Neil Young & Crazy Horse Ignites Ragged Glory in Sweet Home Alabama
HUNTSVILLE, Alabama – On May 5, 2024, iconic musical group Neil Young & Crazy Horse performed a riveting set at the Orion Amphitheater, marking Young’s first-ever performance in Huntsville, AL. The band, not known for being tame, transformed the Amphitheater into the world’s biggest garage, rolling out their signature raw, untamed energy to the delight of their devoted fans.
A Widely-Anticipated Concert in Alabama
Fans at the nearly full 8,000-seat venue sang along as Young and the Horse entertained them with a 14-song, 90-minute mission, oscillating between giving it all and leaving the audience craving more. Rolling out classics like “Cinnamon Girl,” the band’s sound was both contemporary and nostalgic.
Bassist Billy Talbot and drummer Ralph Molina provided a solid backbone for the performance, their rhythms blending with Young’s haunting vocals and distorted guitar to deliver a memorable rock show. In particular, their extended jam on “Love and Only Love” from the aptly titled 1990’s album “Ragged Glory” was a highlight of the night.
An Electrifying Performance Filled with Nostalgia
The stage was an homage to the band’s history, decorated with giant amps and road cases reminiscent of their 1979 concert documentary “Rust Never Sleeps.” Neil Young, donning a cap, denim shirt, “Love Earth Tour” shirt, and paint-stained work pants, wielded his trusty ’53 Les Paul, known as “Old Black,” the guitar he has used for much of his illustrious career.
Throughout the performance, Young, Talbot, and second guitarist Micah Nelson often huddled in a tight circle, like a tribe or a gang, creating a captivating spectacle. Whenever Young delved into one of his transcendental, reverberated guitar solos, it was like painting with sound, offering the audience a unique auditory experience.
A Mix of Band and Solo Performances
Two-thirds into the show, Young gave a handful of heartfelt solo performances on a well-worn Martin acoustic guitar and harmonica, holding the entire amphitheater spellbound with songs such as “Comes a Time,” “Heart of Gold,” and “Human Highway.”
This much-anticipated concert was a stop on Neil Young & Crazy Horse’s “Love Earth Tour.” The audience was a diverse blend of gracefully aged hippies, Young’s longtime fans, local creatives, and various music enthusiasts, further showcasing the universal appeal of his music.
A Night to Remember
The concert ended on a high note with the band’s fiery rendition of “Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black),” followed by an encore performance of “F—in’ Up’” from “Ragged Glory.” The band’s final farewell was a sight to behold, with Young laying Old Black strings-down at the drummer riser and departing the stage with the band following behind, ending the incredible night on an electrifying note.
This stellar performance was another addition to the list of legends brought to Huntsville by Orion Amphitheater, including the likes of Stevie Nicks, Robert Plant, Jack White, and Smashing Pumpkins. The unforgettable experience orchestrated by Neil Young & Crazy Horse has left an indelible mark on the music scene in Sweet Home Alabama and set the bar for future concerts at the Orion Amphitheater.
