Hi Neil and Daryl
Let me start about something else than music for a moment. There are three people who have deeply inspired me over the last thirty years: Jane Goodall, Peter Singer and you, Neil.
I’ve been working with Jane Goodall as an animal advocate since around 1995. Here’s an essay on factory farming and plant-based diets that Jane and I recently wrote together.
I hope you both like it, if you come to read it, and that you will share it in the NY Archives. Peter Singer called it on social media “One of the most powerful essays I’ve ever read on why factory farming must end, to be replaced by more plant-based eating.” My work on animal ethics can be found here:
www.koenmargodt.com
This kind of stuff is not the most popular. Even many animal advocates prefer talking about the beauty of nature and wildlife preservation rather than the suffering caused by factory farming. You’ll recognize this—it’s a bit like folks preferring you to sing about love rather than Monsanto and what else affects Mother Earth. But: how can one have a heart of gold and neglect suffering?
Your music has been a close companion to me for over thirty years. There’s so much emotion, passion and sensitivity in it. I’ve seen you in most of your concerts in Belgium over the last decennia. I hope the Horse will cross the ocean to gallop through Europe’s pastures again. Just an idea: Leonard Cohen got a beautiful outdoor venue set up to play in Ghent, Belgium.
I love your music, your concerts and the NY Archives. The NY Archives is such an amazing way to connect all of us more closely. Thank you so much, Neil!
Love to both of you and thanks for all you’re both doing,
Keep on rocking for a better world,
Koen
Koen
Thanks
Love Neil
be well