by Frank Micelotta, Getty Images of the ceremonies.

More Grammy coverage of the tribute to Southern Rock and "Sweet Home Alabama".

UPDATE: "Time Fades Away" Petition

Signature have started to flow in for the "Time Fades Away" Petition. Lots of folks to thank.

First, I would like to especially thank Rustie Expecting to Fly and the entire Neil Young Internet community.

Also, need to give a big hand for the inspiration on this project, to the Neil Young Appreciation Society's fanclub and Broken Arrow Magazine. The November 2004 issue, edited by Scott "Surfer Joe" Sandie, really caused me to give off the couch and turn off that MTV.

Scroll down below petition announcement post for tons of links, thanks and credit on the "Time Fades Away" Petition.

Well, I hope Neil Young will remember

Lynyrd Skynyrd performed "Sweet Home Alabama" at the 47th Annual Grammy Awards with Dickey Betts, Tim McGraw, and Gretchen Wilson as part of a tribute to Southern Rock.

Gretchen Wilson sang the line "Well, I hope Neil Young will remember, a southern man don't need him around anyhow."



More concert photos by Frank Micelotta, Getty Images.

And so what does the performance of "Sweet Home Alabama" at the Grammy's signify? Well lots according to some folks. The song always seems to trigger all sorts of outrage, like this posting by monkeymind on dailykos:

"Enthroning this song on national TV has offensive political undertones and overtones--celebrate a provincial culture characterized by bigotry at the expense of left wing counter culture. As a final insult, February happens to be Black History Month. Honoring this song was wrong for all kinds of reasons."

I've always found this sort reaction to the song to be quite interesting. Apparently, lots of others find Lynyrd Skynyrd's song "Sweet Home Alabama" provocative.

Comment below.

Juno Awards Sellout and Sellout Bachman

April 4, 2005 - Go here for latest 2005 Juno Updates.

The good news is that the tickets for Juno Awards in Winnipeg sold out in 16 minutes. Melanie Berry, president of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts, said in a release:

"We anticipated a sellout, but this exceeded our expectations. We are very excited by the outstanding support shown by Winnipeggers."

The bad news is the snub of hometown heros Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings as reported here earlier.

In the Winnipeg Sun article by TOM BRODBECK:

"Well, I'm glad I wasn't the only one. Seems Canadian rock fans from right across the country -- including Manitoba Premier Gary Doer and Tory Opposition Leader Stuart Murray -- are equally incensed that Winnipeg rock icon Randy Bachman hasn't been invited to perform at the Juno Awards in Winnipeg on April 3.

My e-mail box has been bulging at the seams after I complained in yesterday's column how Bachman was being snubbed by Juno organizers after helping them score Neil Young for the event.

Rock fans from Newfoundland to the West Coast are up in arms about this BS. (The Bachman Snub), which underscores how important a rock pioneer he is.

"I'm pretty disgusted with the Junos' Bachman snub," wrote Gerard Murphy. "What a bunch of dicks!"

The Winnipeg Sun article continues on the Canadian music outrage with a comment by 92 CITI FM music director Frank Andrews:

"I felt compelled to respond to your editorial regarding the Juno committee's blatant disregard for two of this country's most distinguished and decorated musical patriots; Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings. ... the thought that either individual would be absent on stage as performers at Canada's single most important musical celebration, particularly when that event is showcased in their hometown, is completely inexcusable!," wrote Andrews. "A Juno Awards in Winnipeg without Randy and Burton would have all the shine of a Junos in Kingston without the Tragically Hip! It simply isn't right!"

Even Canadian politicians are joining in the fray. From Winnipeg Sun article by FRANK LANDRY:

"Premier Gary Doer has seen Winnipeg's rock legends play community clubs and church basements -- now he wants to see them jamming on the Junos. Doer said yesterday he used to watch Randy Bachman, Burton Cummings and Neil Young back in the 1960s. The NDP leader said he doesn't understand why only Young was asked to play the Junos.

"I can't imagine anybody putting together a show, and if Randy Bachman wanted to play, not having him play," Doer said. "I just don't get it."

Doer said the issue was brought to his attention yesterday.

"Obviously there was a gap between what we assumed was going to happen and the prominence that people would play and what appears to be happening now."

