Neil Young And Crazy Horse

Hyde Park,  London W2

4/5

NEIL YOUNG and Crazy Horse crash into Hyde Park with an untameable and unrelentingly loud, super-heated two-hour playlist to die for.

Worked up and in the zone, Young comes across as man for all seasons and people as he belts out the heaviest of tunes to this latest in the British Summer Time series. 

He’s vocally on top form too as he inimitably beings his lyrics of existential self-reflection and heartfelt love thrillingly to life.

Occasionally, between tracks, he tucks into a stash of cherries and smiles. 

But that’s soon replaced by the familiar snarl in the wake of his own lyrics charting the passing years, machines taking from the earth that which they ought not and the disappointments of love and friends failing to stand together. 

Despite his appeals for human solidarity and a plea to “free Palestine” on one number, though, there’s no mention of the controversy over his intention to play Tel Aviv tomorrow. 

That gig’s now been cancelled, due to what are rather euphemistically described as “security concerns.”

In close connection with guitarist Frank Sampedro and Ricky Rosas on bass — Young blazes through Love And Only Love and Love To Burn early in the set.

What follows are the  classics — After The Goldrush, Who’s Gonna Stand Up For The Earth, Heart Of Gold, Days That Used To Be and Rocking In A Free World. 

Unsurprisingly, the crowd is delighted.

Huge, meandering guitar notes fill the arena with crystal clear sound and when the poetry of songs of protest and introspection give way to the groove-trip sensations as the solos peal out, the effect is nothing short of blissful.

Peter Lindley