Letters submitted by NYA Members for Neil
THANKS FOR THESE LETTERS FOLKS!
LOVE
NEIL
Hi Neil,
Hope you are doing well. I just wanted to share a quick story … you inspired me to go beyond any technical limitations in music (I don’t read music, don’t have extensive knowledge of theory and all that) and get to a point where I now make my own music. It took 20 years to get to that point, so many years playing in bands, trying to learn cover songs note-for-note, it was fun and great experience, however, I always felt that doing original music was out of reach, until I read some interviews you did, maybe back in the early ’90s.
You basically said learning scales and all that wasn’t your approach … so in 2015 I was playing fingerstyle stuff on my acoustic and I recorded it … listened back over the next few weeks and didn’t like it and went back to cover songs. I was discouraged, so didn’t try again—for eight years. But then in 2023 I went through probably the most difficult time in my life, relationship issues, loss of a parent, and in that despair I was sitting with my acoustic and I remembered those interviews of yours … and things just started to flow….
… and flow and flow and flow … it literally felt like I was bleeding through the guitar. I recorded all of it. It was like a tidal wave of ideas—I recorded everything, but the key is, I DIDN’T THINK. I just played. Listening back, I could feel the emotion. No standard song structure, no set time limits, no nothing other than just stopping whatever I was doing when I started hearing melodies in my head.
Then more in 2024, much less in 2025, but then this year even more things happened in life. Wow—the flood of musical ideas was torrid. That’s the only way to describe it … I’d be at work (where I have a guitar) and I might have a 5-minute break, but I’d record whatever came to me in that moment. The great thing is that I’m not “trying,” I’m just playing. I even have my own “archives,” in that I have bits of ideas everywhere, and something may find a home months or years later. From what I know of you, I do music and art the same way you do. This “muse” thing. If I don’t feel it, I don’t play. Simple as that.
I manage a chronic illness, got three college degrees, hiked all the high mountains in Vermont and New Hampshire and have a successful career as a mental health therapist, but nothing in my life compares or comes close to the feeling of finally being able to create original music. Nobody will hear it outside of myself and my family and friends, but who cares about any of that.
So I just wanted to take the time to thank you for a lifetime of music and for being my biggest inspiration.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Brian
p.s. I had lost the things I did in 2015, but I recently found them—I can hear how tentative I was, but I can also hear the beginnings of “my” sound in them … I don’t have kids, so they’re like my “kids” in a way … the later things I did are no better on a “technical” level playing-wise, but the attitude is there, the feel is there and the confidence is there. I am going to bend the guitar to my will and that’s all there is to that. It’s just been a wonderful experience.
Brian
I’m happy to hear your story. keep on playing… I hope the music brings you Joy and relief ,as it has for me.
Thanks!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
I just wanted to thank Zeke for bringing the Bonnaroo show to NYA. It is an important, historic performance.
I will tell him!
Thanks!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Hey Neil,
I wanted to let you know about a story about the song “Comes a Time.”
I used to work at a Summer Camp called Camp Thunderbird in Victoria, BC. Every final campfire, we would sing the song “Comes a Time.” It is really magical to sing around a campfire with the tall trees and lake in the background. This was 25 years ago.
This summer, my daughter final got to go to the camp. On the way home “Comes a Time” came on, and she started singing it. I asked if they sang it at camp. They did. 25 years later.
I know you are occasionally in the area. Should you happen to be in the area during the summer, I know it would be a great privilege for the camp if you happen to show up on final campfire night to help sing the song!
Thank you about it!
Don Peterson
Thanks Don
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Hi Neil, I’m really looking forward to “Second Song.” Between the “After the Gold Rush” typeface and the two songs from the ’60s, what is it about this album that inspired you to look back at your past work? Do you see it as a sequel to “Gold Rush”?
Thanks,
Marc
Marc,
It’s just the way I am now…
Thanks!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Hey Neil!
