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Neil Young: After the Gold Rush, Anger and Vitriol

4/25/07, 5:36 pm EST

Neil YoungFor our fortieth anniversary, the editors of Rolling Stone have interviewed twenty artists and leaders who helped shape our time. Over the next four weeks, every day, we’ll be debuting exclusive audio clips from the Q&As, giving you unparalleled access to some of the most important personalities in history.

Today we present everyone’s favorite Canadian, rock troubadour and avid Lionel train set collector Neil Young. In his twilight years, Young is full of unrest. He’s transformed from that guy who sang “Cowgirl in the Sand,” who jammed with Pearl Jam, who spent way too much time with Crosby, Stills, and Nash into one of the most vocal artists to speak out against the Bush Administration and the war in Iraq. We’d vote Neil for President, if only he weren’t a naturalized citizen. Talking to Rolling Stone’s David Fricke, Young speaks at length about the Iraq War, including his take on a mandatory draft, rocking in the red states and why he likes being booed.

  • Young discusses the main difference between the students of the ’60s, who rabidly protested the Vietnam War, and the apathetic students of the ’00s: “It’s more important for them to get a job than it is to worry about the war. Because the economy is in shambles. Because no one is coming to the campuses and taking them over to Iraq. But as soon as they start doing that, you’ll see everything change immediately. It would be like night and day. These students are ready to rock — but nobody’s pushed the button.”
  • Neil Young gets off on the red states’ hatred toward him. Seriously: “We had a boo-o-meter on the tour. Irvine, California; Fresno, California; Atlanta, Georgia…maybe St. Louis, Missouri. Those were highest on the boo-o-meter…I was encouraged and rejuvenated by the reaction…”
  • Young isn’t trying to make you switch party lines. He’s just fighting for your freedom of speech: “We’re not changing anybody’s mind. We’re just making people come to the fore, who already feel that way but haven’t had the nerve or the time or the opportunity to make themselves heard.”

Check back tomorrow for the next installment of our twenty-part audio interviews, featuring some of the most iconic and influential pop culture figures of the last 40 years. Want a hint at tomorrow’s interviewee? He told us this:

I was a scared kid. I was born a nervous wreck, and I think movies were one way of transferring my own private horrors to everyone else’s lives. It was less of an escape and more of an exorcism.

Rolling Stone

More Audio Interviews, 40th Anniversary


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Comments

Canada Sucks | 7/11/2009, 1:28 am EST

And so does Neil Young. He’s a pussy with ears. Maybe he should take a Midol and chill. I know that’s what Keith “the bitch” Olbermann recommends.

KKKOOL | 6/21/2009, 5:56 am EST

1St time to this web site, and somewhat late, but I would suggest that ‘Cooter’ stop hitting the sauce before he posts….(4/25/07}. Perhaps he would actually be taken more seriously. Then again….no.

The Man | 6/9/2009, 5:06 am EST

Neil Young is nothing but a bellyaching wimp. All he does is piss and moan. Neil Young can go back to Canada and be a pusbag there. Neil Young, you can go to hell while you’re at it you self-rightous POS. Screw you, pal.

STRATCAT. | 10/14/2007, 3:22 pm EST

WHAT IS A COOTER, A MORON?NEIL IS NOWHERE CLOSE TO BEING WASHED UP.ALSO I LIKE THE U.S.A. BUT CANADA IS THE BEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD,AND I BELIEVE NEIL ALREADY KNOWS THAT.I STILL CANT BELIEVE THAT YOU CHOOSE “COOTER” DID YOU LOSE A BET?

STRATCAT. | 10/14/2007, 3:08 pm EST

I wish neil would come home too,i bet if neil,or one of his friends showed him your comment,he would be real pissed at you.No,it was just a joke like your self.Neil does care alot about the U.S.A.He does not take from America,he pays his taxes,does benefit concerts eg:the 911 concert,he started farm aid with willie nelson(now its an annual event.But CANADA is neils home.you sho nuff bin drinkin yo shine too much wif aw yo friend.best to be stopin nah cooter ya heer.I have nothing against America,I have relatives in BOSTON,NEW YORK,AND TEXAS.But CANADA is the best choice.p.s.NEIL YOUNG is farfrom washed up.Of all the names you want to be COOTER?

