Musician & Activist Neil Young with the RSA's Matthew Taylor

Musician & Activist Neil Young with the RSA's Matthew Taylor. Matthew caught up with Neil in Canterbury, the day after the London concert, the final gig of the UK leg of his 2016 European tour, just before Neil and the crew left for the continent. Recorded on one of the tour buses, Matthew speaks with Neil about his stance on music, authenticity, innovation, democracy and the environment and how they braid together in his work over the decades.
Neil Young’s fifty-five year career has seen him become, and maintain a position as a globally significant singer songwriter across many genres. He is also recognised as the Grandfather of Grunge. But Neil is more than that. As an environmental activist he has been fearlessly speaking truth to power through his performance and direct action for decades.
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[@randystroud6513]

Kudos to Matthew for thinking through his interview questions and being able to illicit this much real and meaningful commentary from Neil Young. Same to Neil for responding and opening up with such down to earth answers. All around excellent interview. A prepared interviewer, and an eloquent subject. This is the way to do it.

[@margomason4889]

The aftermath of the 60's & 70's are weighing heavy on us rockers from those wonder years! Neil still has the same mindset that we had back in the day to "Save The Planet" and I'm glad to see his views haven't changed in that aspect. Most of the people in my generation have moved on to "life in the fast lane." I think "fighting the establishment" didn't work and never will. When it's rocking chair time for me, I'll rock on reminiscing about those teenage and young adult years. Rock n roll is here to stay! A wonderful singer is Neil Young!

[@grundid44]

A great tube stereo with great separation will give you an idea of this guy's incredibly great production values. Listen to Cinnamon Girl like this. I remember the very first version of Mr Soul, I think it was an Atlantic 45, it was all him playing the most soulful solo. Lives in my heart forever. Hard to believe how well informed he really is. His explanation of the musical input being 5% of what it used to be, explains why music sounds so lifeless nowadays. I believe this man is intellectually enlightened, a great musician, and certainly should be an inspiration to all humans with a responsible vision of the future.

[@chrisrose5885]

The perfect interview. None finer, on all fronts. Thanks, Mathew. And THANKS, Neil !

[@mrjamescurry]

‘We cant continue to screw with Nature’ I adore this man.

[@janiznick]

Then tell him to stop flying and driving buses for starters. How many animals are killed for all his leather seats, coats, hats etc. He called himself a hypocrite so don't look up to these people. How is he making a difference just singing and talking about it.

[@mindsigh4]

awww........... ⬆️ somebodies ego fall down got huwrted...? need mommy kiss boo boo all better for baby...?

[@mrjamescurry]

@@janiznick He is making a difference, because when someone in his position says it; people take notice becuase they love the man. It automaically happens; the message sinks in. Its ok to want to be a better person and love the planet dude.

[@lieslyvette27]

wonderful interview... good job by the interviewer! Neil is so insightful...love him.

[@mininovaband]

'Ol Neil is beginning to look like a train conductor! I love him.

[@monmixer]

he is turning into an old man like the rest of us. You can't stop father time

[@purplegypsylady777]

@@monmixer he looks sexy as hell to me. I just love that soul that burns through him

[@monmixer]

@@purplegypsylady777 sure does

[@paulsudimak3690]

I was raised on a farm in ohio when dad died so did the farm but i remember the cows the pigs the chickens the vegetables i miss that farm i miss my dad there gone just like the food we used 2 grow let me tell u something aint right i now feel 4 my sons my grandson will have even clean water nothin lives without clean water wake up world its fallen apart at every nail god help us luv ya neil

[@juliedebastion4698]

Eloquent and heart felt ...and straight talking truths ,With the soul of an artist. You see with enlightened clarity and wisdom of a sage .. You are a light amongst us ... Your words and energy resonate and touch me deeply xxxx

[@MichaelCoughlanmusic]

Thanks for an intelligent interview! Neil rarely says "Thank you. I enjoyed it."

[@bleikrsound6127]

6:16 - A recording should not be enhanced by technology, etc. It should be presented the way the artist first approved it.

[@robertkristiansen3085]

I agree with Neil in what he is saying and I think its verry Importent that a known Person like him say those things strait out..!

[@marylynnbryant9004]

I so adore this man and his inteligence

[@jumpskirt]

I thank Neil Young for making me aware of high res digital audio (Pono, Quboz, and the like). Listening to them made me feel the way I did when I listened to vinyl on a great stereo system, growing up, and it felt magical. Thank you, Neil.

