Neil Young on Burning Out or Fading Away in Rock 'n' Roll | The Big Interview

Neil Young answers the question: Is it better to burn out or fade away?
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[@musicalSFCat]

His valid description of "Rock 'N Roll" couldn't hold more truth. Brilliant analogy.

[@barbarab8182]

I don't even know how to describe how much Neil's music meant to me! . It was my spirituality of the times! Wailing around a campfire in the Alberta Mountains, unifying, healing, and freeing us! I still love to listen and sing to his songs, they go beyond the music and touch the soul. Thank you Neil Young, the appreciation is beyond words!

[@oldbeatpete]

Athabasca River.

[@jacobcormier5532]

I love Neil. He is always 100% honest and speaks his mind. I really respect his integrity.

[@hurdygurdyguy1]

I guess.... tell that to the woman he fathered a child with before Pegi, and then tell that to Pegi when he was "dating" Darryl Hannah before he divorced her.... Yeah, I guess that's rock'n'roll integrity... I love Neil, too but, he's human, he doesn't get it right all the time...

[@dathorndike4908]

I really dig Neil's answer to the "Better To Burn Out Than To Fade Away" question. Neil was so honest and direct in his answer. I really respect that.

[@bobcobb7992]

Don't care if he burns out or fades away as long as it happens soon. He's a deplorable human being.

[@bobcobb7992]

@@vonclohk507 One of the only true rock n rollers! Trent Ruane, Ian MacKaye, maybe Fat Mike and Frank Black.

[@divided45]

Brian Wilson had a similar quote when asked about drug use for music. He said "drugs are always great for music, they're just not always good for the person taking them"

[@GregCombs100]

He's been in the middle, and made a lot, of rock history so he speaks from a position of authenticity.

[@danielschachtel5484]

His answer doesnt make sense.some of the people he mentioned died in a plane crash,they didnt burn out from drugs.not many rock stars just play rock and burn out and thats all they do.

[@KevinORourke25]

This is a guy who wrote Iconic songs, was building and electric Lincoln Continental, turned his barn into a giant speaker system and is just a very amazing individual. Love this guy.

[@fredtello]

he's really thinking about how much he hates Trump with his Trump derangement syndrome and how he supports the Democrats and then transitioning children with puberty blockers

[@KittyCarlile-490]

I used to see Neil and his then wife Pegi at the market. They were always in the Linc Volt.

[@WisconsinWanderer]

I read that too pretty cool!

[@LadyBird791]

Me too ❤❤❤😊

[@davidc6341]

Heard David Crosby, ‘Neil is a genius, beyond the rest of us.’ David Knew! RIP Coz.

[@PaulFormentos]

Nah, Stills is better singer and player

[@BrendaRamirez-e1n]

Neil Young has always been my favorite rock singer since the 70s. I have his music ,his concert shirts, pictures on my walls and 2 songs tattooed on leg. Love Neil forever.

[@ianhamilton396]

Well God Bless Uncle Neil. My Mom used to babysit Neil back in Omemee and Peterborough. She said he was a petulant child 😅

[@ohgawd]

He said he was spoiled 😁

[@ohgawd]

That's really awesome!

[@leonardodalongisland]

Cool.

[@leeriterii2128]

Good to see you brother. Keep the heart of gold.

[@caramanico1]

I love it when a rock musician emphatically proves that they aren't all dummies who got lucky. Intelligent, thoughtful and insightful, Neil here reminded me of some George Carlin interviews I've watched.

[@BobbyLaneProductions]

Neil is such a REAL person and that's very cool. he has a tight rein on his ego and I like that.

[@stevelawrie9115]

I loved getting stoned in the 70's and 80's and listening to Neil Young, on hot sunny days, in Sydney Australia. Now, I'm over it. 🙂 I still listen to Neil Young and still enjoy it. Neil is a little like Ry Cooder, you can hear something you haven't heard before, with either artist in it and you recognise who is playing right away.

[@SteveninTune]

I'm calling the cops !! And turn that music down!!

[@stevelawrie9115]

@@SteveninTune lol

[@davel4708]

I think Ry Cooder might have played with Crazy Horse at some stage. A bit of a connection there.

[@seanoriordan]

Don't let him near your kids

[@SteveninTune]

@@seanoriordan HighlightedAsshole

[@paavoviuhko7250]

Great to see an old guy interviewing an old guy. I love both. Great interview. But to Neil Young I have a closer connection to his young days in Omemee, a hop step and jump from my high school town nearby. In the 60's all my friends were all about this Neil Young.

