Neil Young Opens 2026 Tour With Powerful Set
Neil Young kicked off his 2026 tour in Bridgeport, Connecticut, with a set that blended beloved classics, deep cuts, and a new song. A duet with Willie Nelson and a solemn rendition of “Living With War” highlighted the evening, setting the tone for his upcoming Farm Aid appearance.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Neil Young’s first concert of 2026 was a masterful blend of nostalgia and new fire. The Canadian rocker opened the Bridgeport, Connecticut, show on September 22 with a set that spanned his entire catalog, from early folk‑rock to the electric energy of his recent Chrome Hearts tour. The evening set the stage for his highly anticipated performance at Farm Aid on September 26.
Setting the Stage
Young had kept a low profile this year, appearing only briefly at a birthday celebration for environmental activist David Suzuki in May and canceling a planned European summer tour. The Bridgeport show was his first public outing since then, and fans—known as Rusties—packed the venue from around the globe. The crowd expected a familiar mix of hits, but the setlist surprised with deep cuts and a brand‑new track.
Opening Numbers and New Material
The show began with gentle, sing‑along versions of “Long May You Run,” “Human Highway,” and “Comes a Time.” Young then launched into “Casting Me Away From You,” a song he wrote in 1965 that he had never performed live before. The performance broke the record for the longest gap between recording and debuting a song. He followed this with the piano‑driven debut of “Earth Girl,” the only new song from his forthcoming album Second Song. The track is a tender tribute to his wife, Daryl Hannah, who watched from the wings as Young played.
After a brief dip into two unfamiliar songs, Young reclaimed the crowd’s attention with the Harvest classics “Old Man” and “Heart of Gold.” Micah Nelson, who has toured with Young for 11 years, handled the lap steel with skill, filling the void left by the late Ben Keith.
Willie Nelson’s Surprise Set
The evening’s highlight was a duet with Willie Nelson. Nelson opened with a stripped‑down band that included harmonica legend Mickey Raphael. He performed standards like “On the Road Again” and “Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground” before inviting Young onstage to revive their 1985 duet “Are There Any More Real Cowboys?” This was the first time Nelson had closed a Farm Aid show, breaking a long‑standing tradition where he usually opened the event.
Closing the Night with Protest and Power
Young wrapped the main set with the deep cut “Daddy Went Walkin’,” a lush rendition of “Harvest Moon,” and a full‑band version of “After the Gold Rush.” The encore began with a solemn take on 2006’s “Living With War,” a song that has become a rallying cry against contemporary conflicts. The performance was emotionally charged, reflecting the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
For the final number, Young chose “Rockin’ in the Free World,” delivered at a slower tempo that surprised the band. He led the crowd in a passionate “Take America Back!” chant, a tradition that has become a staple of his live shows. The concert concluded with Young ripping the strings off his guitar and walking offstage, signaling the end of the set.
Young is expected to perform a slightly altered version of this set in Philadelphia on September 24 and at Farm Aid on September 26. While he has a reputation for defying expectations, the Bridgeport show suggests a focus on both legacy material and new, politically charged songs.
Key facts
- Neil Young opened 2026 tour with classics and new material
- Debut of 1965 song “Casting Me Away From You”
- Willie Nelson closed the show, breaking tradition
- “Living With War” performed as a protest anthem
- Upcoming shows in Philadelphia and Farm Aid on September 26
Why it matters
Neil Young’s return to live performance after a quiet year signals his ongoing commitment to music and activism, offering fans a blend of nostalgia and fresh protest. The show’s political themes resonate with current global tensions, reinforcing his role as a cultural commentator.
Frequently asked questions
What new song did Neil Young debut?
He performed “Earth Girl,” the first new track from his upcoming album Second Song.
Did Willie Nelson open or close the show?
He closed the show, a first for his Farm Aid appearances.
Where will the next show be?
A warm‑up in Philadelphia on September 24, followed by Farm Aid on September 26.
Sources
- [1] rollingstone.com — originally reported as “Neil Young Journeyed Through His Past and Raged Against War in First 2026 Show”
