Neil Young Delivers First Live Performance of ‘This Note’s For You’ in 28 Years

Neil Young’s Memorable Performance in Toronto

Neil Young took to the stage at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage last Sunday, and he set the tone for his encore by playfully critiquing the venue’s corporate sponsorship through his 1988 anthem "This Note’s For You." This marked the first time he had performed the song in a concert since 1997.

A Bold Statement

Young heightened the comedic element by featuring impersonators of Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson in the "This Note’s For You" music video. He also parodied recent advertising campaigns from brands like Michelob, Budweiser, and Calvin Klein.

MTV initially hesitated to air the video, with General Manager Lee Masters expressing that while they found it fantastic, concerns over trademark issues with the likenesses used were a major deterrent. Despite being offered legal protection from Warner Records, the network remained cautious.

The Outcry

Young’s long-time manager, Elliot Roberts, voiced his frustration in an open letter to MTV. He labeled the network as "spineless," criticizing their reluctance to air the video due to fear of offending sponsors. His bold statement questioned what MTV truly stood for: music or profit. Eventually, the network relented, and the video was put into rotation, earning the recognition of Video of the Year at the 1989 VMAs.

A Classic Resurfaces

"This Note’s For You" had been a regular feature in Young’s performances during the late Eighties and early Nineties. However, after the Bridge School Benefit in October 1997, he retired the song from his setlist. Although he performed in Toronto again in the summer of 2022 and played in London, Ontario, in 2012, he held off on reviving this classic until now.

Before delving into “This Note’s For You,” Young expressed his excitement to the audience, reminiscing about his return to the Freshwater Amphitheater, formerly known as the Molson Amphitheater. He had previously performed there with his Friends and Relatives band in 2000.

Recent Tour Highlights

As part of his summer tour, the return of "This Note’s For You" stands out as a significant addition to his setlist. In addition, he unveiled "Silver Eagle" at Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, marking the first song played from his new LP, Talkin’ To The Trees. He also treated fans to performances of "Mr. Soul," "The Loner," "Ohio," and "Tumblweed."

The tour is set to continue with a second show at the Budweiser Stage, and future stops at the Huntington Bank Pavilion and Hayden Homes Amphitheater provide even more opportunities for fans to experience the return of "This Note’s For You."

Are you excited to see what other classics Neil Young might bring back during his tour?