[@jamtlandhomesteaders2710]

Thank You Neil*, I have listened to your music for many Decades- and it still rings true*

[@don66hotrod94]

Thanks for your support of Farm Aid all these years, Neil. I still remember the 1st one like it was yesterday.

[@ThomasSmith-if5bp]

Your poetry and lyrics, your wonderful guitar skills are top notch Neil. El Cortez #1

[@MotoNomad350]

The Needle and the Damage Done. So many great songs but that one gets me every time.

[@a_lewis]

The obligatory transition into Words has blown my mind a million times!

[@Trial212]

Needle was incredibly personal for Neil, along with Tonight's The Night......

[@RealRunner7]

Needle and Spoon by Lynyrd Skynyrd is also good.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

Yes, those recent needles have done a lot of damage throughout the world and Neil seems to be oblivious to that.

[@Trial212]

@@Joe-mz6dc Neil is NOT oblivious to the dangers of Heroin. The song Tonight's The Night is about the death of Neils friend Bruce Berry from an overdose of smack. It hit him hard. Sometimes, he'd play that song 2 or 3 times in one night....Neil ain't oblivious.........

[@Daniel-u3f9k]

This man is such a treasure. A musical genius and a highly interesting personality. Out of the hundreds of artists whose music I have come to love over the years there are only two who I would have ever wanted to meet in person. Jennifer Rush and Neil Young.

[@TheGeneral44]

Absolutely love this man. What a treasure to the world.

[@paulvd2815]

Neil Young forever! What a musician, what a composer...what a performer!

[@ben-c5t]

and what a hypocrite. At the height of corona terror he show the pure socialist face.

[@ANobodiemyspace]

Neil never wants to be bigger then the music. Thats a cool breeze indeed.

[@bermudaguy5003]

Right Neil, when you feel you're very satisfied with & when you're playing you do get a sweet high feeling & you get drawn into another plane. It sure makes for a great hour or two. Love your songs & style. Thanks for the memories!

[@lyndajamrozik4786]

I just saw him yesterday in San Olivos with Darryl - I got to say hi to him and his wife - we passed each other on the sidewalk - I was really excited to see him . ❤

[@plev10]

I would faint dead on the sidewalk if I ran into Shakey. 😳

[@lyndajamrozik4786]

I was really thrilled 😁

[@jimshady2264]

😅

[@jimshady2264]

@Realneilyoung is this you Neil for real? Buzzy bro

[@jimshady2264]

@Realneilyoung your obviously not Neil young, why pretend to be a worn out old rocker

[@deballen6241]

I could sit and listen to him all day.

[@normanpaulsen9070]

Most respect for Neil, I love his music and songwriting.

[@angelique1867]

I love you Neil ❤ Keep On Rockin’ In The Free World ❤

[@ben-c5t]

Did'nt he talk the corona Fascism for good?

[@seanoriordan]

Get your boosters

[@johnmanning4339]

He touches your heart strings, that's for sure.

[@lorischneider7100]

Neil Young - incredible talent! I loved this man for many years. 🌟💎

[@evarsingersongwriter6228]

There is nothing sadder than just thinking life is only meaningful at your art peak -and about being or wanting to be famous Mature thoughtful outlook from Neil Young ❤

[@Thadmotor1044]

Rock and roll is here to stay ....And so it goes . Thank you Neil and Stephen Stills . No joke , not hyperbole

[@cabacronulla]

Always was.. Always... Will! Huge influence on my life (65 now)...Started listening to your music (And Crazy Horse). Way back when i was just a young kid going on Surfing Safari's...Even up till this day i play your tunes every day!. Your Lyrics are Timeless.. Thank You!!!!

[@NVRAMboi]

I've grown to respect Neil and love his music. As dads, he and I both share a unique life experience. As a dad, I'm impressed with his love, loyalty and his rock-solid determination to deal with the unexpected while soldiering forward. That's not easy. From the outside at least, he makes it look effortless and he seems to have never missed a step throughout his life. Salutes and cheers.

[@seanoriordan]

He likes kids

[@Nitemare.60]

Such a wonderful comment you left. Not too many give comments on his dad skills as they are usually about the music. You are a beautiful soul as he is also.

[@jukesters123]

Neil is us,we are Neil. So Canadian yet very humble.

