Neil Young News: Comment of the Moment: An Open Letter To Neil Young On Ticket Prices

Monday, September 24, 2007

Comment of the Moment: An Open Letter To Neil Young On Ticket Prices

It looks like the post An Open Letter To Neil Young On Ticket Prices For The Turnstiles managed to strike quite a few nerves. Not that that's our intent here. When we come across something that demands a response we try and give it justice. So here's one of the many fine comments that we received:

I have long enjoyed this site and I think the "Open Letter" makes good points.

But I am also disturbed by the number of blogs here from people who really seem angry and irrational (one person in particular who seems to vent constantly).

I want to suggest that there is a difference between a cultist, or a hero worshiper, and a fan. The former seems to think he knows the guy personally and that N.Y. owes him something -- the fanatics own a piece of him. It's creepy -- devotion turns to disappointment and even to hate.

A fan, on the other hand, might think this way: I just love this guy. Something about his music goes straight to the heart. I like some things he does better than other things. But ALL of it is interesting and sincere. I like his sensibility and his values. And I admire the sheer variety of the music and the consistent productivity -- very rare. In 4 to five years: Greendale; Prairie Wind; Living with War; and now Crome Dreams. Amazing. Who else in rock-pop-folk has produced so much, esp. in late middle age?

For me Neil Young is a man -- just a man. But what a heart. And look at the number of great and beautiful songs over 40-some years.

I have most of the albums and have seen him in concert three times -- every time he worked his ass off. I have no idea where the concert ticket money goes -- maybe to the Bridge School; maybe to fight for peace; maybe to pay musicians. But I have a certain amount of trust in this guy. He doesn't go on the road unless he has something to give. He doesn't put out an album unless he is saying something new -- even if it is with an old, and reportedly great, song. Anyone who thinks this guy does what he does just for the bucks has missed the musician amid the cultism and gossip. To me it is worth the ticket prices to see what Young is up to now -- to hear the new stuff and some new takes on the old

When Springsteen came through my town a couple years ago doing acoustic folk and charging even more than Young is now I chose not to pay. I admire him, but not that much. Not at those prices. Everyone is free to choose. It's our right.

Make a choice, but don't impugn the man's music or motives.

And if you don't want to hear Peggy Young, don't buy her record; don't go to the opening act. If it bothers you that Neil Young loves his wife -- well, keep that sad pathology to yourself, I say. Too bad more husbands don't love their wives more.

I'm grateful this man is still out here -- working hard; speaking out; creating new art; and letting us hear it live.

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59 Comments:

At 9/24/2007 06:17:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I have to agree with this comment. It does seem that some folks are bitter about these prices and taking it a bit far.

When was the last time you bought a car? Did you want a Cadillac but could only afford a Honda? If so, what did you do? Chew out the Cadillac dealer that he was charging too much and threaten to take your business elsewhere? Because if that's where you're coming from I'm sure Neil will be the first to say "so long".
At 9/24/2007 08:51:00 PM, rock momminoff said...: Oh I love this "For me Neil Young is a man -- just a man. But what a heart. And look at the number of great and beautiful songs over 40-some years."

One big mother hug to you and yours!
At 9/24/2007 09:09:00 PM, women at ThreeDeehs Ranch said...: And one big mother hug encore for "Cadillac man or woman ... " and you, too, Thrasher!

XOXOXOXOXOXO
At 9/24/2007 10:08:00 PM, Anonymous said...: As someone who completely agrees that Neil Young is "just a man" who happens to be (arguably) the most outstanding artist of all time, and who also agrees that much of his work in this decade has been of an extremely high quality...

I still haven't seen anyone really address the effect of the prices on Neil's credibility as an artist. Neil Young is a musician who has tied very vocal stances, political and otherwise, to his art his entire career, recently more than ever. The showcase song on his new album is Ordinary People. The extravagant prices create a very real danger that all this could be revealed as hollow.

If anyone asked me why I like Neil Young so much, I think the first thing I would say is that his music has an unmatched "realness" factor. He's at his best when he's gritty, emotional, and honest. He has many songs that are basically just about "keeping it real," to use the cliche. It has been his strength as an artist his whole career. This has continued through the Living with War period, when many admired Neil for loudly voicing his stance on political issues.

I'm not saying that these ridiculous prices can destroy all that, but i do think they have some effect. I think that Neil's concert environment at any given time lasts forever, because each tour is part of his legacy. To me, these credibility issues are much more important than whether I or any other less well-off fan can attend the show in person.

Again, I have seen many well thought out comments defending Neil and many more comments easily picking off those criticizing him irrationally, but I have yet to see anyone address this issue.
At 9/24/2007 10:10:00 PM, imdolphin said...: I have to admit, I was taken aback by the ticket prices, but then reality set in.

