Neil Young has revealed that he once turned down millions of dollars to perform a full-album tour of his classic record, Harvest.
If you’re a fan of Neil Young, you’re already aware that he’s one of the most respected musicians of the last 50 years, with his music and live shows considered some of the best by critics the world over.
Back in 1972 though, Young proved his status as a world-class performer, releasing his fourth studio album, Harvest. Featuring classic singles like ‘Heart Of Gold’, ‘Old Man’, and ‘The Needle And The Damage Done’, the album was a major success, and has since been called one of the greatest albums of all-time.
However, for fans who had hoped to see the full record played live in concert, there’s some bad news, with Neil Young revealing that he once turned down millions of dollars to take the record on tour.
Speaking to AARP recently, Young opened up about his new record with Crazy Horse, Colorado, and explained that the chances of him touring in support of the record are slim, choosing instead to celebrate his whole discography rather than just one album.
Check out ‘Old Man’ by Neil Young:
“I was just offered millions of dollars for a tour to do Harvest,” he explained. “Everyone who played on Harvest is dead. I don’t want to do that. How about planting instead of harvesting?”
Although Young is slightly exaggerating when he says that everyone that played on Harvest is now dead, he is correct in noting that the members of his Stray Gators backing band have passed on.
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As Rolling Stone points out, pianist Jack Nitzsche passed away in 2000, drummer Kenny Buttrey in 2004, pedal-steel guitarist Ben Keith in 2010, and bassist Tim Drummond died in 2015.
“I miss my old friends, all of whom are gone, except for the wonderful music they made while they were here together on Earth,” Young shared on his website last year. “I was so lucky to know them and make our music together.”
However, in terms of actual touring plans, Neil Young is indeed open to hitting the road, but with an ever-changing lineup of collaborators.
“If I decide to go on the road, I’d like to do a democracy tour next year with different people that keep changing,” he explained. “Not right or left. Democracy is not you on this side and me on that side just to see who wins.”
At this stage, it’s been close to 11 years since Neil Young last visited Australian shores, and it remains to be seen when he may again make a return. Whatever the case, you can be sure he won’t be playing Harvest when he does make a comeback.
Check out Neil Young’s ‘Heart Of Gold’:
