During the Light Up the Blues charity concert held on Saturday night, Neil Young revisited a lesser-known track, showcasing his enduring talent and connection to social issues. This remarkable event featured a star-studded lineup, including Billy Idol, Linda Perry, Rufus Wainwright, and Young’s former bandmate Stephen Stills, all gathering at the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. The concert’s proceeds were dedicated to supporting Autism Speaks, a vital non-profit organization focused on advancing autism research and advocacy.

Young opened his set with the much-anticipated live debut of “Let’s Roll Again,” a new track from his forthcoming album titled Talking to the Trees. The song’s compelling lyrics resonate with the current political turmoil in America, addressing critical themes such as corporate greed. Young delivered powerful lines that struck a chord with the audience, including: “Let’s cover our back / Protect our children / Protect our children / Over in China / They’re way ahead / That’s hard to swallow / They’re way ahead / If yer a fascist / Then get a Tesla / If it’s electric, it doesn’t matter.” This performance not only highlighted Young’s lyrical prowess but also his role as a commentator on societal issues.

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While the new song captivated the audience, it was not the only highlight of the evening. The standout moment came with Young’s performance of “Ordinary People,” which he delivered live for the first time in 36 years, much to the delight of fans. Originally recorded during the sessions for the 1988 album This Note’s for You, “Ordinary People” was performed sparingly in its early years, only gracing the stage a handful of times in 1988 and ’89. Despite its age, the song’s themes of gun violence, class struggles, and the ongoing fight against corporate greed remain strikingly relevant today. The tune eventually saw its official release in 2007 on Chrome Dreams II. A video of this historic performance can be viewed below.

Discover the Additional Highlights from Neil Young’s Set at Light Up the Blues

In a powerful finale, Stephen Stills joined Young for the last two songs of the set, performing “Human Highway” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.” The chemistry between the two former CSNY bandmates was palpable as they exchanged intense guitar solos during the latter track, igniting the crowd’s enthusiasm. As the performance concluded, they rallied the audience to chant “Take America back!”, a poignant call to action that resonated deeply with the collective spirit of the attendees.

Looking ahead, Young’s next performance is set for May 23, where he will present a solo acoustic set at another charity benefit in Lakefield, Ontario. Following this, his highly anticipated world tour, featuring his new backing band the Chrome Hearts, will commence in Sweden this June, with an American leg launching in August, promising fans more opportunities to experience his legendary music live.