Neil Young and Stephen Stills, two iconic figures in rock and folk music, reunited for a special charity concert titled “Harvest Moon: A Gathering” on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at Lake Hughes, California. The event, a nostalgic trip down memory lane for fans of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young (CSNY) and Buffalo Springfield, benefited The Painted Turtle, a summer camp for children with serious illnesses, and The Bridge School, a long-time passion project of Neil Young. The concert not only showcased the enduring power of their music but also marked a historic moment with the revival of a song untouched for nearly six decades.
The evening’s lineup featured a mix of established and emerging artists, including John Mayer, Lily Meola, and the world music ensemble Massanga. However, the spotlight undeniably shone brightest on Young and Stills, whose collaborative history stretches back to the groundbreaking folk-rock scene of the 1960s. Their appearance together generated significant buzz and drew a dedicated crowd eager to witness this rare musical reunion.
The duo launched their set with “Long May You Run,” the title track from their 1976 collaborative album, immediately setting a tone of heartfelt nostalgia. They followed with “Human Highway,” a track originally intended for a CSNY follow-up to their iconic album Deja Vu but eventually released on Young’s 1978 solo album Comes a Time. The performance showcased the intricate harmonies and powerful vocals that have defined their careers.
A Historic Revival: “Hung Upside Down” Returns After 57 Years
The third song of the set proved to be the most momentous, marking a truly historic occasion. Young and Stills dusted off the Buffalo Springfield classic “Hung Upside Down,” a song that hadn’t been performed live since the band’s heyday in the late 1960s. Before launching into the song, Stills playfully quipped, “The worst four words you can hear in a live performance are ‘here’s a new song.’ But this is actually a new version of an old song that took two centuries to write. It’s called ‘Hung Upside Down.'”
Originally appearing on Buffalo Springfield’s 1967 album Buffalo Springfield Again, “Hung Upside Down” had remained dormant in their live repertoire for an astonishing 57 years. This revival shattered Young’s personal record for the longest gap between performances of a song, previously held by the 48-year hiatus of “If I Could Have Her Tonight” until its resurgence in 2016.
An Evening of Classics and Collaboration
Beyond the historic revival, the “Harvest Moon: A Gathering” concert offered a rich tapestry of Young and Stills’ musical legacy. The setlist included fan favorites like “Love The One You’re With,” “Heart of Gold,” and the eponymous “Harvest Moon.” The inclusion of Buffalo Springfield’s timeless anthem “For What It’s Worth” further underscored the enduring impact of their collaborative work.
John Mayer Joins the Finale
The night culminated in a rousing rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World,” with special guest John Mayer joining Young and Stills on stage. This collaborative finale provided a powerful and energetic close to a memorable evening. Mayer’s presence added another layer of excitement to the already electric atmosphere, creating a truly special moment for those in attendance.
A Night of Giving Back
The concert served as a testament to the enduring power of music and its ability to bring people together for a worthy cause. The proceeds from the event will significantly benefit The Painted Turtle and The Bridge School, organizations dedicated to providing support and opportunities for children facing challenging circumstances. The “Harvest Moon: A Gathering” concert was not just a celebration of music, but also a celebration of community and compassion.
Harvest Moon: A Gathering – The Complete Setlist
The complete setlist from the “Harvest Moon: A Gathering” concert offers a glimpse into the musical journey Neil Young and Stephen Stills took the audience on:
- “Long May You Run”
- “Human Highway”
- “Hung Upside Down”
- “Helplessly Hoping”
- “Field of Opportunity”
- “Helpless”
- “Love The One You’re With”
- “Heart of Gold”
- “Harvest Moon”
- “For What It’s Worth”
- “Bluebird”
- “Vampire Blues”
- “Rockin’ in the Free World” (with John Mayer)
Looking Back at a Historic Performance
The “Harvest Moon: A Gathering” concert will undoubtedly be remembered as a special moment in the careers of Neil Young and Stephen Stills. The revival of “Hung Upside Down” after 57 years alone solidifies its place in music history. Beyond the historic performance, the concert showcased the enduring power of their music, their commitment to charitable causes, and their ability to connect with audiences on a deeply emotional level.
FAQs about the Harvest Moon Concert
Q: Where was the Harvest Moon concert held?
A: The concert took place at Lake Hughes, California.
Q: What charities did the concert benefit?
A: The concert benefited The Painted Turtle and The Bridge School.
Q: Who else performed at the concert besides Neil Young and Stephen Stills?
A: John Mayer, Lily Meola, and Massanga also performed.
Q: What was the most historically significant moment of the concert?
A: The performance of “Hung Upside Down,” which hadn’t been played live in 57 years.
Do you have more questions about this historic concert? Share them in the comments below! We encourage you to share this article with fellow music lovers and keep the conversation going.