[@robertlawrance6591]

There comes a time to say thank you bro for your great music you created!❤

[@TerryTutor-cv3hh]

He's a wonderful guy and one of the most chill people one would ever meet...

[@randpherigo9724]

you wouldnt want to be locked in a room for any lenght of time Ill wager that much.. apparently he never grew up.. like most people become naturally conservative & responsible as they age.. Narcissists are very selfish

[@poopy_pants_joe1194]

Even his bandmates couldn't stand him. what are you talking about? Neil Young is a famous asshole.

[@ohgawd]

​@@randpherigo9724oh FFS! Aren't you the psychic one?? Or should I say, PSYCHOTIC? 😂

[@ohgawd]

​@@randpherigo9724not everyone becomes "naturally conservative"! 😂😂😂 You're just jealous that you've always been COMPLIANT and never lived free. So sad. Don't hate people who aren't compliant. Respect us. You could learn a thing or 2.👍

[@franktherabbit47]

@@randpherigo9724If you only think through those terms than you are lost.

[@dathorndike4908]

Neil speaking the truth again! Love him so much.

[@bobcobb7992]

He's arrogant and clueless. Remember when he thought he could get Joe Rogan cancelled? He actually thought he was still relevant! Not just that but more relevant than Joe Rogan! Bahahahaha!

[@ohgawd]

​@@bobcobb7992you suck like tRUMP.

[@Nitemare.60]

​@@bobcobb7992Bahahahahaha HOWABOUT GFY.

[@bcmt543]

Sure glad I was able to catch one of the Stills-Young Band shows in 1976. Saw Neil again just a few years ago with Promise of the Real, and it was amazing. Solo acoustic set on a Martin, followed by blazing electric songs on Old Black, culminating in feedback workouts on long jams towards the end of the night. For all of Neil's eccentricities, it occured to me that this is (one version anyway) of what ageing well looks like for an old rocker. Long May You Run indeed!

[@PaulHodgson-gm6lg]

I saw Crosby, Stills ,Nash&Young on the same tour, GREAT SHOW!

[@jabbu2449]

An enjoyable interview. Thanks for the music.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

Met Neil Young at the Old Time Pickin' Parlor in Nashville one afternoon in '77. He picked out this cherry sunburst thinline Gibson thing that had round holes in the top but no soundhole. It looked like the prototype of a huge mistake. I'm playing a 55 Martin D-28 I eas thinking about buying. I didn't recognize him at first when he sat down across from me. He was wearing a John Deere mesh pulled down over his eyes. I was playing some bluegrassy thing in A and he starts playing along. Then I hear somebody playing a dobro back behind me. This went on for 4 or 5 minutes. When we stopped he asked, "Whatahyah think of this? Sounds kinda old-timey, doncha think?" I said, "You really wanna know what I think?" He said, "Yeah, I'm thinkin' about buyin' it." Always the diplomat, I replied, "I think it sounds like sht." He looked at me square in the face and started laughing. Says, "Hey Ben, this guy thinks this guitar sounds like sht. lol Ben says, "Well he's right it DOES sound like sht." They laughed, I laughed and all the customers in the place started to laugh, too. I looked around and recognized Ben Keith and it hit me in the gut. My head snapped around and there he was. Neil fckin' Young and he was smiling...at ME. lol He just said, "Hey man, I appreciate your honesty. I've got more money than sense, sometimes." Ben says, "Sometimes?" They both laugh and Neil hangs that pos back up. "Check you later, man. You're a good player." He and Ben walk out and vanish like a couple apparitions. RIP, Ben Keith.

[@jacobcormier5532]

Now that is a great story!

[@jimbob12404yahoo]

"Check you later, man. You're a good player." That must reverberate in your dreams. I hope it does!

[@Nitemare.60]

Damn. What a story. I love that the whole store went to laughing. PRICELESS.

[@rickmiller7884]

Love you, Bro. Long may you run.

[@dathorndike4908]

When was this interview done? Hope it very recent because Neil looks and sounds great.

[@harmonium8198]

2016

[@JohnMacFergus-oz5cp]

Darn Neil, ya look great! I admire you for the individual that you are. I haven't heard you talk for a long while. Glad I watched this video. Keep rocking brother! Or folking if you will. Best regards, J.

[@johnhamilton5324]

This interview is quite a few years old. Someone else on here suggested 2016.

