The godfather of grunge, Neil Young, who has been party to many a protest song, album and movement over the years, is to lend his talents to a tour of the US Gulf States to raise money and food for those affected by the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Texas. The oil spill has affected the livelihoods of many of the USA’s poorest citizens and led to many going hungry. In an odd pairing, Young has teamed up with food company Tyson Foods, who are donating around 50,000 kilos of chicken products to a food relief organisation, as well as asking concertgoers to bring non-perishable food items to be placed in charity bins at the gigs.
“Millions of people who live along the Gulf Coast struggle with hunger and the economic impact of the oil spill has only made matters worse,” Young said in a statement. “I appreciate the willingness of John Tyson and his company to get involved by helping the regional food bank help feed those in need. We both encourage concertgoers to spend money locally and support local business.” The gigs will see Young preview songs off his forthcoming Twisted Road album, recorded with producer Daniel Lanois.
