Drummer reacts to "Old Man" (Live) by Neil Young

[@kathybwell]

He bought a ranch that had a foreman living on it. This song is a tribute to that man

[@unstrung65]

It also could really be about his father , no matter what he said in the introduction . His dad was Scott Young journalist and sportswriter .

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Interesting

[@kathybwell]

@@unstrung65 yeah, it's also about his dad.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

There's a version where Neil talks about this song before he starts singing. He explained he had just bought a ranch in California, and there was a caretaker living there, taking care of the cows etc. He then says this song is about him.@@unstrung65

[@stpnwlf9]

You get people who criticize his guitar work as sloppy or his voice as "whiny" but the reality comes through in this clip. His acoustic work is immaculate, his voice is powerful and emotive and the one thing no one can criticize is his songwriting - one of the greatest songwriters of his era.

[@svtinker]

I can only imagine these people were envious.

[@jogischulz2576]

..great comment, agree ! greetings from Berlin

[@doriwiljt]

I fell in love with Neil's voice when I was 13.

[@ShuffleUpandDeal32]

He's a Canadian national treasure

[@hannejeppesen1809]

Along with other Canadian, Joanie Mitchell, Robbie Robertson and Rick Danko.@@ShuffleUpandDeal32

[@edwinawilcox663]

Neil was actually very close to his parents. This song is about an old man who was the caretaker of his ranch in California. Neil said the old man was astonished that someone so young could buy 100s of acres of property. Neil was fond of the old man and coming off a tour was looking forward to seeing him.. He inspired the song, as Neil tells it.

[@flor9389]

Your grandpa knows. He probably knew before he passed - that you were lost and that you would come back. He’s still around you and could’ve been that voice in your head to finally get clean. Those who love us never leave us.

[@markmurphy558]

Neil Young bought a ranch with an older caretaker living on the premises, and this song is about conversations he had with him.

[@modmary3527]

The old man saw him as a young dope smoking hippy, and asked him how he could afford this ranch, whereas the old man had worked hard his whole life, and was only the caretaker. The old man was throwing him shade. ❤️

[@julianbarber4708]

Wow, I never knew that!

[@ontrack16]

I read that his father heard this song on the radio and it began a reconciliation

[@jeannettesimpson9778]

Talking of grunge, Neil played with Pearl Jam on "Rockin' in the Free World" at the 1993 MTV Awards. One of my favourites.

[@mamared56]

Only the body dies. The soul is the real you and lives forever. I promise you, your grandfather has heard everything you've said to him. He loves you unconditionally!

[@L33Reacts]

Thank you for that. I needed to hear that. 🙏

[@cosybully]

@@L33Reacts We love you, Lee!

[@jaycorby]

I was the same age as Neil is here in 1971. We've both aged at about the same pace by the looks of it. Been sober 23 years, but started in Twelve Step recovery in 1970 - 54 years ago! Lots of hits and misses, but I'm here to tell the tale. Stay the course, Lee - the journey is worth the effort, and your children will benefit immensely in the long run.

[@arizrich]

Haha, grunge looks like Neil and all of us other old hippies :)

[@heartoftherose]

Neil hurt his back, working at Broken Arrow ranch, and for a while, could only perform while seated.

[@richardcollette9884]

Neal is a one of a kind. Ive seen him 4 times and met him in Providence with my younger brother. He was 16 and to this day he thanks me for the back stage passes. If you dont like hi then DON"T FKING LISTEN TO HIM. Neal is in his own universe and sometimes takes us with him.

[@edwardlea3413]

Pretty gutsy to perform these song before the album was released.

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

They did it a lot back then. I managed to get thro King Crimson at a live gig before the album. It blew my mind. Tough but fascinating. Life fan.

[@robinwells3]

You’re a dear heart. Don’t rake yourself over the coals because you were young and lost and in pain after your dad died. You’ve grown since then, and that’s all we can do. That sorrow has opened your heart.

[@emmsdad]

Being lost is being alive. The difference is some of us keep looking and trying to improve anyway.

[@LornaDay-gt9po]

Well done, love your reactions

[@jogischulz2576]

When a musician sings with his eyes closed he is fully in the song, Neil is one of my faves since the 70s !

[@kathybwell]

good point - he's deep into this

[@jasonralph4286]

There was and still is a lot of dislike for Neil that goes back to the song southern man. Pretty messed up that some folks can't move on

[@gregcable3250]

We all looked like this in 1970-71. Turned 14 in '71 and had only a pair of jeans, a few t-shirts, plaid flannel shirts, and for shoes had high-top white Chuck T Converse, "desert boots", and "Dingo" boots. What else do you need? Still have the same stuff now except for the desert boots and dingo boots.

[@marcvanderiet5592]

This one always tears me up. Remembers me of my dad. Love!

