Neil Young and Chrome Hearts deliver an electric rock performance

Neil Young’s performance at BST Hyde Park in London was a scorching hot event that attracted over 60,000 music enthusiasts to the iconic green space. The lineup featured three legendary artists, starting with Van Morrison, who delivered an energetic set under a pop-up gazebo to shield himself from the blazing sun. Despite not playing his iconic hit “Brown Eyed Girl,” Morrison delighted the crowd with creative renditions of folk classics like “Green Rocky Road” and closed with the crowd-pleaser “Gloria.”

Following Morrison, Cat Stevens took the stage and captivated the audience with a string of hits, including the emotional “Where Do The Children Play” and the reflective “The Little Ones.” Stevens, now 76, demonstrated his enduring talent and left the crowd in awe with his performance. Neil Young and his band, Chrome Hearts, then took the stage, kicking off with the deep cut “Ambulance Blues” before launching into the classic “Cowgirl In the Sand,” accompanied by an impressive ensemble of guitarists.

Young’s set included crowd favorites like “Cinnamon Girl” and a powerful rendition of “The Needle and the Damage Done,” showcasing his rich and characterful voice. The sunset made for a magical moment during “Harvest Moon,” and the crowd sang along to “After The Gold Rush” as Young showcased his talent at the piano. The night concluded with an extended performance of “Rockin’ In The Free World,” but an abrupt sound cutoff due to the park’s curfew left the audience wanting more.

Despite the strict time constraints, the day was a resounding success with a lineup that may never grace the same stage again. The scorching heat led to some unfortunate incidents, with many audience members struggling to cope with the high temperatures. As the event wound down, a festival-goer in a Nirvana t-shirt reminded us of Young’s iconic lyrics, serving as a cautionary tale of enjoying music festivals responsibly.
Overall, Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts delivered an unforgettable performance at BST Hyde Park, marking another highlight in the rock legend’s illustrious career. The day was filled with music, memories, and moments that will be cherished by thousands of attendees for years to come.