[@vmartme]

Thanks for sharing this video :)

[@howardbwade]

Half a century on and still my hero!

[@roymullins4926]

Neil Young is one of the Greatest ...

[@leeriterii2128]

Gentlemen, I want to say thank you, I love you for what's in your message with this interview. For allowing me to grow a feel in others are feeling the same kinds of things affecting our world. The message is music in itself, peace, tools to build that unity you mentioned as peacefully as possible. I know I've got the leadership qualities, my worry remains in the need to mature enough to present myself and keeping moving forward in bringing other leaders together, goal oriented, and making music to live by and leave for those coming behind us to have as their foundation. Neil, I got picked on pretty good for leaning on art like your own, but that timing now let's those who giggled previously have the awareness in we're gonna be building with quality stone. Rock and roll baby, thanks again. Bless you both and yours.

[@deletebilderberg]

HYPOCRITES.

[@dezertraider]

24 min,,YOU PAID FOR THIS BUT THEY GIVE YOU THAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! NY!73s

[@TerryTerryTerry]

Good interview

[@scotts5308]

What is a crying shame is what has become of music. And people listen to MP3's on their Damn "smart" phones. I glad I grew up in the age when Music sounded good.

[@ericjohnsawyerbdix]

aye! a peaceful revolution - bless you Neil

[@jamiboothe]

"Everyone has it" nothing else matters, it is always available, to everyone, all the time. What a honest and humble and inspiring statement, that is.

[@mariamesserli6491]

Thank you very much Mr. Neil

[@GuitarUniverse2013]

at 9:51 we hear Neil Young reveal, once again, the true genius of an independent and original thinker. He basically says if we have copyright laws to protect intellectual property of human beings why do we treat the planet, which was the original creation, like trash? Oh Neil, I feel you brother man! But were being shoved this way and that by these huge corporation that, frankly, I don’t care if the people that use their products, get sick, or die, or come down with cancer because they’re living on a secret dump from some really corporation from 75 years ago. I think it might be the end of the world. When it comes, you’ll find me up on my roof with my guitar cranked to11 singing Cinnamon Girl

[@jimmy5634]

Nothing new here. God commanded we be “good stewards” of the world he gave us. He also warned us of disobedience in this regard. Most people like to listen to men but they forget God taught us first.

[@brianveestrom6784]

wow. this ties so many things together.

[@psychoprosthetic]

Great interview.

[@andyhudson3137]

Wat an experience to hear the great man talk from the heart.

[@markmcdonald5419]

Well, I d seen Neil in concert once in NY, once in Paris, Paris may be been 1983, at that time as an ESL English teacher we taught the French soccer team, PSL, Paris Saint Germain, I taught Raymond Dominique, but Rocheteau never came to my classes, he spoke English well, he did come to classes, but I taught his girl friend at the time, cause he spoke so well, he sent her instead, so back to this Neil Young acoustic concert in Paris, I turn to my left and there watching the concert was Rocheteau 22 feet away...if you dont know French soccer, Roch played with Platini on the national French team, I met and spoke to him once, the other guy Raymond D, later coach of...I taught him many times, he was, he is a nice guy...

[@eugenea7886]

I love this story

[@rocksoff82]

Great interview

[@robertlerma1029]

Neil is so positive and caring! A wonderful human being and artist!

[@imannonymous7707]

Ill never forget the first neil young song i heard...cinamon girl....i was 12 and i ran out and got the album....no lie and i was on my way, the best was yet to come. It was 19 78 almost ten years after the fact. My friends listened to acdc the cars the police zepplin ......but i never regret buying that album..

[@leahflower9924]

I was blown away by cowgirl in the sand

[@firstlady...]

I LOVE Neil Young. ❤️🌱

[@andiman45]

Neil is such a prickly guy to interview. I always get the sense he is ready to walk out...

[@leahflower9924]

I think he gets fed up with most of humanity that's how I am it's like stay away but if I learn your cool then ok Ill talk to you again

[@soberobserver1646]

What a wonderful man Neil is.

[@xtheedgeofreasonx]

"I think a car carries the spirit of the person who traveled in it". Interesting thought.

[@pootdaggy2657]

Sounds like a load of happy horsecrap to me.

[@intrepidad]

Agree !

[@wendymartin5816]

Because he's part Indian, he doesn't view things the same way others do.

