Neil Young Kicks Off Year with Powerful Performance at ‘Fighting Oligarchy’ Rally

In a groundbreaking event, Neil Young returned to the stage in 2023 during the “Fighting Oligarchy” rally, held at Gloria Morina Grand Park in Los Angeles. This marks his first performance of the year, where he entertained an enthusiastic crowd of 36,000 attendees alongside notable figures such as Joan Baez, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Bernie Sanders.

Memorable Performances

During his set, Young, who famously plays a Gibson Les Paul guitar nicknamed Old Black, captivated the audience by teasing the iconic opening chords of “Rockin’ in the Free World.” He rallied the crowd with the chant, “Take America Back,” transitioning seamlessly into “Rainbow of Color,” a lesser-known track from his 2019 album, Colorado. Despite its obscurity, the song’s lyrics resonated powerfully with the rally’s themes:

“In old America there is a rainbow of colour, no one is going to whitewash / leave those colors / But this is you / our people are strong / And we know that our brothers and our sisters are sisters of the song.”

Fans can catch a segment of this electrifying performance at the 4:11:20 mark of the official concert video.

Collaborative Spirit

Young also engaged in a unique rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” featuring a harmonica solo in place of the standard guitar solo. His performance was further enhanced by guest appearances from Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers, who joined him in singing the chorus while energizing the crowd with chants such as “power to the people” and “reclaiming America.”

Messages for Change

As the evening continued, Young reflected on the pressing issues of greed, concluding his set with a poignant message. He thanked the crowd, encouraging their persistence in advocating for change:

“Thank you for being here, and thank you for being here next weekend, and then until you straighten this for the weekend afterwards. Just come back, people.”

Following Young’s inspiring performance, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez took the stage to deliver her address in front of Young’s vintage amplifier.

Setting the Stage for a Busy Year

This rally marks the start of an eventful year ahead for Young. He is scheduled to perform at the Light Up The Blues Benefit on April 26, alongside other musical legends such as Steven Stills and Billy Idol. Later, on May 23, he will host a charity show in Lakefield, Ontario, to support Lakefield College School. Young’s world tour commences on June 18 in Rättvik, Sweden, with the American leg launching on August 18 in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Event Adjustments and Future Concerns

Originally, Young was set to perform in Ukraine ahead of his European tour, but logistical challenges led to the cancellation of this plan. In a message to his fans, he expressed regret over not being able to secure the necessary arrangements:

“We had a good location near the shelter, but there were too many changing conditions on the ground. I apologize to everyone. Ukraine is a great country with a good leader.”

Young also voiced concerns regarding potential repercussions for his outspoken criticism of former President Trump, noting that it could affect his ability to return to the United States following his European performances.

Conclusion

Neil Young’s performance at the “Fighting Oligarchy” rally set a powerful tone for the year ahead, uniting music and activism in compelling ways. As he prepares for a busy tour schedule, his commitment to social issues continues to resonate both on and off the stage.