I have been very fortunate to have seen my favorite artist consistantly since 1983 begining when Neil toured on Trans.

I have traveled by car and by plane crisscrossing the country from Massachusettes to Washington D.C. to Mountainview experiencing awesome shows all along the way.

I guess my point is that while the actual ticket price has set a new high for a Neil show, it certainly for me is not the most expensive show by far and I couldn't think of anyone else i'd rather spend it on!
At 9/24/2007 11:24:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Couldn't have said it better myself. still I am the guy who buys the honda. Well I guess Bob Dylan and Australian Pink Floyd will have to do for this year.
At 9/25/2007 12:57:00 AM, Anonymous said...: One of the things I've always liked about Neil is that he resists the status quo and likes to side with the upstarts who challenge the system. It's interesting to read about other bands charging less money for playing the same venues. Why doesn't he take an example from bands like Pearl Jam who charge less money for their shows? It seems like in this example, he's sided with the "dinosaurs".

Ian
where the people are the real stars
At 9/25/2007 06:26:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Excellent post above regarding credibility.Anyone who has followed Neil since the early 70's should know now that this ticket price insanity kills his credibility 100% .Sell out is the word we would have used back then.
Neil was always respected for not being a sell out but now he's charging double and triple the price of other good artists.Something is clearly wrong with that.And some people don't get it....... for me , it's not about whether someone can afford it or not.that is not the issue for me.There is no rational justification for Neil charging $ 200 for tickets when other good artists are selling tickets for $ 50-100 maximum.
Keep it real Neil.Maybe write a song about it !
At 9/25/2007 01:22:00 PM, Martin Lav said...: Anonymous' above.....

Address the issue of Neil's credibility?

Don't have to....that's not the issue. The issue is you passing judgment on someone who has demonstrated for over 40 years his credibility and then when 1 inexplicable show goes on sale for more than is standard practice, everyone throws "their hero" under the bus, questioning his motives and claims he is selling out.

That is the issue.

You and everyone else, who claim to be life-long fans of Neil, should be ashamed that you aren't giving him the benefit of the doubt and are judging his entire 40 year career on a show that hasn't even happened yet.

You are no fan.
You are a band-wagoner who complains about the price of gas while driving around in HUMMER.

Shame on you all.

LETTER TO NEIL YOUNG:
I have faith that a $85 minimum ticket price to your show, has VALUE.

Thank you,
PROCOTOLOGIST
At 9/25/2007 02:24:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dear Martin Lavatory,
I don't get your post? It makes no sense at all.

You sir, are a Moe-Ron.

Chili
At 9/25/2007 03:02:00 PM, Martin Lav said...: COB,

"the same thing that makes you live can kill you in the end"

If you don't get it, you won't get it and never will.

You should stick with listening to Rush Limbaugh and stay off these waves.

Heading for the ditch.....
At 9/25/2007 03:22:00 PM, Frying Pan said...: What don't you take this over to Dylan's site. His concert is $180.00 per seat, first level, and many tickets are still available as close as row K, seats 5 & 6.
At 9/25/2007 03:56:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Most of Dylans shows max out between $ 60-80.
I guess he doesnt need to feed his family, pay musicans,lawyers, crew, etc...... almost seems free compared to NEILs prices.

Neil, what's wrong is wrong
At 9/25/2007 04:32:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Boy, do I hate even being part of this discussion; however, all this blather over ticket prices has me in a foul mood. I tried to buy tix today to see Neil at Fox theater - all the tix (except an odd seat here and there) were gone in seven minutes. I suppose I could have gone to e-bay or stub hub to see them fetching upwards of $400 each. Damn capitalists. How wrong is it for Neil to charge $85? $160? Ask yourself how wrong it is for opportunist scalpers to suck up all the tickets and charge outrageous amounts to the needy Neil lovers out there. Neil is just cutting into their profit margin a little.

The market is what the market bears, and the days of $10 to see Foghat are over, wake up and whistle a happier tune, okay?
At 9/25/2007 05:04:00 PM, Anonymous said...: It's 5:00 p.m. and I just got my tickets on the main floor 21 rows from the front ... and they were $95.00 a peace ... Did you try the presale link from Neil's Garage?
At 9/25/2007 05:08:00 PM, RustingInPeace said...: I tried at 10:04 a.m. this morning and again at 4:30 p.m. $95.00 Ticket in section F5 and F2 are still available, keep trying through this link:
http://www.neilyoung.tickets.musictoday.com/NeilYoung/calendar.aspx
At 9/25/2007 07:29:00 PM, haahnster said...: the days of $10 to see Foghat are over...

Oh, I don't know. I'm guessing Foghat would be ecstatic to get $10 per ticket these days.