[@northernlassie2755]

More like a feel or aura of a car.... how it was driven, cleaned and maintained and even the smell from its past owners....all the history of the cars' life.

[@jimmy5634]

I think a truck carries the spirit of many chickens it has delivered to their deaths.

[@johnwalker9125]

Hi Neil. Missed you at the fireman’s fund raisers craft fair on skyline blvd highway. Say hey to Darrell. When you getting the hybrid 52 Chevys out on the road?

[@lizholmes5801]

I agree about something from the original, by its creator, as is untouched and real I love that

[@piergaasttra410]

Sweet Canadian cofee time.

[@leapsplashafrog]

Don't let it bring you down Neil you rock god

[@sonicfoxxmusic4281]

F*CK i love Neil Young's honesty!!!......it has to be key as to why he has lasted all these years..as well as his constant metamorphosis and of course his sheer bloody-mindedness is finding new ways to show what he believes is right and just. Oh...and then there's his gift..which has to be embraced.

[@rosskstar]

If he was then calling for Revolution, we' ell, he'd surely be screaming for one now.

[@jimmy5634]

Yeah and do what, put a new set of deceitful, greedy liars in charge?

[@rosskstar]

@@jimmy5634 Fair point. Thankfully Jehovah God has a quite real Kingdom of 144,001 who will soon strip all authority off man's govts. Go to JW at ORG to learn as much as possible and pray directly to Jehovah as you do - He seems to pay better attention when his personal name is used. Jesus sure thought highly of it - John 17

[@StephenGrew]

Naturally, something real. It has that pure spirit.

[@jimmy5634]

Try reading God’s Word...it’s all in there and was said long before any of us walked this planet.

[@northernlassie2755]

'GMO piece of music'....wordsmith :)

[@brad5065]

The best spirit I saw was Neil sitting on a stool all by himself in front of 18,000 people in an arena playing the whole harvest album, and more.

[@kensakrzewski9604]

It's great to see a visionary with a plan like the bible says " when Jesus returns he will restore all things " including mother earths perfect ecologically and biologically state ,restore extinct species , no weeds that came with adams curse , the bible says the lion would eat grass with a lamb . the earth will become environmentally efficient like Niel is talking about

[@fuked8229]

The Earth provides us with medication and nutrition. What do we provide for the Earth? Maybe, people could, at least, be polite to eachother. That is a reach toward respect and that is a reach for Love. I think the ecological condition is a reflection of how we are "treating" eachother.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I get my biggest tips playing Neil Young songs and Tom Petty too , love ya Neil

[@artvallejos1460]

Lawrence Rasmus I Was Born To Rock I'll Never Be An Opera Star

[@fuked8229]

Cool.

[@MyDadsMusic1]

good interview, good guy Neil.

[@davechorusch3997]

Hiigreatmuso that is always for love peace to all the world theoutcome is simply real and heart full inspiration

[@deletebilderberg]

From ‘activist’ to corporate BOOTLICKER in just 5 years.

[@bailey8975]

Old man look at my life I'm a lot like you were... nice hat sir, didn't know neil young was an ALASKAN

[@wallacecd7348]

It's Godfather of Grunge, not Grandfather, isn't it?

[@kancho4]

Imagine a world ruled by Neil Young and Bob Dylan. Imagine.

[@marylynnbryant9004]

Would be wonderful

[@sistergoldenhair4595]

Your an original Neil. Love 💕 ya. I like it natural. Seeds - no Gmo, vintage caddy 1954 eldo running driving car all original work of art! Yes ☝️ I Agee. My favorite car was the car was my 59 caddy convertible! Time to discuss chemtrails as the most daunting destruction of us and the earth.

[@artvallejos1460]

I Was Born To Rock I'll Never Be An Opera Star

[@1022rebelreddog]

I like it.. neil is right. but can we stop corporate America!!

[@dannydine5263]

No you can't stop corporate America and i don't think we would want to but corporate America has to be kept in check and corporate America has to be responsible and corporate America has to have balance to be responsible and i think were going to see about that next November.

[@alexconnollytheapplepeddle676]

What does he mean at the first of the interview that he had a "commentator in his head"

[@northernlassie2755]

Thoughts interfering with his playing...like a distraction or loss of concentration with the mind wandering. His is animating it as to being commentators in his mind...hes an artist :)

[@tom4324]

I'm 59 and grew up with Neil Young's music almost a part of my DNA. As I've gotten older I realize how he, and ALL the others represent ALL that is messed up in this world.