[@jessicaleblanc-nh1yl]

Neil Young is an incredible player of the guitar. He was also part of the band(s) Buffalo Springfield & Crosby, Still, Nash & Young. Often, the incredible guitar in their songs is Neil Young doing his thing. He is very gifted & his pieces are there to put people in a grace...some are political...some are not. Although, his work is pretty genius.

[@195511SM]

The studio version has the great James Taylor kicking in with a few banjo plucks on occasion.

[@tommonk7651]

I saw Neil solo in around 1983. Still one of best concerts I've ever seen. He's unbelievably talented....

[@carolynschmidt5467]

Beautiful and touching. My man is eighty and that young man is still in there.

[@Jonni1027]

Don’t rush him! He’ll be 80 November 12th haha…doesn’t everyone celebrate Neil’s birthday?😊 Also I just saw him perform 2 nights ago and he only gets better and better with age, doesn’t he❤😊

[@michaelasay8587]

Love love this

[@theeloquentbaby]

Absolutely perfect young Neil Young.

[@kenlawless7247]

Just another day of Lee sneaking into my record collection with one of my favorite NY and SD songs. Old Man - Harvest - needle and the damage done - out on a weekend - man needs a maid - words - heart of gold. What an album. Love this song but it shows that even a great songwriter can be trapped by his age. Old men know exactly what it was like being 24. 24 year olds forget that old men were once 24.

[@alanshepherd4304]

Great performance from a great artist with genuine talent and skill from back when songs had real lyrics and played real instruments. Great stuff!!😁😁🇬🇧

[@macdaddyns]

I was lucky to have a great Dad and a wonderful relationship with him. I want to say I am glad you have grown and come to terms with your past. It takes a good person to admit their flaws and mistakes, I love your reactions and realism! Keep on rockin it!

[@Bar-l7w]

Sweetie coming from an old lady your grandpop hears you ! You’re a wonderful young man. We all make mistakes but move on and learn. Peace love and happiness 😊

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

We never heard of "ageism" we looked at old people in awe glad they got help cause like, how did they do it? We "knew" we'd die young. Love Neil💕

[@gloriacurran4601]

Very touching - both you and Neil!

[@CatDownUnderTheStars]

2 weeks I'll be seeing NY and Crazy Horse I am psyched

[@kathybwell]

OMG - lucky you! Where at?

[@CatDownUnderTheStars]

@@kathybwell Camden NJ :)

[@spooley]

The banter leading up to each song makes that set priceless, be gives the backstory on the old man who worked his ranch. Even as a young hippy Neil posted a film of the man and he was likely 65-70, tops. Neil probably thought that was ancient at the time, puts everything in perspective.

[@Jude_196]

💗💗💗💗 I'm sure, as a Grandpa: he knows. ...and, LOOK how FAR YOU'VE COME, NOW?? You understand SO MUCH MORE and feel so much more than you could: THEN!! Growing doesn't stop....it keeps going!! HUGS, LEE!!

[@rbking9296]

Heart Of Gold from this performance is a must……Lee the past is like a shadow it has no substance but it’s always at your heels

[@kathybwell]

Been waiting for this! Not only for Neil’s young talent but we get a taste of his charm as he introduces the song

[@johnperrigo6474]

This video missed the introduction which explains the meaning of the song. It's helpful to know who he's talking about.

[@robertacolarette1594]

I was 19 at the time of this video. Of course Neil Young was everything to me. I bought all of his albums. His voice, his music, and his lyrics were so unusual, original. You would repeat the words to yourself so the imagery would come alive in your mind. They do call him the Godfather of Grunge.

[@garyscharf9232]

This song talks of the human quest for love. Most of us are on a frustrating search for someone/anyone to love us for who we are, unconditionally. Something difficult to find in a world full of selfishness and flawed people, most of whom don't even know what love is. I went through most of my life feeling like parched desert, ready to soak up any love that was sent my way, and was never able to find enough. I now believe in a God who created me for a purpose, and has helped transform me in so many different ways. I now can face life with a well of water pouring out of me, able to love others. No more insecurities, and a joy and peace within me that no one can take away. John 4, Psalm 139, Rom 12:1-2

[@kualua6612]

Plus the Beatles! Damn.

[@debbiechang5781]

Neil Young is amazing. Tell the haters to chill! I would love to see your reaction to “Powderfinger”! It’s my all time favorite NY song. Grungy for sure and totally amazing. This performance is wonderful and the acoustic guitar sounds beautiful. Thanks for sharing a little of yourself. That takes courage. 🌺✌️

[@NondescriptMammal]

One of the nicest performances to be found of just a man and his voice and a guitar

[@kweile4339]

I know you've done Needle and the Damage Done but I think he has a video of it from this same performance. 🤔

[@johnthegreek5836]

Neil Young is my favorite singer, he has such great music, After The Gold Rush and Harvest are probably my favorite albums

[@Saffy-yr8vo]

Best perf from Neil. Around this time he dropped into Glasgow Scotland. I didn’t know. I was running to work one day out thro Central station and I slowed to listen to this grubby hippy guy sitting on a coat by the entrance playing the guitar. Just for 30 secs as I had to go. A girl was sitting next to him. Think he might’ve been playing a gig at night. Someone told me oh that’s Neil Young! Just been listening to him on vinyl! Wish I’d stayed longer.