I've got a great ticket to see Dylan with Elvis Costello as an opener in October. $60, including Ticketbastard fees. I must admit that seems like a bit of a bargain compared to the Neil & Pegi prices.

That said, I think "sell out" is a bit extreme. Budweiser isn't promoting his tour, paying all the expenses, and using his music in TV ads (apologies to Mick, Keef, Charlie & gang). Neil hasn't sold his music for any ads as far as I'm aware. Could he charge less? Certainly. And, it would be nice. But, I don't see how high ticket prices completely ruin the credibility of a 40-year career. It does make the timing of the long-awaited release of "Ordinary People" a tad ironic, however.

As for me, I'll buy the album when it's released. But, I'll just have to be content with seeing Bob live in concert, and taking a pass on Neil this time around.
At 9/25/2007 10:17:00 PM, Ordinary Mom said...: Hello, I'm a very ordinary person.

I'm a girl scout leader who drives a mini van, who shops for discounts, who lives in a bungalow, and who is a stay- at- home Mommy of 3 living on a single family income. I also have a daughter attending a very expensive college.

Guess what I found in the cookie jar? Enough money to treat my husband and I to a night with the Youngs for our anniversary and maybe Christmas.

I got tickets two rows at the cut-off between $22+/-.oo almost 2 for 1. How? Because I did my research, saved a little cash, and I really wanted to see the Chrome Dreams II AND Pegi. Why?

Because, I love the music. I love the back up musicians, the lyrics, the politics, old cars, and the melodies. I love the history.

And I'm VERY happy because I'm going to the Motor City to see this concert.
At 9/26/2007 05:00:00 AM, Jamie Summers said...: i know a lot of this has been said, but here's how I see it. A lot of Neil fans will be comfortable older people who will be able to afford this. This prices out younger people and poorer people, and makes Neil look disingenous. Now of course we can always say that Neil doesn't have a hand in this; it's economics, its just the way it is. But then the constant music fan will know that it's false economics, that there are a hundred thousand bands out there playing every night for a tenth of the price, and although you may not believe it, some are making music just as great and relevant as Neils. A few examples? Dirty Three, Low, American Music Club, Joanna Newsom, all of whom I have seen put on better performances than Neil in the last year in beautiful small venues for reasonable prices.

What it seems to come down to is that Neil is too removed from the situation to really know whats going on. He's suffering from focussing on certain aspects of his life and letting others handle things like bookings, prices, and thats understandable because he's an old guy and probably doesn't want to have to deal with it. The problem is that what other people do in his name pushes him into the same bracket as other baby boomer acts like Bruce, The Police, McCartney; guys doing the stadiums to make the promoters money when the artists no longer need that money.

And it really is down to the market, how much money can be squeezed out of the audience. In America Bruce has got lower prices now, because he's not selling out venues as fast as he used to (or sometimes not selling them out at all!), whereas in Britain he's charging $150 a ticket in a huge arena, because the rich over here aren't as bothered by him singing Seeger songs as the yanks seem to be.

The thing that hurts the fans is that it doesnt have to be this way. There are many many decent music-loving promoters in the world who make a little money out of their work but don't exploit their fellow music fans with extortionate prices. The problem is that Neil doesn't know them and his people don't want him to. It basically saddens me to see Neil on the side of the music world that prizes money making over the side of it that arose out of the post-punk and independent scenes (and has developed into labels like Rough Trade or Mute, promoters like All Tomorrow's Parties, Eat Your Own Ears), that loves him so much and that could make his touring and record producing 'businesses' far more 'righteous', as such.

Regarding some other comments, I found the quote “Let those bums fight it out in the upper balcony steerage section. I’ll be enjoying the show from my orchestra seat, along with the lawyers, doctors, trust funders, and other corporate VIPs."

To be one of the most disgusting and honestly offensive things i've ever read on this site, and this sort of talk genuinely does seem to be completely against everything i've felt Neil as a person believes in. It sums up everything that disgusts me about pricing concerts for the rich and comfortable.

The debate in general on here seems to consist of people who believe the above and care nothing for those who can't afford these prices, people who have struggled to afford them and feel they need to defend Neil (which rather disgusts me considering they should never feel guilty for criticising Neil when they are the ones being exploited) and those who feel betrayed and angry for not being seen as fit to be able to see Neil because they've chosen or not been able to earn enough money.

Basically it's just a very sad state of affairs, very sad to see such vicious attacks from certain people and such disappointment from others, and I can only hope that someone at some time in the future will bring it to Neils attention.
At 9/26/2007 07:00:00 AM, Anonymous said...: AHHH, more of the "HATE THE RICH" garble!
Chili LOVES it! you people (and you know who you are) that loath success simply because your not are the ones that need the help!