Can you please remaster the Greendale Album?
I’d love to hear that!
The Mirrorball sounds excellent!
Regards from Germany
Philip
Yes. I think we have done that and it will be released. soon!
Thanks!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Hi Neil,
Was there any material left over from the Stills/Young Sessions?
Would you consider some shows with Stephen and Graham?
Midterms coming: any rallies coming playing with old rockers or any rockers?
Did you know the other Beatles apart from Paul?
Not really
Have you ever jammed with Joe Walsh?
Yes . He is great and it was fun….
Could you confide in me what is the real reason you don’t want to tour these days?
Gloria Steinem once said apparently truth will free you even though it might piss you off at first. Comment.
New Album title Truth Kills?
Who would ever believe Canada and US talking at each other what shame would be like us dissing New Zealand never happen.
Sometimes I get the vibe from some contributors that they think well it’s ok for Neil to have these opinions he’s rich and not struggling like us on the ground out there in the real world.
Being rich does not mean you give up your feelings.
David Geffen said apparently about dealing with Rock stars, Eagles in particular, level people seem to go into a alternate realities: do you believe that, Neil?
is the Broken Arrow Ranch a future recording venue?
How many functioning cars do you have now?
5 or 6…
depending on the day, more or less!
I come from most humble childhood working people are really suffering at the moment yet the Bezos, Musk, Zuckerberg, Steve Allen continue on their merry way.
This not the way liberal capitalism was meant to end up like supposed to bring all the people along its not happening many left behind.
Any answers?
Ditch Citizens United-
I heard you comment that Harvest was not your favourite LP: what is?
Mine is “Zuma.” So fresh clear and crisp must have been fun playing that session in a house I believe.
Hope you answer all the questions probably not worth a try might as well!!
I answered the ones I wanted to!
Sincere regards!!
Steve Downunder (McEvoy)
Thanks Steve!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
I believe that Neil’s voice and likeness, along with many other classic rock stars, have been ripped off with AI for this video. Thought he might want to know.
I assume Neil has seen the video of Neil Young supposedly picking his top 5 rock songs
I thought it was very special and good till I read in comments it was fake.
Is it an AI fake? And Neil what do you think of it—both the content and fact that someone made such a fake?
Never seen or heard of it
Thanks!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Dear Neil Young,
From Machiel in Haarlem, The Netherlands, re: Albuquerque
Of course I like the versions you have here on the site, from 1973 I believe, with the steel guitar and the many vocals and instruments.
But I really love the version from 1999, when it is just you, Hank William’s guitar and the harmonica.
That sober setting so fits the lyrics. Can this be here on your site as well?
Thanks, Machiel
We will check it out
Thanks Michael!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Dear Neil,
Thank you for your beautiful songs.
I am 20 years old, and your music has been—and will continue to be—a true companion of mine. Your songs carry a comforting presence that feels deeply familiar to me. I am always moved and uplifted listening to your wonderful music. Though this may sound familiar, I wanted to share my sincere appreciation.
I am forever grateful.
P.S. If the time ever feels right, I would love to see you perform in the UK someday.
Sending peace and love,
Lucy
Bristol, UK
Thanks Lucy!
LOVE Neil
Be Well
Zeke nailed it!!! Wow! The Horse was rockin’ at Bonnaroo!
I recall requesting a Shoreline NYCH gig from the Greendale tour, which which included many of the 12 songs featured here.
A quick look on Sugar Mtn for the setlist finds the encore was Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black) / Like A Hurricane / Prisoners Of Rock ‘n’ Roll / The Losing End (When You’re On) / Sedan Delivery / Powderfinger // Rockin’ In The Free World. Would still love to hear that show but this Bonnaroo concert might be one of the best live Horse shows in the archives. And the best 2 hours and 20 minutes I’ve spent in many a moon.
Thanks Zeke!!!
Thanks! I will tell Zeke
LOVE Neil
Be Well