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Mary Irvine’s Blog: Neil Young – Promise of the Real Glasgow

The Neil Young Rebel Content Tour

Awesome! So spoke the 40 something man sitting two seats away from me on Platform 2 of the Exhibition train station. To what was he referring? The Neil Young Rebel Content Tour, with the backing group, ‘Promise of the Real’. I commented I’d left early to ensure I got the last train home and was a wee bit aggrieved as it was late and I could have stayed on! Am not that brave anymore to sleep on railway stations as have done in the distant past! My new friend said I’d not actually missed anything as Neil was still playing the same piece on his electric guitar when the concert finished so I’d probably only missed the extended jamming session.

     Followers of Neil will know exactly what I mean when I say he was ‘lost’ at times in his own playing, especially when playing electric. But he didn’t leave us behind. He took the packed crowd of fans with him. Well, most of them. The couple sitting next to me did leave when it became obvious Neil wasn’t going to sing any more ‘hits’ to which they could sing-a-long.

     I am not one of those people who complain when musicians experiment or develop their musicianship. Remember the fuss when Dylan went electric.* No-one should stand still. The ‘Greats’ don’t – in any artistic genre. There are far too many ‘doing the rounds’ who merely churn out their old hits, presumably because they either have not moved on artistically or maybe they have failed to carry their fans with them into new ventures. I do admit there is an audience for these entertainers. I’m just not one of them. I like to listen to both the music and the words.
As usual I’ve not started at the beginning. Have you noticed how conversations usually don’t!

     I was in the worst possible seat I’ve EVER had at a gig. Usually select my seat from the seating plan. This time I didn’t – a lesson learned. It had a restricted side view – not indicated when I purchased the ticket online at 2 minutes past 9 one morning last December. All right, I am one of those sad people who sit with finger poised over keyboard to ensure I actually get a ticket but I make no apology. To be fair the obstacle causing the obstruction was obviously temporary, probably to do with the sound system.

     I did think I would move to a better seat when everyone was settled but there weren’t any so plan B was out. Fortunately Neil never stays in one place on stage, except when he’s playing the piano or the pedal organ – is that really as old as it looks. And for anyone who might mention the large screen… There was only one, not that large, and it faced square on so no good for me.

Laura Marling

     The warm-up group was Laura Marling, a singer with whom I was not acquainted. She has a powerful, melodic voice but the songs didn’t make me want to rush out and buy her cds. I have seen she has a large following which doesn’t surprise me at all. Just not for me. Her backing singers were brilliant, some excellent harmonies. Always feel backing/session singers don’t get enough credit. The musicians were very good although from my seat the base seemed heavy at times. Maybe that monster obstructing my view was to blame. And it wasn’t just me. Others around made similar comments about the base.

     Neil’s sound system was, of course, spot on. It took a large company of men to re-set the stage for ‘The Big Man’. Excitement could actually be felt as the stage was now ready and a couple appeared clad in rustic appearing to ‘sow and water the seeds’. Then a massive roar as the recognisable figure, with mouth harp on its rest, ambled on stage left – just where I could see him clearly – and sat down at a battered old piano. The very distinctive voice then gave us ‘After the Gold Rush’. The voice was a somewhat lower register than on the cd of that name nor as pure but still as strong and evocative as ever. I don’t propose to go through the whole play list. It’s online for anyone who’s interested.   

     The show continued, acoustic, folk rock, electric, the pedal organ, proficient in all. None of the magic decreased as Neil produced not only perfection (for which he is well known!), but also displayed such an obvious love of music.  What energy, what skill, genius and again that love, bordering on obsession, of the music. His generosity in supporting young musicians, giving them opportunities. As with many ‘Greats’, Leonard Cohen, Van Morrison, Bob Dylan spring to mind, Neil is confident enough in his own ability to surround himself with some of the very best musicians around. And this night was no exception. ‘Promise of the Real’ were good, very good. The rapport amongst all the guys on stage was patent. I left the Hydro on a high.

     By the way does anyone else think the Hydro is an awful place? I saw the Hydro described as futuristic but now believe that writer either had rose-tinted specs or was in a psychedelic haze. And how does the Hydro get away with not having handrails on their very steep steps?

     Meanwhile back at the Exhibition Station platform a couple obviously wearing perfume/deodorant with a strong alcoholic content joined us on the bank of four seats.   

     So I was separated from my new friend. The female half of the couple apologised for sitting between us as she hadn’t realised we were together!  My NBF’s reply? ‘We used to be close but we just drifted apart somehow.’ I love the Scottish wit and dour delivery. As a child I l thought Chick Murray hilarious…

* check out YouTube. Dylan at the Newport Festival 25th July 1965 singing ‘Maggie’s Farm’ with electric guitar – shock, horror! There are several pieces so enjoy the search…

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