In an exclusive and intimate event, Neil Young, accompanied by his band Crazy Horse, recently treated a select audience to a private concert at The Rivoli in Toronto. The occasion? The 50th birthday celebration of Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss. The iconic musician performed the entirety of the 1990 album ‘Ragged Glory,’ making it only the second time in his career that he played a complete classic album live.
The venue buzzed with excitement as it reached its 200-person capacity, creating an atmosphere of exclusivity for the billionaire birthday honoree. Neil Young had previously undertaken a similar venture when he played ‘Tonight’s The Night’ and ‘Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere’ at the Roxy.
Organized for the 50th birthday celebration of Canada Goose CEO Dani Reiss
Reports from fans on Neil Young’s dedicated site, Thrasher’s Wheat, detailed the setlist, revealing that almost the entire ‘Ragged Glory’ album was performed, with the exception of the song ‘Mother Earth.’ The performance concluded with crowd favorites ‘Cinnamon Girl’ and ‘Rockin’ In The Free World.’
Adding to the uniqueness of the evening were renditions of ‘White Line,’ ‘Over and Over,’ and ‘Farmer John.’ These songs, performed with Crazy Horse, hadn’t graced the stage since 1976 and 2012. The event also featured a performance by Canadian rock band the Arkells, with Neil Young taking the stage before them.
“I am looking forward to playing some this summer. We are looking at possible places for our Love Earth tour.”
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While Neil Young’s decision to perform at private events may raise questions, considering his historical stance against commercialism in music, it’s not his first time.
In 2016, he performed at a private event in Paris for Carmignac CEO Édouard Carmignac. Interestingly, Young’s song ‘This Note’s For You’ criticizes the commercialization of music, a principle he has generally adhered to, even after selling 50% of his song catalog rights in January 2021 to Hipgnosis Songs Fund Limited.
The event also garnered attention due to Canada Goose’s past controversy with PETA over the use of coyote fur in their jackets, a practice they ceased in 2021. CEO Dani Reiss openly disagreed with PETA’s stance, asserting the company’s commitment to ethical and sustainable sourcing.
Looking ahead, Neil Young is gearing up for a ‘Love Earth’ tour after a three-year hiatus from touring due to COVID concerns. The tour, emphasizing outdoor venues, holds the promise of more electrifying performances. Whether he will take the stage solo or be joined by Crazy Horse or Promise of the Real is yet to be revealed.
“I hope you and your families are doing well at this time. With the world marred in wars, it’s a good time to think of family and those you love, trying to make their days a little better.”