Tory Leader Stuart Murray -- former road manager for rock group Blood, Sweat and Tears -- said Juno organizers are out of touch with what fans want to see.

"There will be a black cloud over the Junos if a rock legend like Randy Bachman isn't featured," Murray said.

Mayor Sam Katz says he can't understand why Bachman -- one of Winnipeg's biggest stars -- would not have been invited to perform.

"I would say I'm surprised and disappointed, end of story. If everything being said is accurate and he helped in every way he can to get Neil Young and went out of his way and flew over there and talked him into it, I don't understand it."

Looks like the Junos committees have really taken care of business.

UPDATE - 3/30/05:More on Juno Awards and Neil Young's Winnipeg Music scene.

UPDATE - 3/8/05: Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings of The Guess Who will be part of a tribute to Winnipeg's rock heritage during the upcoming Juno Awards. Afterall.

They will salute Winnipeg's musical legacy and will be joined on stage by fellow Winnipeggers Fresh I.E., Chantal Kreviazuk, Nathan, The Wailin' Jennys and The Waking Eyes.

Now that's good news that right's a wrong. Thrasher is totally down with that.

Release "Time Fades Away" Petition

It's been called the "missing link" of the "Ditch Trilogy".

Neil Young's 1973 Time Fades Away is one of the most remarkable live albums ever recorded. Certainly at the time of release, it was almost unprecedented for an artist to release a live concert recording of previously unreleased material. Long out of print on vinyl, still unavailable on CD in the early 21st century and widely bootlegged, the album is considered to be the "Holy Grail" of all Neil Young albums.

In an effort to gain wider distribution of this essential Neil Young recording, fans have started a petition requesting that the album be officially released. Those interested in obtaining a legal copy of Time Fades Away are urged to sign the petition today.

Go here for more details and to sign the Release "Time Fades Away" Petition.

Randy Bachman Snubbed for Juno Awards

UPDATED April 4, 2005 - Go here for latest developments on 2005 Juno Awards Ceremony and Neil Young's health.

Talk about being down on a frown when a messenger brought me a letter....

In what is being called the "ultimate snub", Canadian music lovers are outraged by the news that Randy Bachman has not been invited to perform at this year's Juno Awards.

In an article in the Winnipeg Sun by TOM BRODBECK:

"Talk about a slap in the face. Winnipeg rock legend Randy Bachman spends the past couple of years lobbying to help get the Juno Awards to come to Winnipeg for the first time.

He's asked by Juno organizers to contact another Winnipeg rock legend, Neil Young, and convince him to perform at the televised event, scheduled for April 3 at the MTS Centre.

Bachman travels to the U.S. and finds Young and gets him to agree.

And what does Bachman get from Hogtown Juno organizers for his enthusiasm and effort? A pig sticker in the eye.

Turns out there are no plans for Bachman to perform at the Junos.

He wants to. But they won't invite him."

The Winnipeg Sun goes on to speculate that Neil Young might boycott the Junos if Bachman is not invited to perform.

So the newspaper has started a petition drive (hmmm, that gives me an idea)...

DEAR JUNO ORGANIZERS:

I'm insulted by your snub of Winnipeg music legends Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings and demand they be invited to perform at this year's awards ceremony.

Signed,

___________________________________

Drop off or mail to: Junos Protest, c/o The Winnipeg Sun, 1700 Church Ave., Winnipeg, MB, R2X 3A2. You can e-mail submissions to features@wpgsun.com. Deadline is 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 17, 2005.

You know, this is the kind of thing that can cause Neil to back out of award show really easily. He's done it before and might just do it again. Buffalo Springfield Again....

So fire off an email to the Winnipeg Sun address above. You can make a difference if you really try.

Thanks Bad News Beat for news item.

More on Neil Young performing at JUNO Awards and Randy Bachman and Neil Young.

Update: Old Black Repro

Last month, you may recall that we ran a story on a guitar reproduction of Neil's Old Black.

Thrasher just got an update from Jeff Levenson of FabGear on the progress. The photos above show a repro of Neil's cool guitar strap which Neil debuted during the Rust Never Sleeps tour.

More on the Ragged Glory sound of Neil Young's guitar Old Black and photos.