Let me tell you a little story. I love Neil's music and style. It's as simple as that.

I;'m not going to "OUT DO" the next Neil fan with stuff like "I SAW HIM TIMES" or I HAVE ALL HIS ALBUMS! or "I ONCE TOOK A SMALL ROCK for my rock garden FROM THE CREEK THAT RUNS THROUGH HIS RANCH!"
(all of which are true).

You people need help-seriously. I like that "Simple Mopm's" post up a ways back. Just a good old ordinary fan. Not somebody putting a human up on some pedistal that is GOD like. I means really.

Let me give you a Ticket price from Chili's Perspective. I'm sick of YEARS of all the out of work Maggots that have the TIME away from work and can afford a $20 ticket to follow him to TOWN AFTER TOWN, when Old Chili has RESPONSIBILITIES and has to WORK and is lucky to see him when he comes to Atlanta.

So how about that you BIG BABIES! now you can only see him ONCE as was intended. Perhaps we'll get newer more "progressive" fans that don't spew HIPOCRISY in every post they make.

(Yes Chili is fully aware of his spelling errors, but it;s dark in here).

Over and out,
CHILI
At 9/26/2007 08:10:00 AM, Ordinary Mom said...: Jaimie? Don't underestimate the young people. They are(suspiciously) more creative, industrious, and conniving as their parents were during time of weekend concert festivals .... Where there is motivation, their is purpose. Where there is purpose, there is motivation.
At 9/26/2007 09:00:00 AM, Mother Nature on the Run said...: "The showcase song on his new album is Ordinary People. The extravagant prices create a very real danger that all this could be revealed as hollow."

Now this is borderlining the ridiculous. It's a song written how long ago?

The only thing that hasn't changed is our attitude about the ordinary folk. We're too stupid to figure out how we can afford to go to a concert?

It is the ordinary folk that have proven to be resourceful so much that we continue to outwit the likes of people who underestimate our ability to survive during good times or bad.

And when Neil comes to town, we'll be there to welcome him! If he can't make it to our town, then some us will drive to see him.

The point is that we are all together at Neil Young concerts, the haves and have nots. The only difference is that we don't see the barrier that others create for us.

Please don't ruin the experience for us.
At 9/26/2007 09:15:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Tickets for Emmylou Harris in a theater in New Bedford, Mass, range from $85 to $65. Tickets for Neil Young in a theater in Connecticut range from $100 to $60. Emmylou is a wonderful talent, but she's not in the same league as NY, though you don't see that big of a difference in their prices.

I rarely go to music events, so I have no basis for knowing how Neil Young's tickets compare to others. I do know that he's cheap compared to Broadway shows and Red Sox tickets, if you can even get them.

Tom
At 9/26/2007 11:51:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Neil's music is not Neil. He writes tender songs, has a handicapped child, supports charity, seems to worship his wife. He's also greedy, cruel, egocentric, a liar and a hypocrite. Just a man,indeed. You see the public face and attach your dream to it. You fantasize that you know what his heart is. You crave a hero, someone who's worthy of your adoration. You defend him against all criticism. I have quite a different take on which of us is pathological and irrational.
At 9/26/2007 11:56:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I agree that people should just leave off going on about the ticket prices. I myself live in England and am only a student so I have no chance of seeing this tour and very little chance of seeing the genius that is Neil Young ever. Those that are in a position to go should remember how lucky they are.

There is no doubt that the prices are a lot to pay, but how many its not like this is an everyday occurance and plus, if you have the chance to go and decide not to and then that show turns out to be another legendary one to rival the likes of Rust Never Sleeps or the Heart of Gold Movie, how gutted would you be?

Keep going Neil, there is no-one to rival you man!
At 9/26/2007 01:16:00 PM, Ordinary Mom said...: Funny, the reason why I'm going to his concert is because his music is good. And I happen to like Pegi's music and her band.

So are you saying that you're not going because he writes tender songs, has a handicapped child, supports charity, and seems to worship his wife?

And because he's also greedy, cruel, egocentric, a liar and a hypocrite, you think I shouldn't go, either?

I don't think I'm irrational or obsessive about Neil Young's psyche or patho; I think you are.
At 9/26/2007 01:32:00 PM, Ordinary Mom with Chrome Dreams II said...: Oh ya, I forgot. Beside not having any dental insurance, I also am:

1)an amateur tender-hearted song-writer

2)a mother of a child with special needs

3)currently supporting a charity

4)madly in love with my husband

5)greedy - I spend to much time on the computer and have the burnt pots and pan to prove it.

6)Cruel, or my kids tell me so when I limit their time on the computer or make them brush their teeth or do their homework when they're friends are out playing.