Old guy | 10/6/2007, 1:13 pm EST

Neil Young like most celebrities would have have a tough time in an intellectual discussion of any relevant topic. I’ve listened to this nonsensical bullshit for 60+ years. As a Vietnam Vet, (yeah I’m proud of serving ) start thinking for yourselves. Neil, stick to singing and GTF out of politics.

STRATCAT. | 9/25/2007, 11:34 am EST

Neil we have problems in Canada too,but you’re so wrapped up in red white and blue you don’t give a shit about you’re homeland.But still you are loved here,even though you moved to the U.S.A and never looked back.So now you’re a proud american,Canada is just another country.Neil,canada is a huge beautiful country.but you made you’re choice.but you are still one of myfavorite musicians.I love you’re music.

Fans from Ontario | 5/28/2007, 2:56 pm EST

keep on rockin in the free world.

Fans from Ontario | 5/28/2007, 2:56 pm EST

keep on rockin in the free world.

Fans from Ontario | 5/28/2007, 2:54 pm EST

Keep on rocking in the free world.

Fans from Ontario | 5/28/2007, 2:54 pm EST

Keep on rocking in the free world.

northam | 5/13/2007, 1:44 pm EST

under the same flag soon…

DPiddy | 5/1/2007, 3:35 am EST

America is a great country. But you have the wrong president, the wrong government and you definitely have to learn how to live with all your weapons. In addition to that you have to look at your own problems and not always trying to hide that problems with wars in other countries.

Most of the people here in Europe have such a great sense of freedom. Why is that sense of freedom in America so different? You are digging your own grave. Day by day.

And if an artist like Neil Young wants to say, what he wants to say than he has the right to do it! He lives in the states since the 70ies.

You don´t have to be american to understand what your problems are. You can say that everyone outside America understands your problems much better than you do.

Vic | 4/30/2007, 10:32 pm EST

I’ve always found it amusing that it takes a Canadian to remind us what it really means to be American. Freedom of speech extends to more than the Fox News Channel. I would argue that Neil shows more love for the USA than most Americans — by speaking up, by caring, by pointing out when the country lives up to its ideals, and when it doesn’t.

I agree with the poster who said Neil is the most important rock artist of the past 40 years. He has never failed to move me or inspire me — and that’s more true today than ever.

Keep on rockin’ the free world, Neil.

fourladshkwrld | 4/30/2007, 9:06 pm EST

have the strngth to disagree w/out
being disagreeable Neil Young is way cool and Long May You Run Mr. Young!!!

traveling_musician | 4/30/2007, 2:08 pm EST

Why is it when someone actually uses the Right of Freedom of Speech, the ones who disagree with them think their Right is of higher standing? Freedom of speech was/is for everyone according to the Founding Fathers…isn’t that the point? Most often I hear the same old argument when Neil is talked about…”he’s Canadian!” Well as a Canadian I can tell you there is a reason why he keeps his Citizenship here as well as being American (since 1966 I might add, and Wife and Kids are American)…because he takes pride in his home Country where we have Freedom of Speech. If only we were all as “washed up” as Neil Young (he’s got you in a tither).

FANS FROM ONTARIO | 4/30/2007, 1:26 pm EST

NEIL IS THE MOST INFLUENIAL SINGER SONG WRITER AND GUITAR PLAYER IN ROCK HISTORY FOR THE LAST 4 DECADES. HE CAN WRITE AND PLAY WELL EVEN TODAY. BUT BOB CANNOT .

Lookout Joe | 4/30/2007, 10:44 am EST

Neil is the greatest rock musician of all time…

As for Living with War — our soldiers are over there facing it every day, while the “Thomas Jeffersons” and “James Madisons” of Iraq have decided to take a two month hiatus. Makes you wonder if we.. “can remember what we are fighting for”?

TFYQA | 4/29/2007, 8:29 am EST

« Man will never be free until the last king is strangled with the entrails of the last priest. » - Thomas Jefferson

Telecaster Master | 4/28/2007, 10:38 pm EST

Land of the Free and Home of the Brave……It would appear that the Founding Fathers had enough brains and insight to value free speach and dissent…..When did so many begin to think they were just dumb old white men?

Neil may be from Canada, he may be from Mars for all I care, its really irrelevant. Truth is not always grown at home or down the block….Albert Einstein was not born in Chicago or DC, neither was Joyce, Ghandi, or Jesus, so I guess the born is the USA ticket isnt needed for smarts.

