Neil Young Delivers Iconic Performance at Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park

Legendary musician Neil Young graced Burnaby’s Deer Lake Park on September 30, 2023, kicking off the first of two performances as part of his Love Earth tour. Known for his unpretentious style, Young and his band, Chrome Hearts, opened the concert with a reflective acoustic rendition of “Ambulance Blues,” drawing on his fifth album, On the Beach, released in 1974.

The crowd, a mix of devoted fans and curious onlookers, quickly shifted their focus to the stage as Young transitioned to his electric guitar. The classic “Cowgirl in the Sand” followed, showcasing the distinctive guitar interplay between Young and guitarist Micah Nelson. Despite the legendary musician’s age—he is now 79—his performance captured the essence of the psychedelic rock era.

While some songs, like “Be the Rain,” were less impactful, Young’s signature protest anthems, including “Southern Man” and “Ohio,” resonated powerfully with the audience. These tracks exemplified Young’s ability to convey urgent messages through music. The evening also featured the emotionally charged “Long Walk Home,” although Young’s voice struggled to match the song’s intensity.

The highlight of the night came with a stellar performance of “Powderfinger,” which showcased Young’s raw energy and storytelling prowess. He followed this with “Big Crime,” a new song that elicited enthusiastic cheers, particularly for its bold lyrics about “cleaning out the White House.” Many attendees, having travelled from the United States, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere, with only a few political statements visible among the audience, including a lone MAGA hat.

Young’s versatility shone through as he melded his rock roots with folk and country influences. Tender acoustic versions of “Only Love Can Break Your Heart” and “Harvest Moon” had couples swaying, enhancing the romantic ambiance of the evening. Young’s minimal interaction with the audience allowed the music to take center stage, though he did share a humorous anecdote about a local resident named Randy, who tracked down a guitar Young played in his early band, the Squires.

The concert continued with the energetic “Mr. Soul,” a Buffalo Springfield classic, which featured a playful twist on the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” riff. As the set progressed, Young revisited the acoustic guitar for a poignant rendition of “Old Man,” which offered a deeper reflection now that the artist has gained life experience.

To conclude the night, Young performed “Roll Another Number (For the Road)” from his iconic album Tonight’s the Night, a fitting farewell that resonated with the crowd. With his rich catalog of music and an enduring passion for performance, Neil Young proved once again why he remains a titan of rock music.

Fans looking to catch Young’s next show at Deer Lake Park will find tickets available through Ticketmaster. The second performance is set for October 2, 2023, promising another memorable evening filled with classic hits and heartfelt storytelling.