In support of the band’s new album, ‘FU##IN’ UP’, which features performances of songs from the 1990 album Ragged Glory and live recordings from Toronto’s Rivoli, seemingly during an alleged secret show last November – Neil Young & Crazy Horse, brought their signature brand of raw, primal energy to the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts on May 17th. The crowd, a mix of grey-haired veterans and younger fans discovering the legend, was electric with anticipation – especially after Young’s absence from playing live in front of an audience in recent years.
Young, looking casual as ever in a loose-fitting shirt patched, vintage jeans, and a train conductor’s hat, greeted the audience alongside Crazy Horse and the stage’s set filled with mock versions of giant amplifiers and touring cases. The Horse wasted no time, launching into the epic “Cortez the Killer.” The song served as a perfect opening salvo, showcasing the band’s telepathic interplay and Young’s ever-potent guitar work. Throughout the set, Micah Nelson, son of country legend Willie Nelson, proved a worthy addition to the Crazy Horse lineup. His youthful energy meshed seamlessly with the seasoned rhythm section of Billy Talbot and Ralph Molina, creating a sound that was both powerful and nuanced.
Classics like “Cinnamon Girl” and “Powderfinger” were delivered with a renewed intensity. Young’s voice, while perhaps a touch weathered, retained its trademark snarl, perfectly capturing the emotional core of these timeless songs. But the evening wasn’t just about nostalgia. True to form, Young peppered the setlist with deep cuts like “Barstool Blues,” treating the audience to unearth gems that delighted hardcore fans.
“Human Highway,” “Comes a Time,” and arguably one of Young’s greatest songs, “Heart of Gold,” created a much-anticipated bridge in the set, a beautiful trio of songs that found Young alone on stage with his acoustic guitar and harmonica. With thousands of fans singing in unison with the legend, it was truly the show’s pinnacle moment. Sadly, only three songs in this nature left the audience wanting more – of course. The Horse then returned to the stage, ready to rock.
The ferocious take on “Hey, Hey, My, My” Young proved that Young hasn’t lost any of his attitude and fortitude. Ever the iconoclast, he delivered the song with his signature sneer and a gloriously abrasive guitar tone. The crowd roared their approval, leaving no doubt that Young and Crazy Horse remain a potent force to be reckoned with.
After a brief break, the band returned for their encore and performed scorching renditions of “River” and “Like a Hurricane.” The songs stretched and contorted under Young’s masterful guidance, transforming from a gentle ballad into a full-blown psychedelic odyssey. The interplay between Young and Nelson’s guitars was nothing short of mesmerizing, creating a wall of sound that washed over the crowd. As the final notes faded, one thing was clear: Neil Young & Crazy Horse delivered a night to remember at the Xfinity Center. Adding to Young’s legacy, the band’s performance was a testament to the enduring power of rock and roll. Thus proving that age is just a number when you have the passion and the music to back it up.