7)I'm egocentric and self-absorbed

8)I have been told I stretch the truth

9)I'm a hypocrite; I tell my kids pot, swearing, and alcohol is bad for them yet I had my share in my younger days before I got married.

So I guess that means I'm entitled to buy a ticket to one of Neil Young's concerts.

Sorry you won't be there with the rest of us ordinary people.
At 9/26/2007 01:59:00 PM, Anonymous said...: That's right, Chili. Mustn't let the snot-nosed proletariat get too uppity. Then what would happen to we elite? You and I and Neil know that things work best for everyone when the chosen few run the show and collect the profits. We know what's best. Sell em a dream and rake it in, boy. We don't need no stinkin working class hero. No money in it. Just a hero for the working class.
At 9/26/2007 02:03:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Anyone have an update on the lawsuit against Neil and Pegi for fraud and deceit over the sale of their $1.5 million boat?
At 9/26/2007 02:21:00 PM, Bored with ya said...: First off it's Neil Young and Margaret Young, not Pegi named in the Lawsuit and Second, they are the Plaintiffs not the Defendants, that's WN Ragland, Manitoba Corporation, Michael M Moore and Jane Doe Moore. Oh yeah and I learned something from all the bickering....Neil Young is Rich? Holy Mother of !!!! Who knew? lol
See ya in Seattle Neil...and Pegi ;O)
At 9/26/2007 06:32:00 PM, hlqta said...: "Sell em a dream and rake it in, boy. We don't need no stinkin working class hero. No money in it. Just a hero for the working class." Somebody have to be hero to put on concert or something? Homer Simpson is my hero but I don't think he does concerts.
At 9/26/2007 10:25:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Sells some Ranch Property (Rolling Stone Article)

Pumps out a 1/2 dozen Albums and a movie in a two year period.

Sells the Ragland (His Grandpa's Scooner)

Raises ticket prices way way up there.

Lionel is close to if not in bankruptcy?

I'm just asking?
At 9/27/2007 12:26:00 AM, Yubetyerboots said...: Hey, Einstein, it sounds like you cracked some sort of case here. Come to think of it, I saw this feller that sorta looked like him with a sign "will work for food." Gave him my last dollar. (As it turns out, it wasn't him.)

I don't know Neil Young anymore than you but I recall reading something in this big book we leave in the outhouse about a boat he christened after his Granddad. I don't believe his Granddad ever owned it.

I think the book is called "Shakey." Have you read it? You should. It was written for inquiry minds like yerself.

Funny stuff in there. Good one about the Band getting lost in a song with three chords, hehe.

Anyway, sorry to hear about Lionel. I'm a train collector myself. Don't know sam hill about his property.

Thanks for the newsflash. Sorry your gonna miss the concert this year.
At 9/27/2007 12:33:00 AM, Anonymous said...: I've read more than a few comments justifying Neil's prices as ridiculous by comparing them to Bob Dylan's prices. I am not at all trying to restart a neil's better or bob's better debate, because the truth is both men are legends for a reason. They both have gifts that are extremely rare, and although I prefer Neil at this time in my life, I've spent countless hours listening to both of them and consider them both equal on a "scale of greatness". With that in mind, and please, I'm very seriously not trying to knock Bob...

Yes, Dylan tickets might be cheaper, but if you've been to many shows, hopefully the ones you've been to have been better than mine. I haven't been for five years or so, but the ones I've been to have been...how do I say this...really bad. Meanwhile Neil still pours his heart out with his guitar and voice as powerful as ever and gives us shows that rarely dissappoint...

Dylan tours constantly, so demand is not nearly as high for someone of his stature that tours once a year at most recently...then throwing in the size of the venue and there you have it...buck for buck comparing a neil show with a dylan show is pretty difficult.

I'm sorry to bring this up, but I have to...it's been putting a big drain on this site recently...COLD BOWL OF CHILI...I'm sorry you have so much hate to vent on this site. I could pick apart your tirades and explain how revealing they are, but I'm not trying to fuel your fire. When you were doing this during LWW you got many of the responses you were looking for, but I also remember a few people like me telling you you need help. So I'll offer a reminder. Please go talk to someone...if the things you write here are sincere and not just your strange type of entertainment (and even if it is), I hope someday you will realize you are in the wrong...in a bad way brother.
At 9/27/2007 01:22:00 AM, Dylan & Young 4ever said...: Thats funny. I have two ticket to see Dylan and I just paid tickemaster almost $500. I think I'm in row "L," but it might be "I." Exactly where are you people finding seats less than $200.00 for Bob Dylan?
At 9/27/2007 10:22:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Now that we've spent alot of time discussing and argueing over ticket prices, for those of us that did buy tickets,it might be interesting/fun to share our wishlist setlists for the show.At this point we have no idea of the setlist, but i think everyone has specific songs they'd love to hear live. I'm working on mine now !
I'll be lucky to get 1 or 2, but it's fun to wish and hope I hear some of the songs I want to hear.