This guy is a musician, a businessman, an artist, and a business owner, and successful at all of the above, so he may be entitled to an opinion here and there. That said if you dont like his opinions or his music, you are totally free to go elsewhere and find ones you like better, and everyone will agree with your right to do so………

Given Neil’s success and acclaim, both financial and artistic, I do believe that most people on this planet would give their left nut to be that washed up………

I do hope that Mr. Cooter has paid as much in US taxes as Mr. Young has.

neil | 4/28/2007, 6:59 pm EST

cooter, kiss my washed up ass. go watch fox

montanaguru | 4/28/2007, 10:29 am EST

Cooter is sounding more and more like Bushie JR., who surely has snorted more coke than Neil.

The problem with the Cooters in the US is that they equate dissent with being unpatriotic. This country was founded on dissent, and that’s what makes it so special.

The Iraq War was failed to begin with. Mission Accomplished….right! As a Viet Nam era veteran I feel sorry for all of the poor souls whose lives were lost so that George Jr. could do his boot scoop boogie.

We all should be embarrassed that this country had enough bird brains to elect the guy.

And….Neil’s not washed up. Do your homework on his performance on the Billboard stats. Lay down the Hooka pipe and read.

Alexandre | 4/27/2007, 4:51 pm EST

Canada isn’t America ??????

Weasel | 4/27/2007, 4:23 pm EST

Neil loves America (and its freedoms) enough to speak up for it. How can that be a bad thing? In any case, I love the man’s music enough to override any political angle. Fortunately, I also agree with him there s well.

Nappy Headed Ho | 4/27/2007, 3:12 pm EST

Why would you take anyone seriously who was filmed with a big cocaine/snot ball hanging out of his nose?

Alex | 4/27/2007, 2:47 pm EST

fox news told me not to like Neil, so i dont. that makes me smart. i wish george bush could get re-elected again because i’d really love to watch america turn into big brother. then i’d be safe from all the terrorists that hate our freedom.

UnderTheShadow in RedwoodCity | 4/27/2007, 12:18 pm EST

I’ve spent a lot more time and attention on Bob Dylan the last five years than with Neil Young, & Why?
Bob sticks to music & as an artist & thinker is Above Politics. I don’t think Neil has had much to say to me as a poet since I was 15, really- 35+ years ago. Used to really, really like him though.

Alexandre | 4/27/2007, 11:43 am EST

Canada is not America ??????????????

Telecaster Master | 4/27/2007, 8:27 am EST

This is why America is so facinating to the rest of the world. We have talented accomplished people here, like Neil Young / Bob Dylan who advocate people being involved in their world and taking action and responsibility, and yet we have people that want to shred them to peices…….its just too funny

Theres a great line thats says “why do people want to come and live in america? Answer: Because it sucks everywhere else”

Neil has never been a basher. But to say that the guy who points out that your house is on fire is a whiner and is calling your house ugly is just absurd, but people do it all the time.

If you dislike Neil so much, click to another website, and leave your p*** and vinegar for someone you like.

Otis | 4/27/2007, 12:46 am EST

neil we love ya, but i would like to hear some talk about music.

AHA | 4/26/2007, 9:59 pm EST

I don’t think he believe America is so shitty. I think he believes in an America where you can speak your mind and not fell treatened for doing so. He is an artist that has stood dthe test of time because he is unwilling to bend. He will continue doing what he wants to do and expressing him slef freely as all people should fell free to do. Any body that doesn’t think he has that right should take a look at themselves and their American point of view. As Abraham Lincolin said so long ago…”It is a sin to be silent when it is your duty to protest.”

fistofate | 4/26/2007, 6:15 pm EST

Cooter: Bush isn’t the problem. There always will be town drunks. The problem is with citizens who are stupid enough to vote for him or support him as president. Without people like that, he’d be harmless, like any other buffoon.

Trogg | 4/26/2007, 5:23 pm EST

There is Neill Young and there is Bob Dylan and that is all there is!

Cooter | 4/26/2007, 5:06 pm EST

How dare you insult the man who kept the Duke boys ride pimped for all those years! And I used to love Neil Young until he turned into a cry baby.

Beelay | 4/26/2007, 5:03 pm EST

Cooter, it’s okay that you don’t like Neil Young. there are millions of people who do, so it’s no skin off his shoulders…or his fans, for that matter.

