Back in Time Today
From his gravelly voice to his staunch independence, Neil Young has carved a legacy as one of rock’s most authentic and unpredictable figures. As he turns 79, explore 17 surprising, sometimes bizarre stories that enrich his myth.
1. He Once Recorded a Whole Album in a Phone Booth
Neil Young, known for his relentless pursuit of artistic authenticity, once recorded parts of his 1989 album, Freedom, in an unusual setting. Inside a mobile recording truck, he squeezed into a phone booth-sized vocal booth. This cramped space was chosen to capture a raw, live sound that Young found irresistible. The passion in his gravelly voice echoed against the booth’s tight confines, embodying his commitment to genuine artistry. Such unconventional choices often defined Young’s career, making him an icon of musical innovation and independence. His fans cherish these stories as testaments to his creative spirit.
2. Neil Bought a Lionel Train Company
Neil Young’s passion for model trains transcended mere hobbyist interest when he became co-owner of Lionel, one of America’s largest model train companies. His involvement was not just financial; he actively contributed to designing digital control systems for the trains. This endeavor reflected his lifelong fascination with trains, rooted in childhood memories. Young’s dedication to this interest is mirrored in the meticulous detail he brought to both his music and model train designs. By combining his love for trains with his technical skills, Young created a legacy that trains and rock music enthusiasts alike admire.
3. He Built an Electric Car—Before Tesla
Long before electric cars became mainstream, Neil Young embarked on a visionary project to convert his classic 1959 Lincoln Continental into a hybrid-electric vehicle named the LincVolt. This innovative automobile ran on biofuel, with a mission of achieving zero emissions. Young invested millions, reflecting his commitment to environmental sustainability. His pioneering efforts preceded the rise of Tesla, showcasing his forward-thinking approach to technology and ecology. The LincVolt became a symbol of Young’s dedication to the green movement, marrying his love for classic cars with a desire to reduce environmental impact. His legacy includes this eco-friendly endeavor.
4. He Made an Album With a Crazy Horse Record That’s Never Been Released
In 2001, Neil Young recorded an album with Crazy Horse titled ‘Toast’, which remained unreleased for two decades. The album was described as “too sad” by Young, capturing a raw, emotional period in his life. Despite its initial shelving, ‘Toast’ held a unique place in Young’s discography, embodying the deep connection between artist and emotion. In 2022, the album finally saw the light, offering fans an intimate glimpse into Young’s creative process. The belated release was a tribute to his enduring artistic vulnerability, reminding audiences of the powerful emotional currents that drive his music.
5. He Was Kicked Out of Woodstock—Sort Of
Woodstock, 1969, witnessed not only legendary performances but also Neil Young’s defiance of media intrusion. While performing with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil refused photography or filming, leading to stories that he was “kicked out” of the festival. His irritability with the media circus underscored his commitment to preserving the purity of live music. This stance reinforced Young’s reputation as a fiercely independent artist, unafraid to challenge industry norms. Woodstock remains a vivid memory, not just for the music, but for Young’s insistence on artistic integrity amidst commercial pressures. This moment became part of his storied legacy.
6. Neil Once Refused MTV—With Attitude
In a bold move, Neil Young took a stand against corporate influence in music when MTV rejected his ‘This Note’s For You’ video. The video humorously mocked sponsorships, leading to its initial ban. Young’s refusal to conform was vindicated when the video won MTV’s Video of the Year in 1989. This victory wasn’t just about an award; it was a statement against the commercialization of music. Young’s attitude highlighted his commitment to authenticity and artistic integrity, resonating with fans who admired his fearless approach. His legacy of challenging the status quo endures through such rebellious acts.
7. He Burned Out Every Major Label Executive With His Genre Swerves
Neil Young’s career is marked by daring genre shifts, which bewildered major label executives. In the ’80s, Geffen Records even sued him for producing “unrepresentative” music. Young’s exploration from rock to country to electronic music demonstrated his refusal to be pigeonholed. This unpredictability was both a challenge and a testament to his creative genius. Fans admired his willingness to follow his musical instincts, even at the risk of commercial success. Young’s legacy is defined by this artistic freedom, inspiring others to break boundaries and explore diverse musical paths without fear of industry backlash.
8. He Played a Concert So Loud It Set Off Earthquake Sensors
In 2013, Neil Young and Crazy Horse performed a concert in Australia that was so thunderous, it registered on local earthquake sensors. This event exemplified the raw power and energy synonymous with Young’s live performances. His ability to create such a seismic impact with music spoke to his dynamic stage presence and commitment to delivering unforgettable shows. The concert became legendary, not just for its volume, but for its illustration of music’s physical and emotional force. Fans left with ears ringing and hearts full, a testament to Young’s enduring ability to captivate and amaze audiences worldwide.