And although I am someone who objected in principal to the high ticket prices,I can afford it and couldnt resist picking up good seats for Neil.
At 9/27/2007 10:49:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Here's my wish list:

Cortez
Revolution Blues
Albuquerque
World on a String
Powderfinger
White Line
Roll Another Number/Too Far Gone
Borrowed Tune
Cowgirl
Love and Only Love
Down By the River
Here for You
Four Strong Winds
See the Sky About to Rain
The Campaigner (where even Georgie Bush has got soul)
Families

(It's asking too much, isn't it?)
At 9/27/2007 11:13:00 AM, Anonymous said...: Wow, it's hard to reduce my wishlist to less than 50 songs !
Here goes. Not neccesarily my favorate Neil tunes,but having seen Neil alot, this is what i'd like to hear.......

1. On the way home
2. Long may you run
3. Thrasher
4. Falling off the face of the earth
5. Here we are in the years
6. Stringman
7. Out of my mind
8. Too far gone
9. Journey thru the past
10.Coastline
11.Helpless
12.Look out for my love
13.What did you do to my life
14.Roll another number
15.Albuquerque
16.Your my girl
17.Over and over
18.time fades away
19.War song
20.everybody knows this is nowhere
21.Don't be denied
22.Come on baby, let's go downtown
ENCORE:
23.Mr.Soul(electric)
24.Cowgirl in the sand

songs I dont want to hear live :
-Needle and the damage done
-Sugar mountain
-hey hey my my

thanks.
At 9/27/2007 12:26:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I recall seeing Barbra Streisand concert tickets going for well over $1000.00 face value. Cheap seats were still $200.00 and she was playing 20,000 seater's.

Ticketmaster sells premium tickets by auction on their site to select concerts. Go check what Van Halen tics went for. Tickets for a basketball or hockey game can easily run into the hundreds. Go to Vegas and see what a good show would cost. How about dinner for 2 with wine in a nice restaurant?

I am tired of listening to the bleeding hearts about Neil ripping them off. We have the opportunity to see/feel/enjoy one of the true legends of music in a small venue.

In someways I get the feeling that Neil is in "nostalgic gear" these days. Especially with the 3 nights at Massey Hall in Toronto. You may never get the chance again to see him in such intimate venues.

I think we have all been use to paying much less to see Neil and many other great artist in the past. I think we are just catching up with the real world now - $200 bucks to see Neil in a small concert hall ... Priceless
At 9/27/2007 12:32:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Here's a few I've never had a chance to hear live, but would like to:

Out on the Weekend
Albuquerque
Mellow My Mind
Ambulance Blues
On the Beach
Oh Lonesome Me
Days that Used to Be
At 9/27/2007 12:32:00 PM, ORDINARY NEIL YOUNG FAN said...: I LIKE YOUR SET LIST .... HERE'S MINE ...

1) Powderfinger

2) 4 strong winds (although it sort of makes me weepy...)

3) Goin Back

4) No Wonder

5) Anything from Greendale

6) Tell Me Why

7) Clancy or Broken Arrow

9 - ?? ALL OF CHROME DREAMS II
At 9/27/2007 12:35:00 PM, Rock Momminoff said...: Tell Me Why OR Oh Lonesome Me ... just don't fucking sing along with him, okay?
At 9/27/2007 12:44:00 PM, women from the threedeehs ranch said...: Don't be f*ck'n with Barbra's Fan base over here... believe me ... you DO NOT WANT THEM OVER HERE ...
At 9/27/2007 03:24:00 PM, George said...: I really like the idea of him playing both Chrome Dreams II and the original Chrome Dreams in their entirety.

Could we possibly be that lucky though??
At 9/27/2007 03:40:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I would like him to bring the big Fender stacks and play the entire Arc (weld)Feedback CD and shock the hell out of everyone
At 9/27/2007 04:18:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I got tix and am going , did not worry my mind about paying a extra 30 bucks to see the man play .

think about this :

the massey hall concert sold out in a matter of ten minutes.

so there is a demand by fans to see him play with the crazy horse in a intimate venue .

second
neil does not owe his fans cheap ticket prices where it is going to cost him out of his pocket.

less tickets means less money being pulled in to pay out to a manager , roadies, crazy horse,the concert promoters also get a cut .

