Neil Young Plays Rare “My Boy” at Exclusive Benefit Show
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By Amelia Earhart | LAKEFIELD – 2025/05/26 15:18:14
Neil Young treated fans to his first full performance of the year at a special benefit concert held at Lakefield College School in Ontario. The exclusive event, set against a backdrop of a chilly, wet evening, saw ticket prices reaching $1,500, with proceeds dedicated to renovating a historic cottage near the school.
In contrast to his upcoming Love Earth Tour with the Chromes Hearts, this performance was an intimate, acoustic affair. The 18-song setlist featured classic tracks such as “Comes a Time,” “Sugar Mountain,” “Heart of Gold,” “Helpless,” “I Am a Child,” adn “after the Gold Rush.” The set also included rarities like “Love/art Blues,” not played live as 2008, and the CSNY deep cut “Name of Love,” revived for the first time since 2014.
The highlight of the evening occurred when Neil Young played “My Boy” on banjo, a deep cut from the Old Ways album, marking its first performance as the 1983 Solo Trans tour. The song is a heartfelt tribute to his son, Zeke Young, with lyrics like, “Why are you growin’ up so fast/My boy? Oh, you’d better take your time/Why are you growin’ up so fast/My son?”
Before the show, Young shared a throwback photo of himself with a young Zeke and his father, sportswriter Scott Young. He reflected on playing “My Boy” and thinking of his own father, noting, “My dad was a great guy and Zeke is a wonderful son. I think ‘My Boy’ is my favorite recording of all the ones I have done.”
“My dad was a great guy and Zeke is a wonderful son. I think ‘My Boy’ is my favorite recording of all the ones I have done.”
The concert concluded with “Old Man,” although the printed set list indicated plans for solo electric versions of “Throw Your Hatred Down” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.” The reasons for omitting these songs remain unclear, though the inclement weather likely played a part. Young has largely avoided indoor performances due to Covid-19 concerns, with only one indoor date scheduled for his Love Earth Tour on July 13 at the Adidas Arena in Paris.
The Love Earth Tour is set to commence on June 18 in Rättvik, sweden, followed by the American leg starting on August 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. while Young has not confirmed the tour’s setlist, fans can anticipate selections from his forthcoming album, Talkin’ to the Trees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a benefit concert?
A benefit concert is a live music event organized to raise money or awareness for a specific cause or charity. These events often feature well-known artists who donate their time and talent to support the cause.
How can I attend a benefit concert?
Tickets for benefit concerts are typically sold through various ticketing platforms. Keep an eye on announcements from the organizers and artists involved to know when and where to purchase tickets.
How can I donate to the cause if I cannot attend?
Most benefit concerts have associated charities or organizations.You can often donate directly to these organizations through their websites or other donation platforms.
