The years of puffing doobies and bedding cinnamon girls has not served Neil Young well. Beneath his cowboy hat hides a froth of fading grey locks and pixilated skin. He looks gruff, beaten, like an old man waiting for the late train.
This is the same performer who, more than 40 years and a thousand gigs ago, declared his intention to burn out instead of rust. Well, Neil is not only rusting, he’s fading. The only time he looks compos is when the whine of his harmonica washes over the crowd. Or when his fragile falsetto soars and pings those higher notes, just as it did on his early records and with Buffalo Springfield.
When such a moment occurs, it’s easy to be warped into an era where music was peace, Hendrix, and unrestrained copulation. When that second occurs, the ‘rust’ is worth the while.
Those in favour of the so-called ‘oldies’ circuit seem to be in the minority. Many see it as a cash grab or one last shot at soaking up the narcissism of fame. Others simply don’t like to see their favourite artists past their expiry date.
And maybe they’re right. Still, there’s a reason why the music these artists produced continues to accumulate a new and younger fanbase.
“These reunion tours say a lot about the state of the industry and even more about the nostalgic mentality of the concert-going public.”There is a generation of music lovers who will never get to experience the haze of Woodstock or the folksy vibes of Greenwich Village. Seeing artists such as Young, Bob Dylan and John Fogerty today – as battle-weary as they are – is the closest taste they’ll get.
It’s not to say that there isn’t talent in today’s industry. Far from it. One needs to look no further than Australia’s live circuit (yonder over to Melbourne’s Northcote Social Club or Sydney’s Oxford Art Factory as a starting point).
The issue lies in the lack of nurturing oblique talent. Predictability is profitability. Record companies who monopolise the industry place their stock in promoting songs and artists that are similar to those who have gone before. Could you imagine mainstream radio cranking out tracks such as ‘Light My Fire’ or ‘Riders On The Storm’ had The Doors formed today?
As unfortunate as it is, there is a Jim Morrison out in the suburbs whose musings will never be heard beyond his basement garage. It is why so many turn to yesteryear to indulge their listening needs.
So while there is a market for these types of reunion tours, they’re not all successful and even royalty such as Bob Dylan gets criticised for the lack of ‘Blowin’ In The Wind’ – era material in his shows. But such performances go with the territory of producing live music. Gigs are inherently subjective beasts; not everyone will go home happy.
Besides, there have been a number of positive reviews of similar shows.
We need look no further than Bruce Springsteen’s visit and his upcoming (and very sold out) return. In truth, The Boss is an anomaly, an artist who – while gathering steam toward his mid ’60s – is still flirting somewhere around his peak. Take a spin of ‘Wrecking Ball’ and ‘We Take Care Of Our Own’ from his last album and see if you can be swayed otherwise.
“Some prove that ageing artists can celebrate – rather than attempt to regenerate – their careers.”He still needs to get the job done live, however, and his appearance at Hanging Rock leaves tingles still. His presence monstered the marauding volcanic structure that swallows much of the surrounding skyline. It was – as has often been described by attendees of his previous gatherings – an occasion of spiritual sentiment.
Carole King and James Taylor did likewise during their Troubadour tour in 2010. At the time they were aged 68 and 61 respectively. While their ages have increased, their musicianship has not diminished. There was a sense of warmth and occasion. They proved that aging artists can celebrate – rather than attempt to regenerate – their careers with fans in a manner that is classy, respectable and, most of all, enjoyable.
The remainder of 2013 will see a number of AOR and rock standards hit our shores. Despite asking a pound of flesh per ticket, Fleetwood Mac will pack out our stadiums. Ditto Bon Jovi. Cyndi Lauper and Don McLean will get their share of attention, too.
It says a lot about the state of the industry. It says even more about the nostalgic mentality of the concert-going public.
So, what about ol’ Neil? With new albums constantly being pumped out and the steady re-release of his back catalogue, there’s little doubt he’ll be hitching his wagon here again soon (it was not long ago when he toured last).
For him it’s another gig, another opportunity for him to be audibly appreciated for the fruits of a sprawling career. For critics it’s a chance to hurl scorn upon an artist who peaked around the same time as Watergate
For the rest of us – young or old, hardcore or mainstream, nostalgic or modern – his visits provide a privileged glimpse into an era long past that’s never to be repeated or emulated.
Rust on, Neil. Rust on.