I have never seen neil young live so to see him with the horse is a bonus , I am not a rich person but I managed to put some cash together to go see my idol.

it is kinda funny when you think about all the cry babies that are pissed about ticket prices .

you are a fan and enjoy his music but as soon as you cant afford tix , you start taling shit ?

so if tickets where cheaper then it be all kosher and you be there to enjoy great music.

the same kind of people who only root for there football team when they are winning but god forgive them if they lose .

neil owes no one nothing

he makes music and that should be enough
At 9/27/2007 04:30:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dude I don't think Crazy Horse is on this tour
At 9/27/2007 04:47:00 PM, rock momminoff said...: I'll take Falling off the Face OR No Wonder in any of the sets listed...

And Crazy Horse is always there in Spirit as long as Molina's around. He is the heart beat ... boomboom ... boomboom... boomboom ...
At 9/27/2007 04:57:00 PM, Ordinary Donna said...: I just put in a bid at Tickmaster for the orchestra in Motor City ... wish me luck kids!
At 9/27/2007 10:20:00 PM, MCM DREAM said...: Motor City Momma's Dream:

Powderfinger w/ Old Black

Clancy - I've never heard him do this song solo

Falling off the Face of the Earth on 12 string

Tell Me Why - solo

CHROME DREAMS II (WITH VIDEO OF OLD CARS ... YEAHHHHH!!!)
At 9/28/2007 04:15:00 PM, Anonymous said...: Dream Sequence

Out on the Weekend
Journey through the Past
Stringman
Flying on the Ground is Wrong
Great Divide
Ambulance Blues
Revolution Blues
Crime in the City (full version)
Powderfinger
Pushed it over the Edge
Gateway of Love
Down by the River
Cortez the Killer
Ordinary People

1st Encore
Don't be Denied
Living with War

2nd Encore
For the Turnstiles
The Old Laughing Lady
At 9/28/2007 05:25:00 PM, Martin Lav said...: How about:

THE WILL TO LOVE

????

Never, ever have I heard Neil do this song live or heard about him doing it live. I'm sure it's hard to re-produce, but this is a magical song and one of his most under-appreciated.

If he played this song, he should be able to charge double what he's charging now!
At 9/29/2007 12:38:00 AM, HE Pennypacker said...: No chance of Will To Love - he's never managed to play it again in it's entirety, not even in the studio. He gave up in frustration when trying to record it with CSN in the '70's...
At 10/03/2007 09:30:00 PM, Anonymous said...: FYI- I bought tix to the Toronto show at Massey Hall and was informed by Ticketmaster the free CD offer is not valid in Canada even though I live in the U.S. I'm willing to pay the price to see Neil but when the ticket agencies pull this crap its them that really piss me of. Just because it was .ca instead of .com They can take their surcharges and shove them up their @#$.
At 10/18/2007 07:42:00 PM, Amy said...: Unfortunately i recently became unemployed because another factory closed down n the USA ...When i saw Neil was on tour i was hoping to get to see him. However due to the high price of tickets i just can't afford to go.....I do not however blame Neil whatsoever for the skyrocketing prices.....i blame all these ticket companies and big wigs...corporate greed!!!
So i will be content at home with my stereo and Neil blasting from the speakers..Hope all of you that are able to attend his shows have a great time...and as the old adage goes " wish i was there"
Rock on Neil....and thank you for the many years of great music!!!
At 11/23/2007 02:44:00 PM, Anonymous said...: I thought the price of my tickets/ at the fox for neil show was okay, but then I had 3rd row and all and from what the same type of seats were going for on stubhub and the like ,practically a bargain-- But 1st he sends us a c.d. so we could hear the new songs, bluebird,shining light boxcar,but then he didn't play any of the great songs on the new album. I was very dissappointed. awesome for those not having seen neil before but i have seen this concert arew times before. I thought I could trust that I would hear these new songs at the concert. after all dosen't an artist hit the roan in support of his new album.. I guess with so many of his fans willing to worship his farts. he knows that he can just play what he wants... at least pegis set was fresh
At 9/13/2008 06:38:00 AM, Anonymous said...: 250.oo bucks for a good ticket to a neil young show at the acc in toronto is pretty steep , I still bought a ticket for 112.00 but it's hard times for the fan who wants to catch his fave artist live.

Neil does not owe his fan's a thing at the same time we are the ones who buy the merch his albums and pay high prices for tickets to his shows .

is it worth it ?

I like to think so .

on a Positive note this is one amazing tour.I am lucky I got a decent ticket.

I just feel bad for the fans who love his music but cant afford to go see there fave artist kick ass.