9. He Invented a High-Fidelity Music Player: Pono
Neil Young, frustrated by the poor sound quality of digital music, launched Pono, a high-resolution music player. This device aimed to revive the rich audio experience lost in the digital age. Young’s dedication to authentic sound quality led to Pono becoming a cult favorite among audiophiles. Despite its eventual fade from the market, Pono represented Young’s commitment to preserving musical integrity. The project highlighted his innovative spirit and willingness to challenge industry norms. Pono’s legacy is a testament to Young’s passion for music’s true essence, inspiring listeners to appreciate the nuances of high-fidelity sound.
10. He Once Left Crosby, Stills & Nash via a Handwritten Note
In a move emblematic of his spontaneous nature, Neil Young once left Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young mid-tour through a handwritten note. The note read, “Funny how some things that start spontaneously end that way. Eat a peach, Neil.” This unexpected departure highlighted his enigmatic persona and desire for artistic freedom. Young’s ability to walk away from such a high-profile collaboration underscored his commitment to personal authenticity over commercial success. The story became legendary, a testament to Young’s unpredictable yet principled approach to his career. Fans continue to admire his willingness to follow his own path.
11. He Refused to License Music to Commercials—Then Did It for a Toy Train Ad
Neil Young, known for his staunch refusal to license music for commercials, made a rare exception for Lionel Trains. His lifelong passion for model trains led him to allow a song’s use in a toy train advertisement, a nod to his childhood fascination. This decision reflected Young’s personal connection to the brand and willingness to bend principles for heartfelt reasons. Fans saw this as an endearing moment, showcasing Young’s softer side. His legacy includes this unique blend of personal interests with professional choices, highlighting the balance between artistic integrity and personal passions.
12. He’s Got a Ranch With an Epic Train Track on It
On Neil Young’s expansive Northern California ranch, a full-sized train track winds through the landscape, a testament to his passion for trains. This private railroad is a unique feature, allowing Young to indulge in his love for trains away from the public eye. Visitors often receive rides, experiencing the joy and nostalgia that trains bring to Young’s life. His ranch serves as a retreat, blending natural beauty with personal interests. This unique aspect of his lifestyle showcases Young’s ability to create spaces that reflect his passions, offering a glimpse into the personal world of the rock icon.
13. He Once Played a Gig With a Stage Covered in Bees
During a California show in 2008, Neil Young faced an unexpected challenge—a stage swarmed by bees. Despite the buzzing chaos, Young continued to play, unfazed by the insect intrusion. Crew members donned beekeeper suits to manage the situation, while Young’s performance remained uninterrupted. This incident highlighted his unwavering focus and dedication to fans, undeterred by unusual circumstances. The bee-covered stage became a symbol of Young’s resilience and ability to turn an odd situation into a memorable concert. Fans admired his calm demeanor, adding another fascinating story to his legendary career.
14. He Used a Broken Guitar Amp for Years—On Purpose
Neil Young’s distinctive sound is partly attributed to his use of a broken guitar amp. For years, his iconic “Old Black” guitar ran through an amp with a busted speaker cone. Rather than repair it, Young embraced the unique, distorted tone it produced. This choice exemplified his commitment to finding beauty in imperfection, a hallmark of his artistic philosophy. Fans came to recognize and love the gritty sound, associating it with Young’s raw musical energy. His use of the broken amp became symbolic of his approach to music—embracing imperfections to create something truly original.
15. He Wrote a Song as a Letter to Kurt Cobain—Posthumously
Neil Young penned the song “Hank to Hendrix” as a poignant response to Kurt Cobain’s tragic suicide. Cobain had quoted Young’s lyric, “It’s better to burn out than to fade away,” in his farewell note, deeply affecting Young. The song served as a letter, expressing sorrow and reflection on the fragility of life. Young’s connection to Cobain, though indirect, highlighted the impact of his music on a younger generation. Fans appreciated the heartfelt tribute, recognizing it as a moment of vulnerable introspection. This song remains a testament to Young’s empathy and influence across musical eras.
16. He Once Turned Down Bob Dylan’s Request to Collaborate
In a surprising twist, Neil Young once turned down a collaboration request from Bob Dylan. Preferring to “play it solo,” Young’s decision was not a rejection, but a reflection of his independent spirit. His preference for solitary creativity underscored his dedication to personal artistry. This story, though unexpected, resonated with fans who admired Young’s commitment to his solo journey. It highlights his confidence in his musical path, even when opportunities with legends like Dylan arose. Young’s choice became a testament to his unwavering belief in his creative vision, inspiring others to trust their instincts.
17. He Nearly Died of a Brain Aneurysm—and Then Played a Gig Right After Surgery
In 2005, Neil Young faced a life-threatening brain aneurysm, requiring immediate surgery. Defying doctor’s orders, he performed at the Juno Awards just days after the operation. This act of resilience highlighted Young’s dedication to his craft and fans, showcasing his determination to continue his musical journey despite health challenges. His recovery and swift return to the stage inspired fans, reinforcing his image as an indomitable spirit. Young’s decision to perform so soon after surgery became a legendary moment, illustrating his unwavering commitment to music and ability to overcome adversity with grace.