On a memorable evening on May 23, Neil Young revisited one of the most deeply personal songs in his extensive musical catalog, performing “My Boy” live for the first time in over four decades during a special benefit concert. This performance not only showcases Young’s enduring talent but also highlights the emotional connection he has with his music and his audience.

The concert, which featured a solo acoustic set on the picturesque grounds of Ontario’s Lakefield College School, marked Neil Young’s first full live performance of 2025. This event was held to support restoration efforts for a historic 116-year-old cottage nearby, showcasing Young’s commitment to both music and community. Despite the less-than-ideal cold and rainy conditions, fans eagerly paid up to $1,500 for tickets to experience the intimate 18-song set, demonstrating the enduring appeal of Young’s music and the special connection he shares with his audience.

While the setlist included timeless classics such as “Heart of Gold,” “Comes a Time,” and “Sugar Mountain,” it was the mid-show rendition of “My Boy” that truly resonated with the audience, eliciting strong emotional responses. This poignant ballad, originally released on 1985’s Old Ways, features a distinctive banjo arrangement and serves as a heartfelt tribute to Young’s eldest son, Zeke. Remarkably, this song had not been performed live since Young’s 1983 Solo Trans tour, making its return a significant moment for both the artist and his fans.

“Why are you growin’ up so fast, my boy?” Young sang with genuine emotion. Earlier in the day, he shared a nostalgic vintage photo on social media showing himself with Zeke and his late father, the esteemed Canadian journalist Scott Young. In his post, Young expressed, “Practicing for Lakefield, I was playing ‘My Boy,’ thinking about my own dad. I knew he must have heard this song,” highlighting the deep familial connections that inspire his music.

“My dad was a great guy, and Zeke is a wonderful son. I think ‘My Boy’ is my favorite recording of all the ones I have done,” Young reflected, emphasizing the personal significance of this particular song in his expansive discography. This statement underscores the emotional weight that accompanies his music and the experiences that shape his artistry, making each performance a unique journey for both the artist and his listeners.

In addition to “My Boy,” Young surprised the audience with rare performances of tracks like “Love/Art Blues,” which hadn’t been played live since 2008, and the CSNY deep cut “Name of Love,” a song that had not appeared on a setlist since 2014. The concert concluded with the classic “Old Man,” although a printed setlist hinted at two intended encore tracks — “Throw Your Hatred Down” and “Rockin’ in the Free World” — which were likely omitted due to the inclement weather, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next opportunity to see Young live.

This remarkable show serves as a precursor to Young’s highly anticipated Love Earth Tour, which is set to kick off on June 18 in Sweden. The U.S. leg of the tour is scheduled to begin on August 8 in Charlotte, North Carolina. While details regarding the setlist remain confidential, fans are excited about the prospect of hearing new tracks from his upcoming album Talkin’ to the Trees, which is expected to be released on June 13 via Reprise Records. This tour not only marks a new chapter in Young’s illustrious career but also reinforces his lasting impact on the music industry.