k. d. lang Sings "Helpless" for Neil at Junos

k.d. lang sings "Helpless" at Junos - Getty Images photo by Donald Weber

During last night's broadcast of the Canadian Juno Awards ceremony, k. d. lang sang "Helpless" for Neil Young, who is recovering from brain surgery.

Before performing the song, according to the Vancouver Sun, lang said:

"If there is a beacon or a bastion of an artist who has maintained his integrity and his uncompromising vision and purity . . . it is Neil Young.

So Neil, I sing this for you. Heal fast my friend."

(k.d. covered Young's "After The Goldrush" on her last album 'Hymns of the 49th Parallel'.)

Meanwhile, Neil is recuperating in New York City and watched the show at the nearby Canadian consulate.

John Brunton, executive producer of the Juno telecast, said he had spoken to someone at the consulate who reported that Young was visibly moved by the tribute. From Toronto Sun, Brunton said:

"He actually teared up and thought it was one of the most beatufil things.

And he went to the piano -- there's a piano in the house -- and between commercial breaks, he was playing the piano. He watched the entire show. He thought the show was fantastic."

More good news on Neil's recovery from ABC News which reports that Neil is now out of hospital and expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery in New York for a potentially fatal brain aneurism, his publicist says.

Agent Bob Merlis says:

"He's out of the hospital and recuperating in New York. Afterwards, Young plans to go to Nashville to finish some recording work."

Well, that's our Neil. It's all about the music.

More on Neil Young's surgery, health and worldwide reaction. Also, drop Neil a get well note.