Neil Young performed his 1988 song “This Note’s For You” for the first time in 28 years at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on August 17. Before the show, he thanked the crowd and expressed excitement about returning to the Freshwater Amphitheater.
“This Note’s For You” takes a jab at big brands like Budweiser, Pepsi, and Coke, mocking their advertising campaigns. Young wrote the song during a time when major artists like Eric Clapton, Madonna, and the Rolling Stones were selling their music for commercials. Back in 1988, MTV even pulled the video for the song, which featured look-alikes of Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson and parodied ads from brands like Michelob and Calvin Klein. Young’s manager, Elliot Roberts, publicly criticized MTV for their decision, calling them “spineless” for prioritizing sponsors over music. Eventually, MTV reversed their stance and awarded the song Video of the Year at the 1989 VMAs.
At the Toronto concert, Chrome Hearts opened for Young, and fans enjoyed a setlist filled with 17 classic tracks. The show kicked off with “Ambulance Blues,” followed by hits like “Cinnamon Girl,” “Ohio,” “Harvest Moon,” and “Like A Hurricane.” Young also played “Silver Eagle” from his latest album, “Talkin’ To The Trees.”
Neil Young’s tour continues until September 15, with a final performance scheduled for Farm Aid on September 20. Fans are eagerly following his journey and celebrating his return to the stage.