Perhaps you should just stick to your Toby Keith.

By the way, with a name like Cooter, I am willing to bet you have more teeth than brain cells.

Cooter | 4/26/2007, 4:28 pm EST

Lets Impeach the President. This is music? How many of you sheep have actually listened to the album more than once instead of jerking off to more of the same Bush bashing. Bush is an idiot…. holy shit you guys are bright! And sooooo original! It will be great when artists start to write actual songs again instead of the same old bitching and moaning. It’s getting old and lame people.

Curtiss | 4/26/2007, 4:02 pm EST

I’ve been a Neil Young fan for over 30 years now and only grow more impressed with the man every day. Four decades into his career he is putting out some of the most compelling music he has ever produced. How many artists can you say that about? None that come to my mind.

I also happen to agree whole heartedly with Neil’s politics. His ideas and thoughts are fresh and not trite regurgitation that you see from so many other “celebs”. He actually has a brain, original thoughts and a heart.

busterk | 4/26/2007, 3:58 pm EST

Neil is a man who has been telling the world how much he loves USA for decades…accusing him of thinking “America is so shitty” is almost as ridiculous as calling him “washed up”.

Uncle Tom | 4/26/2007, 3:19 pm EST

I heard that Neil Young was secretly gay. has anyone else heard this. God, I hope not…

Dr. Ralph | 4/26/2007, 3:09 pm EST

Southern man don’t need him around, anyhow.

dlt | 4/26/2007, 2:23 pm EST

Neil Young Can Rock

OK,
But he’s got a brain

FL native | 4/26/2007, 2:20 pm EST

Cooter, go play in traffic.
Neil is the man.

clars | 4/26/2007, 1:52 pm EST

neil cowards say they have a life worth keeping what do the brave say?

Me | 4/26/2007, 12:37 pm EST

Long live Neil Young. I have most of his albums and working on having all of them. The guy speaks his mind and it speaks volumes.

joao rocha | 4/26/2007, 12:33 pm EST

uncle tom & cooter: i can tell you both here in Brazil Neil Young is the greatest!

Joao Rocha
myspace.com/joaorocha

Uncle Tom | 4/26/2007, 11:59 am EST

Neil Young is a loser and a wimp. Go back to Canada, you has-been idiot.

Chicago | 4/26/2007, 11:03 am EST

Neil speaks the truth–for 40 years. May he do so for 40 more!

Anybody who is considers Neil ‘washed up’ has long ago, drinken the Kool-aid. Get a clue.

P-DUB | 4/26/2007, 10:45 am EST

Message for Cooter; by the way, he’s far from washed up. He’s as popular now as he was in the 60’s and 70’s. His last 4 albums were all masterpieces but you wouldnt know that because youre too busy listening to what the media tells you, and watching talentless crap like American Idol and rockstar supernova. Why dont you crack open a newspaper sometime and read it ass-jack

mikeky | 4/26/2007, 10:03 am EST

dude, your name is cooter. :)

AHAHAHAHAHAHA!! i’ll be taking advice from a guy named cooter.

Yo | 4/26/2007, 9:01 am EST

Neil speaketh the truth.

Scutwerker | 4/26/2007, 8:13 am EST

I don’t love everything that Neil does, but I do love that Neil does everything he does.

Because he is willing take the risk of alienating even some of his biggest fans, he is able to touch people in a way few others can.

PeteHagen | 4/26/2007, 6:34 am EST

Neil Young is the goddamn ultimate. Forever.

evden eve nakliye | 4/26/2007, 4:56 am EST

thank you very nıce thank you veryy veryy much…

john giovann | 4/26/2007, 1:29 am EST

The most important musical artist of my lifetime

Anonymous | 4/25/2007, 11:22 pm EST

long live neil

lik roper | 4/25/2007, 9:58 pm EST

i had an argument with my brother once way back when over pancakes; i said jeff beck was the greatest lead guitar player ever - but he disagreed; he said neil young was…

Bangers-N-Mash | 4/25/2007, 9:33 pm EST

Neil Young = The most consistently fresh voice in rock music.

period.

Cooter | 4/25/2007, 7:38 pm EST

If he thinks America is so shitty, why doesn’t he take is washed up ass back to Canada?

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