[@Scarlet3241]

The old man in the song is the caretaker of his ranch outside of half Moon Bay California.

[@kathybwell]

Exactly! Broken Arrow Ranch

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

We know heard it too many times on other youtube channels

[@kualua6612]

SRV, Neil Young, SD, it’s gonna be a banging Sunday!

[@davidthrower1553]

Another one of my favourite Neil songs…takes me right back to my teens and hearing it for the first time…buying the album and the first play……and I also remember watching this concert on the TV……yet another Neil song that is ageless and I never tire of listening to.

[@Yanto-Bardic]

I remember hearing this in my Teens and now in my 70's it still Gets Me. perhaps even more so now.

[@MikeOstrowski-iq8wf]

Love the Neil Young journey…… I get to relive my journey all over again 🙏🏻❤️🎸

[@kathybwell]

Neil’s ranch is called Broken Arrow Ranch, it’s up in the hills above the coastal town Half Moon Bay, about half way between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. Redwood forests with ocean views; if you search for broken arrow you can find pictures of Neil with the old man.

[@kathybwell]

@@Jonni1027 yes, Woodside is in the mountains above Half Moon Bay, between the coast and the bay area.

[@happymethehappyone8300]

Neil Young "Only Love Can Break Your Heart"...Nuff Said.

[@TheCybertiger9]

yes one of my favorites along with "the old laughing lady"

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

When you Dance

[@TheCybertiger9]

@@DENVEROUTDOORMAN I know Denver Did you see that wimpy Neil Young dancing with his wife to "Harvest Moon" They should be dancing to "Down by the River" and he could sing to her "....as i shot my lady" NOW that's romantic

[@mollymoe222]

Your grandfather knew. You were all hurting. Give yourself grace. :)

[@rachelbrachman1510]

They say he's a real ass in person and not very good with people, but his music shows me his soul...a beautiful soul.

[@Jonni1027]

I’ve (being from the Bay Area) known people who know him and that’s definitely not what I’ve heard so that’s refreshing❤

[@DENVEROUTDOORMAN]

He s notorious for bailing on people when doing albums etc

[@elisaabolafia9542]

Beautiful🎵Timeless🎵 He closed out the New Orleans Jazz Fest this past weekend.

[@MisterWondrous]

Wow, this really was Neil young!

[@alanarakelian5021]

God, perfect audio and video -- especially for a 52-year-old performance (it was 1972).

[@Fuphyter]

Love this song and version. Neil's album "Harvest" is incredible.

[@Buzz_Purr]

Neil stabbed the knife right in your heart, but somehow he made it feel good.

[@UFOS4]

Always a great song and it gets me in the heart every time. Lee, you have a precious soul and you are doing just fine.

[@charliecochran3035]

This is a great video, but I'm a little bummed you didn't see one that includes his banter and storytelling before the song. The same goes for Heart of Gold. He digs around his pockets for the correct harmonica, then deadpans to the audience "I used to travel with a band, but I have so much equipment now". Neil's lyrics are pretty spare and simple but somehow so thought provoking. He touches on topics that really hit home for those who listen.

[@connieb4372]

From what I can gather and from being around this music for over 60 years, I always thought of Neil Young as an activist who did good work, being involved in Farm Aid and other charitable causes. I respect and admire his activism. He also has three children, two of which have cerebral palsy and a daughter with epilepsy and, again, by all reports his children have always come first and family is very important to him.

[@j.jennings1722]

There's a longer version of this video where Neil tells the story of how this song came about. The song is about an old caretaker who came employed with the ranch he bought from a couple of lawyers. It's a cool story, the way he tells it.

[@j.jennings1722]

BTW, L33, don't be too hard on yourself about your grandfather. I'm almost certain he understood, at least deep down, where your pain was coming from. He would want you to forgive yourself, because that's what grandparents do. He's probably smiling, knowing you are on the right track and getting better everyday ...with the power of music!! ❤✌

[@Bar-l7w]

I’ve loved Neil for decades !!!!!!!!!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

The things you've done, including writing letters after he passed... DO matter. You were a kid, and you need to forgive yourself and do well... because THAT is what he would want and it would be a beautiful tribute to him. YOU carry his legacy now. As for the amazing Mr. Neil Young, I hope you can do a reaction / listen to "POCAHONTAS" which is a brilliant song lyrically and musically... and is a haunting gem that moves me every time I hear it. I'd recommend the "Rust Never Sleeps" version before checking out other versions. It's truly mesmerizing. Cheers!