[@henrygvidonas9573]

@@johnhamilton5324 He's wearing a "Pono" shirt. Pono shut down in 2017, so it must have been before that. It was officially launched in 2015, so 2016 makes sense to me. ...Aaand IMDB says: "The Big Interview with Dan Rather", Season 4 Episode 11, broadcast on 13 September 2016. Bingo!

[@Nitemare.60]

Don't know exactly what y'all are trying to say here. I saw him this past May and he looked just as he does here. And yes, still rocked my ass off. Love you Neil. Your simply THE BEST. Bar None.

[@bumsharvest5493]

I'm happy to see you're doing well, Neil.

[@ohgawd]

8 years ago.

[@seanoriordan]

He's a dickhead

[@RichardGoodman66]

Neil Young is a great inspiration for many in many ways. Thank God for being so strong and breathing in the cold air. I'm gonna breathe it 🙏 😊

[@TheJamesAraujo]

It's funny how people asks a song as a definitive one, cause for me it changes all the time. In the last few months it was On The Beach, before that it was Sugar Mountain, now it's Words. It's constantly changing. Neil is the best

[@tube396]

Really enjoyed this interview.

[@PabloDeBella]

Still as sharp as ever, those intense eyes are still there!

[@PeterKeys-he9gl]

What a beautiful human being

[@rickclink9196]

Neil is a Time Machine. Hear Heart of Gold and I’m transported back in time……

[@greggtrubee9565]

Neil Young, What can you say? He has produced so much material and the vast majority I really like. This interview is just like his music. I'm Neil and this who am. One of my Fave musicians. Keep On Rocking In the Free World Neil....

[@wolfeyes9357]

Listen...the guy is a musician and songwriter! He is a Famiky man first and foremost....period!

[@deballen6241]

How exciting would that be a New Crazy horse and Neil Young CD.The thought of him an Stills and Nash would be a dream come true.

[@Rob-pi1rg]

I love how honest he is

[@bermudaguy5003]

I agree with you Neil, when you feel you're playing really well you do get a "high" feeling & without thought notes & chords seem to come easier. You have some good days & some where you just put the guitar down & come back to it when you feel it's time. Big fan of yours for decades! Thanks for the memories!

[@pangeo8183]

Even though he got old he is forever Young

[@djizzah]

Very articulate intelligent fellow, seeing the top people in any endeavour in life ,it shouldnt surprise us they are this way

[@julieannemichelle]

I really love his personality! Also, I’ve been listening to Neil’s music from the 60’s and 70’s. I remember it because I had and older brother who like the Buffalo Springfield . I enjoy listening to his accustic version .

[@thomascomeau9545]

You just know when someone is honest to the core.

[@lorijohnson2348]

What an amazing and intelligent person! Thank you for the music, Neil! 😎

[@lucianosschlieper]

Some of his lyrics talk about things in my life, but honestly I always thought Neil looked crazy and I thought he was completely bananas. This was the first interview I watched of him and I was wrong. Within the roller coasters and mistakes and successes, you can see that he never lost the reins of logic and reason. Very interesting to watch this... I liked it.

[@BaconTomatoCheese]

Great interview. It takes a journalist with the integrity that Dan Rather has to draw Neil out and get him talking about these things… Much love to both of these gentlemen!

[@marcweinstein231]

Neil offered that song as a peace offering to Lynyrd Skynyrd. They turned it down.

[@siriosstar4789]

Not really. neil can be very accommodating and charming with almost an6jojrnalist .

[@Nitemare.60]

I totally agree with you on that one. Dan Rather is the definition of Integrity. Unlike these journalists that are giving us this crap we are seeing now. I miss Dan & Walter Cronkite giving the news. Great interview.

[@marianfrances4959]

Lifelong fan. 👍😎🙏🇨🇦🌏🤎

[@antonleimbach648]

Neil is a bad ass rocker who has created more great songs than most groups do.

[@PeterKeys-he9gl]

You helped me learn the acoustic guitar 🎸 Neil. Thank you.

[@joetomasik6120]

If I could have a second father, it would be this guy. It’s lived experience and making choices

[@sitindogmas]

see a bunch of youngins in the comments that don't know what rock and roll is. love you Neil! grandfather of grunge rock!!

[@ridemfast7625]

Bunch of oldins know what a hypocrite Neil is. Spotify... hahaha

[@warrenjones9665]

Love you ❤Neil..

[@StephenMoskal]

Saw him and Crazy Horse earlier this year. As good as ever!