"keep on rocking in a free world"
At 9/17/2008 08:26:00 PM, ShittyHorse said...: And remember....KEEP ON ROCKN" IN THE FREE WORLD because THERE'S A WORLD YOUR LIVING IN and WE GOT MOTHER NATURE ON THE RUN IN THE 21ST CENTRY. Dont be LIKE A HURRICANE and LIVE WITH A CINNMON GIRL, DOWN BY THE RIVER SEARCHING FOR A HEART OF GOLD with and OLD MAN and a COWGIRL in THE SAND with the VAMPIRE BLUES. and keep away from THE NEEDLE AND THE DAMAGE DONE. THERE"S STILL CRIME IN THE CITY but I"M TOO FAR GONE from OHIO. Im a SOUTHERN MAN from ALABAMA but I like to visit ALBUQERQUE. PARDON MY HEART while I ROLL ANOTHER NUMBER FOR THE ROAD of this nice HOMEGROWN so COMEON BABY LET"S GO DOWNTOWN..DOWNTOWN TONIGHT. PEACE AND LOVE is ON THE LOSING END so LOOK OUT JOE cause I'm a TRANSFORMER MAN thats LIKE AN INCA FROM PURU. That CORTEZ THE KILLER; GOOD TO SEE YOU SLEEPS WITH ANGELS AND HAS CHROME DREAMS II. It was an ACT OF LOVE the BLUE EDEN in the BIG GREEN COUNTRY.See the BIRDS with the BARSTOOL BLUES? SEE THE SKY ABOUT TO RAIN? BE THE RAIN! I was BRINGING DWON DINNER when I was BURNED by a BANDIT with a BROKEN ARROW riding a BOXCAR in the CALIFORNIA SUNSET.The CAMPAIGNER; CAPTAIN KENNEDY CARMICHAEL CHANGED YOUR MIND and CHANGED HIGHWAYS in THIS TOWN by the COASTLINE near your COUNTRY HOME.DANCE DANCE DANCE DANGER BIRD your CRYING EYES cause DADDY WENT WALKING in A WORLD ON A STRING WITHOUT RINGS like a real WESTERN HERO with some WELFARE MOTHERS. WHAT HAPPENED YESTERDAY WHEN GOD MADE ME WHAT DID YOU DO TO MY LIFE WHITE LINE? WALK ON DIRTY OLD MAN with the WEIGHT OF the WORLD...TOO LONELY UNION MAN..show you VIOLENT SIDE! WE NEVER DANCED with the OLD LAUGHING LADY. THROUGH MY SAILS DOWM ON THE HOMESTEAD. that was on my LAST TRIP TO TULSA across the GREAT DIVIDE but HEY HEY MY MY im out of WORDS cause TONIGHTS THE NIGHT and You are SUCH A WOMAN SUN GREEN no STUPID GIRL we have STAYIN POWER so Im SPEAKIN OUT SOLDIER cause i heard some SHOTS of PRESSURE by PEOPLE ON THE STREETS. ON the BEACH ON BROADWAY ON THE WAY HOME. FUCKN UP THAT PIECE OF CRAP POCAHONTAS ONE OD THESE DAYS near a HARVEST MOON. MY MY a NEW MAMA is a NATURAL BEAUTY,a MYSTERY TRAIN...a TRANS AM. NO MORE NO HIDDEN PATH,MY HEART, MY BOY, my MUSIC ARCHADE. MELLOW MY MIND MOTORCYCLE MAMA! LONG MAY YOU RUN LITTLE WING LOOK OUT FOR MY LOVE on your LONG WALK HOME cause im LOST IN SPACE with a LOTTA LOVE and SURFER JOE AND MOE THE SLEZE. IM LOOKING FOR A LEADER for the MASION ON THE HILL JELLY ROLL MAN... INCA QUEEN, IVE GOT A PROBLEM..I"M KINDA FONDA WANDA. LETS ROLL on the HUMAN HIGHWAY with HAWKS and DOVES and we'll tell HARD LUCK STORIES amd listen to GRANDPAS INTERVIEW while we're GOING BACK...GOING HOME to our FAMILES DEEP FORBIDDEN LAKE So LETS ROLL cause your MY GIRL you can RIDE MY LLAMA on the DEVILS SIDEWALK I'll look at the SCATTERED SCENERY from my SAFEWAY CART...IN THE PRIME OF LIFE POWDERFINGER so RODGER AND OUT HORSESHOE MAN!!!
At 4/06/2010 01:51:00 PM, JMM said...: I think I paid $5.00 for my first Neil concert. That was 31 shows ago. I was happy to pay $90.00 to stand for hours (up close) for the last tour (twice-Detroit & Sault Ste. Marie) But I be dammed if I'll pay $100.00 for nose bleed seats to watch a giant TV, if there even is one. I know I can't afford over and above some of the premium seating prices I've seen. Get real with the real fans Neil. We're the ones who love ya!
Maybe he should bring Dan Clear on tour with him. Now that was For The turnstiles entertainment.
PS Probably won't see you in Detroit, Nobody has any money left.