Neil Young will be playing a solo benefit concert tonight (May 23) at Lakefield College School in Lakefield, Canada. As previously reported, the performance will raise money for the restoration of a farmhouse on the school’s property that was built in 1878, as well as cabins adjacent to the structure.
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In a post on his official website, Young revealed that as he was preparing for the concert, he dusted off a rarity from the 1980s that he said might be his favorite song he ever wrote. Accompanying the message, Neil included an old photo of him with his son Zeke, and his father.
“Practicing for Lakefield, I was playing ‘My Boy,’ thinking about my own dad, pictured here with my son and I,” Young wrote. “I know he must have heard this song. My dad was a great guy and Zeke is my wonderful son. I think ‘My Boy’ is my favorite recording of all the ones I have done. I love [pedal-steel guitarist] Ben Keith and [keyboardist] Spooner Oldham’s playing, as well as all the others on it. They are soulful musicians. I have really been so lucky!”
“My Boy” is an introspective country-flavored ballad that was featured on Young’s 1985 album, Old Ways. Neil recorded the collection of country-influenced songs in the Nashville area with local session musicians. The album included duets with Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings.
According to Setlist.fm, Young only performed “My Boy” live during a series of shows in early 1983.
More About the Benefit Concert Young Is Playing
Young’s post also touched a bit more on the May 23 benefit show.
“Looks like it will be raining tonight in Lakefield, as we do the benefit that pays for the refurbishment of the Canadian Heritage Farm house,” he wrote. It was built … along the lake shore, and we will be bringing it back so all the fortunate kids who come to Lakefield College from around the world can appreciate the wonderful Canadian feeling.”
Lakefield College School is a private day and boarding school for teenagers that, according to its website, seeks to “enable students to reach their individual potential in mind, body and spirit.” As previously reported, Young’s show will take place on the school’s Northcote Campus, which features an organic educational farm.
Young decided to organize the benefit concert after visiting the school with his wife, actress Daryl Hannah, in 2024. Lakefield College School is located about 20 miles from Neil’s hometown of Omemee, Canada.
Young Has Debuted the Title Track of His Upcoming Album
In other news, Young has made available the title track of his upcoming album, Talkin to the Trees, available as an advance digital single. The mellow, introspective folk-influenced tune features lyrics find Neil seemingly reflecting on aging. The song includes a reference to his 1994 tune “Prime of Life,” from the Sleeps with Angels album. Young performed “Prime of Life” live regularly during his 2023 Coastal tour.
“Talkin to the Trees” features Young accompanied by his current backing group The Chrome Hearts, with whom he recorded the entire album. The band features Oldham as well as Promise of the Real members Micah Nelson, Corey McCormick, and Anthony LoGerfo.
On the track, Young plays acoustic guitar and harmonica, with Oldham on organ, Nelson on guitar, McCormick on bass, and LoGerfo on drums.
More About Talkin to the Trees
Talkin to the Trees will be released on June 13. The 10-track collection is the first album Young has recorded with The Chrome Hearts. Neil wrote all of the songs on Talkin to the Trees, which he co-produced with acclaimed veteran producer Lou Adler. The album was recorded at the historic Shangri La Studios in Malibu, California.
Talkin to the Trees can be pre-ordered now. The album will be released on CD, via digital formats, and as a vinyl LP. The LP will be available on standard black vinyl and limited-edition clear vinyl. Fans purchasing various versions of the album at Young’s online Greedy Hand Store will receive a free high-res digital audio download of the record.
Young’s 2025 Tour Plans
As previously reported, Young will be hitting the road this summer with The Chrome Hearts. Their 2025 Love Earth Tour kicks off with a European leg that begins June 18 concert in Rättvik, Sweden, and runs through a July 13 performance in Paris.
The European portion of the trek includes a June 28 headlining performance at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival in Pilton, U.K.
A North American leg will follow. It’s plotted out from an August 8 show in Charlotte, North Carolina, through a September 15 performance at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles.
Young and The Chrome Hearts also will be performing at the 2025 Farm Aid concert on September 20 in Minneapolis.
(Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic)
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