[@axolotl8694]

exactly right... Neil. Johi. Kurt. what connects is authenticity.

[@TommyBrown7]

Listened to this back when I was the young man. Just replaced old man with young man and it somehow 0:02 works. I’m 74 now. Keep on keeping on L33 ✌🏻

[@chitownlee]

The intro to this song at this concert he explains that he bought a farm and there was a care taken who came with the ranch who was old and he inspired this song.

[@VampeyMK]

Love Neil Young, his voice is soul healing or something like that. I recommend the album opener and closer of 'Rust Never Sleeps'. 'My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue)' and 'Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)'. The whole album is great btw. Also 'After the Gold Rush'! A song that made me realise that i love Neils voice and music.

[@redadamearth]

It's a hell of a song. I recommend listening to the whole "Harvest" album.

[@bobdelp2023]

YOU'VE BECOME A HUGE NEIL YOUNG GUY, THAT'S COOL!!!💯 😊

[@stlmopoet]

Neil Young said this song was about an old man caretaker at his ranch, but I think that's just misdirection. It's about a son and his father.

[@ronmathews2471]

Absolute gem.

[@dow311]

Neil Young (Canadian) wrote and sang Southern Man and Alabama, Lynyrd Skynrd wrote Sweet Home Alabama in response to Neil criticizing the South ideas. The two clashed. Neil of course live in the States and not in Canada.

[@jbdbsb]

Neil Young is one the most prolific singer/song writer of our time.

[@jmcc199]

Lee - seems you've turned out pretty good - and are on the right path. Sure your Grandpa (and Dad) are quite proud !

[@wildgreek1]

This is an iconic Neil Young song. Another iconic song you may want to listen to is Cat Stevens Father and Son. Just a suggestion from an old grandmother.

[@starfire6122]

The beginning of the song was missing where he explains what this song is about.. love your reactions💞✌️

[@fidge54]

I am so impressed by your intelligence, sensitivity and maturity. I'm 71, so I hope you don't mind me saying, you're a really great kid

[@decal2756]

There is another version of this posted on KZbin where he tells the story behind the song before he starts playing it. Adds to the performance for sure...

[@hunterhendee4325]

Just saw him on opening night in San Diego. Awesome.

[@clifton8929]

Love your reactions and your fantastic commentary on the music. Great song from the Grandfather of Grunge.

[@jstock2317]

legendary performance

[@lewismaddox4132]

To all of those who spit on Neil Young, I realize that everyone's taste is unique and unfathomable to others. However, please know that you are wrong! You do realize that all the members of Lynyrd Skynyrd, living and gone became close friends with Neil and some enthusiastically joined him on stage? Get over It! They have.

[@jaybo2023]

Thanks again for your reaction. If you have just under two minutes to kill. In this same concert there is a song "Love in Mind".

[@mimig3904]

Neil is a wonderful musician/songwriter. He pissed off a lot of people with his brilliant song, Southern Man. You should react to his After the Gold Rush album, side 1, my favorite.

[@dalemcmillan7231]

Neil is awesome.

[@bradjenkins1475]

Awesome, just awesome!!!

[@melissakhalar1842]

With age comes wisdom. Your Grandfather most likely understood your teenage angst and I believe he loved you no matter your being a "little shit."

[@svtinker]

Tragic the part where he explains the song to the audience was cut.

[@DennisCharles-l9d]

Never met my dad. Split when I was 2 weeks old. So yeah songs like Neil's hit. His greatness is in his lyrics and the fact that no one ever got more emotion out of a guitar.

[@myfavoritedream2149]

Neil's voice and music and lyrics are part of my psyche. Although he's Canadian I think of him as an iconic American artist. ❤

[@Rhiannon011]

Neil wrote and sang a lovely beautiful poetic ballad song called "Birds", it's one of my favorites. Linda Ronstadt also sings a version of "Birds" and it is so incredibly beautiful also. A lot of people often play "Birds" at memorials or wakes for their father, mother, brother, sister, or very dear close friends who have passed.

[@jamessomers8808]

Give it up for the BBC.

[@paularietta6744]

God bless you man.

[@hannejeppesen1809]

You should do "Helpless" with Neil Young and The Band from The Last Waltz.

[@andyshan]

A great song from a great album. Even better is the previous album After the Goldrush, less commercially successful but a one of the greatest sets of emotionally driven, original songwriting and listening experiences. Thanks Lee, Loving your channel.

[@tomasbaker1912]

Another one of many on the album Harvest is Out on the Weekend-one of my favoritrs.

[@CliffordLake]

You gotta shake it, baby...

[@cspringer333]

Neil Young & Crazy Horse are playing next Saturday at the New Orleans Jazz Fest...Make it if you can.