[@jamesbaginski2630]

Love you Neil Young.

[@mtadams2009]

I was fortunate to see Neil and Crazy Horse this year. Great show and I am very happy he did not fade away or burn out. The entire night almost everyone was standing up bad back, knees and hips. Thats saying a lot. They played for about 2.5 hours and just moved from song to song. No messing around.

[@jacquelinekohn2082]

Always been a fan of Neil’s. He has an authenticity and intelligence that is worthy or respect. The same can be said of Dan Rather. This series “ The Big Interview” started about 10 year’s ago! He interviewed nearly all of the greats. Rock on Neil and Dan.💙🕊️💙

[@MarkParker]

Great interview!

[@GrayRocking1]

This chill breeze thing fascinates me. Love love his music.

[@jddeefo1022]

Great to see Neil Young doing so good!!

[@MT-or7lv]

I love Neil Young. Great artist!

[@MT-or7lv]

@Realneilyoung I'm well thanks. How ya doing?

[@MT-or7lv]

@Realneilyoung I would have to say...for decades.

[@MarcBaron-q7l]

Love Neil Young - What an Amazing Artist and Human Being

[@bond7459]

All this people are family to me,i knows them all,and they are great. Neil it's a legend.

[@dcasey2574]

Neil is one of the most genuine musicians on the planet . . . .

[@kenhelfer8900]

Thanks for the music Neil! And for never selling out.

[@acousticshadow4032]

Yeah, except for the $400 box sets...grrr. 🤔

[@IamtheFerryMan]

Or the whole taking his music off spotify to shill for Pfizer but hey, the memory hole is deep.

[@bobcobb7992]

He was all for pushing the vax on people who didn't want it as well as trying to get Joe Rogan cancelled because he didn't like what he was saying. He's an establishment hack. And a sellout.

[@p0llenp0ny]

lol he sold all his music. Black Rock now owns him.

[@IamtheFerryMan]

@kenhelfer8900 The solo to down by the river. 3 notes that changed rock and roll

[@tpop3723]

Still a prairie boy at heart.

[@aLittleBitter.]

Special human

[@larrymclarnon-pd8xf]

A very interesting insight into Neil's thinking.

[@darylcumming7119]

Thanks for the upload.

[@stix9567]

"kinda takes everything else away and you go right into it"

[@peacefrog454]

Neil Young gets it more than any other artist ever

[@adampoe2797]

Yes, what an interview Always respected, both in their craft

[@ericpowers885]

Neil Young is Awesome

[@adamfindlay7091]

Nice work, DR.

[@edmetz8600]

Neil you are the Best. Keep it up.😊

[@563421094]

Even Neil's voice is rhythmic...

[@duncanbleak3819]

Absolutely superior interview!

[@tunnelportterror]

Very insightful, intelligent man

[@sitindogmas]

Dan Rather is a rock star in his own right, I'm pushing 50 and have heard his voice all my life

[@newsycpl]

I’m pushing 60 and I have had enough of Dan Rather’s lying and liberal bias to last me a lifetime! By the way, this video was recommended to me by KZbin. I would have never cared to see anything with Dan Rather in the headlines.

[@kkdonny4096]

Yea right

[@andydixon2980]

@@newsycpl You mean you'd rather not see Dan rather....😄

[@reddeserted13]

Show me where he touched you ​@@newsycpl

[@simpleman5688]

Liberal 🤮. Turn off the television, Numbskull.

[@Trial212]

Uncle Neil!!! Hell Yeah!!!

[@solomongreen9468]

Heart of gold is the best Neil. He knows it too

[@erwinwoodedge4885]

A good interviewer.

[@superbug1977]

Neil Young is a Titan. Super weird, however, that he once was a partner and room mate with Rick James.

[@josepharmand6117]

The strangest mix. It's oil and water. It shouldn't work. But the songs they did together were good.

[@henrygvidonas9573]

They were in the Mynah Birds together and had a record deal with Motown Records. Then James Johnson AKA Ricky James Matthews got arrested because he was AWOL from the US Navy - right in the middle of the recording sessions for their first album. And that was the end of that.

[@jolobill]

There's a line in "Grampa's Interview" from Greendale that has really appealed to me ever since I first heard it. "Share your lovin' and you'll live so long." This is the mindset of a good person.

[@josepharmand6117]

Neil still right on the ball.

[@dw6410]

just awesome , just awesome