[@70snuttodd95]

Tom. I get it

[@kenelkins1841]

Me too. When he started lecturing people about separating families at the border when he has abandoned a few of his own, that was it for me. Singing and talking about love, when he has no clue about commitment or love.

[@firstlady...]

How strange... I look at him and think of all that is right in this world...

[@70snuttodd95]

@@firstlady... senility gets a certain percentage of us,it seems to be doing a job on our friend from the North Country

[@leahflower9924]

@@kenelkins1841 I just like his music cowgirl in the sand is one of my favorite rock songs I don't care about his politics he's Canadian so you know they think they know it all lol

[@johnnygeejr500]

Neil continue to rave guys like us and the Army will protect your freedom......in red china you would be planting rice.....if you are lucky it's just music and you are lucky we will protect your whining moon !

[@BorisNoiseChannel]

5:35 : you're kidding, right, Neil? You might be picking up something, but _'they'_ are not _'still there'_, are they?

[@fangirl2themax]

as long as Neil Young is in the world all is well.

[@jimmy5634]

Seriously?

[@znostreet5313]

Why on earth hasn't Neil and Roger Waters co activated?

[@sunflower-oo1ff]

Ah Neil... thank you for talking bout what people should eat... yes, its important what you eat...fruits and vegetables are IT...but make sure we can still have watermelon with SEEDS !!! Mosanto is giving us watermelon without seeds !!!!!!!don't buy it !

[@brianmungermusic1744]

Imagine getting a chance to sit and rap with Neil!!!! Great interview

[@fuked8229]

Our consciences have lost track of our technology... been outpaced.

[@michavandam]

Pebble Mine

[@joepate8097]

"Look At Mother Nature On The Run", In the 2020's?

[@boulakhraskhennouf1510]

Translate please.

[@chefboy6123]

Pono .......gone daddy gone

[@darinjames3313]

Thank you for the video....Neil rules.....a shift of consciousness will surely help us all....the shift being People and our Planet first......and of course our animals are precious to our existence too.....I believe we re slowly wakin up hear in America.....I also believe we are the most unhealthy Nation on our globe.......Physically, Mentally and Spiritually....the 3 biggies.......I dont put all the blame on our Politicians..I couldn't imagine being one..(would you wanna deal with some of these irate citizens).....neither would I !!................and they re Hated by millions from day one in office....ouch!....Red/Blue......Dad always told me, you can please some of the People some of the time.......but you cant please all the People, all of the time......The Great Balancing Act of 🇺🇸......if we only knew money was simply a tool....God bless America.....

[@pootdaggy2657]

Diversity ? The cure all ? Gimme a freakin break.

[@Pimp-Master]

Thanks for the title. It’s great to know that Neil is an activist, and not that he’s some really old guitarist who wrote songs and played for people who are now dead. So Trump got elected, and the climate is going to hell, but Neil is still an activist. That’s so tight!

[@marylynnbryant9004]

Real tight

[@northernlassie2755]

This interview was in 2016...so it was before trump and after the barry, bush, clinton tag team carnage...

[@MemoryCircle]

I've been listening to Neil Young since 1973. Of concern to me is that he claims to seek purity, while kissing lips and cheeks, which have plumped-up and altered by Botox. His lover argues against everything he speaks of, here. Many of us are raising young girls, and are striving to keep them from even beginning to venture down the false path of Daryl Hannah.

[@stormbringercoming8105]

Congrats. You nailed it. Neil is on a dark path right now. This is my opinion. I've loved his music for a long time, but haven't cared for too much since Broken Arrow. I think he, in fact, is a Broken Arrow. Off the reservation. All the people around him who could pull the bullshit card are gone. He is an icon. An icon is not to be questioned, just accepted. No thanks. While I've never cared for David Crosby, I agree with his harsh estimation of Daryl Hannah. I'm sure he was warned. And I'm sure that his friends who warned him are gone too.

[@leahflower9924]

😂😂

[@michaeldonovan4793]

Native Americans knew all this from the beginning...they should run the governments...

[@intrepidad]

Love Neil's music through all the years but like many musicians/actors like Springsteen, etc. he screws it up by dabbing into politics. Leave that to the politicians. Stick to what you do best......MUSIC !

[@solexxx8588]

You can't separate an artist from his art. Neil is a force for good in the world.

