By Stig Editor 
Neil Young, 79, Performs His Favourite Song Live for the First Time in 42 Years: But His Concert Sparks Outrage
Legendary rock icon Neil Young shocked fans this week with a rare and emotional live performance of his long-shelved favorite track, “On the Beach,” for the first time in over four decades. But what was meant to be a nostalgic night celebrating the 79-year-old’s legacy quickly took a sharp turn igniting a wave of backlash and outrage that no one saw coming.
The historic performance took place at the Hollywood Bowl, where fans from all over the world gathered to see Young in one of his few live appearances this decade. Cheers erupted as he opened the set with classics like “Heart of Gold” and “Old Man,” before quietly introducing the surprise of the night.
“I haven’t played this one live since 1983,” Young told the crowd, strumming the haunting first notes of On the Beach, a deeply personal song from his 1974 album of the same name. Fans were visibly moved, many holding back tears as the folk legend delivered the raw, reflective tune with remarkable emotional depth.
But the mood shifted dramatically midway through the concert.
During an extended monologue between songs, Young addressed several hot-button political topics, including environmental policies, corporate greed, and social justice—sparking heated reactions from parts of the audience. Some concertgoers began booing, others walked out, and a few reportedly shouted back in protest.
Videos of the confrontation quickly surfaced online, igniting a firestorm across social media. While many applauded Young for staying true to his activist roots, others called the speech “tone-deaf” and “divisive,” especially during a night fans had hoped would focus on music, not politics.
The backlash was swift.
#BoycottNeilYoung trended on X (formerly Twitter) by morning, while other fans countered with #ISupportNeilYoung, turning the concert into a cultural flashpoint. Critics and music lovers alike weighed in, debating whether artists should use their platforms to speak out or stay silent.
Despite the controversy, Young remained unfazed.
In a post-concert interview, he said, “I’m not here to please everyone. I’m here to sing my truth, and sometimes the truth makes people uncomfortable.”
As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: Neil Young hasn’t lost his power to captivate or provoke. And for better or worse, his return to On the Beach will be remembered not just as a musical milestone, but as a moment that reignited the fiery spirit of one of rock’s most unfiltered voices.