Neil Young and Crazy Horse reunited for their first show in four years in Fresno, CA on May 1, and video from the event is streaming online.
The first of three straight nights at the city’s Warnors Theatre saw the band deliver a 15-song set of classic tracks with a lineup that included bassist Billy Talbot, drummer Ralph Molina, and multi-instrumentalist Nils Lofgren in place of longtime guitarist Frank Sampedro.
Streamed live via Young’s website, the rocker announced the shows last week, writing: “First time in a long time, live on stage. No rehearsal.”
Rolling Stone reports Young and company opened the evening with "Big Time" from 1996’s “Broken Arrow”, “Country Home” from 1990's “Ragged Glory” and "Don't Cry No Tears" from 1976’s “Zuma” before locking into the classic Crazy Horse groove with the vintage track “Winterlong."
Andy Greene notes that Young strapped on an acoustic guitar for a mini set that included "Too Far Gone" and "Only Love Can Break Your Heart" before sending the place into hysterics with an explosive "Cinnamon Girl" and a slow, haunting "Cortez the Killer."
The evening wrapped up with "Walk On," "Like a Hurricane" (with Lofgren taking Sampedro's standard place behind the string synth), "Mansion On The Hill" and a return to the Santa Monica Flyers days with "Roll Another Number (For The Road)."
Following the Fresno dates, Young and Crazy Horse will play two nights at the Fox Theater in Bakersfield, CA this weekend.
Lofgren was a key figure in Young’s early 70s groups and can be heard on the newly-released package, “Roxy - Tonight's The Night Live”, a recording from a series of September 1973 shows at the famous Los Angeles club.
The project captures Young performing during the venue’s opening week with the Santa Monica Flyers, the name he gave to the band featured on his sixth album, comprised of Lofgren on piano, Ben Keith on pedal steel guitar, and Crazy Horse members Billy Talbot on bass and Ralph Molina on drums.
The 2018 release presents the live debuts of several of the songs that would feature on the rocker’s 1975 album, “Tonight's The Night.”
See also:
Neil Young announces first Crazy Horse shows in four years
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Search Neil Young at hennemusic