BioNeil: "Influencer of the Year"

The National Biodiesel Board has named Neil Young as the "Influencer of the Year". Said Young in a videotaped statement:

“I’d like to thank the Biodiesel Board for this great honor. It’s a way of life. It’s a better way of moving around the planet.”

And yes, that's Daryl Hannah performing the honors of bestowing the award.

Thanks Bad News Beat!

More on Neil, Willie Nelson and bio-fuels.

Neil Young to Perform at JUNO Awards

The Juno Awards has confirmed in a press release that Neil Young will perform at the ceremony.

"The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) together with CTV announced today the first of a long list of stellar acts confirmed to perform at the 2005 JUNO Awards: The Tragically Hip and Winnipeg’s own rock and roll legend Neil Young. CTV will broadcast the Awards, live from Winnipeg’s MTS Centre, on Sunday, April 3 at 8 p.m. ET.

Entertaining audiences for more than four decades, Neil Young is an international rock and roll icon. His involvement with some of music’s most influential bands, including Buffalo Springfield, Crazy Horse and Crosby, Stills Nash and Young, has paved the way for other rock legends such as Nirvana and Pearl Jam.

The three-time Juno Award winner and member of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; in 1995 as a solo artist and again in 1997 as a member of Buffalo Springfield. Tagged the “godfather of grunge”, Young has made use of more than his musical talents as a director of three movies, the owner of Vapor Records and as one of the founders of Farm Aid, to which he remains on their board of directors. His outstanding contribution to music and the arts represents the quality of Canadian talent."

When Winnipeg was chosen as the site of the 2005 Juno Awards, the city's mayor, Glen Murray, said it was his "dream" to have Young attend the show.

Young last attended the JUNOs when he was inducted into the Music Hall of Fame in 1982. More on 2005 Junos Awards.

In other Canadian news, author John Einarson has a book called "Made in Manitoba" that will released on March 22nd.

More on Neil Young's hometown Winnipeg, Canada.

Thanks Bill for the tip!

Randomly Blogged - Bright Eyes, Nick Cave, Lucinda Williams

Bright Eyes' Conor Oberst

Nick Cave covers Neil Young's "Scattered"

Lucinda Williams' Live At The Fillmore West

Photo Of The Moment: Paul McCartney & Neil Young at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Here's Time Magazine's rather crass rundown on the passing of Carrie Snodgress:

"Carrie Snodgress, 57, was Oscar-nominated for "Diary of a Mad Housewife." She lived with Neil Young for eight years, which must have been fun, and was bludgeoned with a handgun by another beau, arranger-songwriter Jack Nitzsche. He got three years' probation, at the end of which he co-wrote the Oscar-winning ballad "Up Where We Belong." Up by the river, apparently."

American Stars-n-Bars Shines in Spain

Here's something for Spanish Neil Young fans.

Over in Madrid, Spain, a fansite called PepSounds, run by a fellow who goes by Pepe, really digs Neil's American Stars-n-Bars.

While Thrasher doesn't speak Spanish too well, here's the rough English translation (performed by Google) which I find quite amusing:

"I believe that American Stars-n-Bars is his definitive disc, where we can see Neil Young in pure state. Without condimentos. A disc where, still touching all woods, it maintains a homogeneity perfect. And he is more amazing seeing than the songs belong to different sessions between 1974 and 1977. From country purer rock, wrapped by wonderful the second voices of Pretty Ronstadt , to the guitarrera ferocity with Crazy Horse . Perhaps it does not have the emblematic subjects of other discs, but the songs have an unbeatable mean level."

I'm sure that doesn't do justice to what Pepe was trying to convey, but it still conveys some of the passion.

And here's an American fan's (who writes in English) perspective of the album American Stars and Bars.

Randomly Blogged: Wilco Happens, Jay Farrar Interview, Cowboy Junkies cover "Tired Eyes"

Wilco's Ghost is Born to be Re-released

Jay Farrar Interview on Son Volt Reunion

Cowboy Junkies cover Neil Young's "Tired Eyes"

Postal Service, Blitzen Trapper, Pearl Jam

Neil's song "Ordinary People" should never, NEVER, EVER be confused with William Shatner's "Common People".

Unbelievably, some folks are confusing the two songs? Some folks are ordinary. Some are just plain common. If you haven't heard the former, you haven't heard Neil. If you have heard that latter you have been stunned forever by Captain Kirk.