[@truerosie]

@@solexxx8588 You can't separate an artist from his/ her humanity. He's as entitled to anyone else to have an opinion and to share it. Agreed, Neil is a force for good in the world, always has been. He's not perfect of course, and he's never claimed to be.

[@megangoral7684]

trump needs to be up on chemicals on farm lands ! lets push this issue guys

[@northernlassie2755]

Trump gave organic farmers back their rights after they were being legally challenged by monsant o for years....but in just 4 months gates, who is a friend of bayer/monsanto, is allowed to buy up farmland for the elites and buffet will export it with his trains and Amazon will deliver it in environmentally polluting over packaging. There's your corporate monopoly under this new regime....

[@hassbreff4829]

Awkward interview

[@qqueuenstein5616]

Musicians and artists are the epitome of emotional manipulators. Most people don't understand why a musical note makes them feel something. It is that lack of analysis that is dangerous. It is not magic, it is collectivist mob mentality and social programming, and is exactly what is wrong with the world. There are few exceptions, because even the musicians themselves rarely understand why something "works". It is collectist mysticism, and emotional coddling, posing as healing magic. Yeah it sounds nice, and is technically impressive to a layperson, but these peoole are practically worshipped as prophets. They are biased toward collectist thought by nature, and their opinions on important matters of logic and reason are largely irrelevant.

[@stevel2309]

Interesting point. But what do you think about certain wavelengths - and combinations of wavelengths - of sound resonating with people in such a way that triggers primal emotional responses? As in the way that specific notes, or chords, make people feel a certain way. Perhaps this is implicit in the point you are making, and that artists and musicians are merely exploiting this. Either way, I think the fact that music can induce such powerful feelings is quite beautiful.

[@qqueuenstein5616]

+Steve L . Mostly I would say it is mere programming by rote, like the Pledge of Alligence and the National Anthem. It is driven by our desire to be part of the group. Other examples are contagious yawning and laughter. It is a social mirroring mechanism that probably has deep genetic basis, having been selected for survival or mating advantage. Once we recognize it, it loses much of its power.

[@stevel2309]

V Cunningham Depends on the intent, really. Everything we encounter triggers some sort of emotional response. What I really hate is when this is manipulated for the purpose of advertising... but if it's just for artistic expression then I don't see a problem. I guess the key word is 'manipulation'.

[@sirguitarist888]

You are discounting the wisdom of a man who has been around quite a while merely because he is a musician? Should I base my opinion on your comments based on what you do for a living? Furthermore, would your occupation cause me to believe that you are a manipulator? Wait....do you work for Monsanto?.... Never mind.

[@regardez403]

Steve L: "specific chords, or note, make people feel a certain way"...if that were the case, wouldn't we all like and dislike the same sort of music? Just as a recent example...my whole pleasant dinner is ruined when the restaurant has Van Morrison playing through my entire meal. Yet his music makes some people feel happy.

[@barbaranicholas3675]

snore...........

[@MrFartboy79]

Barbara Nicholas I’m sure you’re far more interesting than Neil.

[@lawrencerasmus]

I like his interviews on his musical evolution but he has a right to his opinion but I won't vote for him😛

[@johnthomas1689]

I like Neil Young a lot but this interview is inane. "Do you think everyone can be creative or are some people just more creative than others?" - Are you kidding? This is an interviewer walking a tightrope, trying to not prick the subject and reaching for some sort of esoteric place only to impress Young. Stupid, silly, pretentious....waste of time.

[@everythingisupsidedown9593]

His is talking about Satan speaking and controlling him.

[@RyanSinn]

Young is quite ignorant and grandiose in thinking that he makes original creations and owes nothing to those before him. There are no original creations -- things are remixed -- he didn't invent chords and notes and sounds -- he remixed them. He make the assertion that he is doing this interview to covertly promote that people should support outlawing people sharing ideas. He's always had that mindset -- watch his documentary video from the 70s where he goes into the record shop and throws a shitfit

[@alisonperry1786]

Ryan Sinn may u continue to b such an open minded intellect Thanku for your enlightened opinion

[@randypotter7442]

Neil is so pompous + arrogant.

[@brodyvaughn5210]

Randy Potter he's a rockstar soooo.....

[@hendrix01249]

HAHA FUKIN TROLL ;)

[@chrisrose5885]

Well, they say the internet attracts all kinds, like attention-seeking critinados - and, boy, here's one! :-D

[@MrFartboy79]

Takes one to know one, right?

[@michaelctanner]

Randy Potter please elaborate why you think so