Rock legend Neil Young delivered a captivating performance on the Great Oak Stage at American Express presents BST Hyde Park last night, Friday, July 11, for Day Eight of the festival. The 79-year-old icon, clad in his signature white flat cap and black t-shirt, opened his nearly two-hour set with a powerful rendition of "Ambulance Blues," setting the tone for an unforgettable evening.
Accompanied by the raw energy of the Chrome Hearts, Young effortlessly navigated an 18-song setlist, treating the sold-out crowd to hits spanning his illustrious career. Fan favourites like "Cowgirl in the Sand," "Be the Rain," "Southern Man," and "The Needle and the Damage Done" resonated through Hyde Park, offering a taste of every era of Young's beloved discography.
"Thank you, folks, I really appreciate you being here," Young shared with the adoring audience, with a "Love Earth" symbol emblazoned behind him – a nod to his 2022 collaboration with Crazy Horse. Classics such as "Cinnamon Girl," "After The Gold Rush," and "Name of Love" showcased Young's subtle sentiment and powerful rock prowess. The magical "Harvest Moon" perfectly coincided with the setting sun, creating a truly cinematic moment. Young concluded his phenomenal set with a two-song encore featuring the anthemic "Throw Your Hatred Down" and "Rocking in the Free World," leaving the crowd chanting along.
Earlier in the day, the Great Oak Stage hosted an exemplary line-up of supporting acts. Yusuf/Cat Stevens charmed the audience with beloved tracks like "Tea for the Tillerman," "The First Cut Is The Deepest," and a moving dedication of "Little Ones" to victims of conflict. Belfast's own Van Morrison delivered a thrilling set, including an extended "I'll Take Care Of You / It's A Man's, Man's, Man's World" and the iconic "Gloria." Irish folk band Amble expressed their awe at sharing the stage with such legends, celebrating their album Reverie reaching Number One on the UK folk charts. Naima Bock also graced the stage, showcasing her unique vocals.
Meanwhile, the Rainbow Stage saw electrifying performances from Alice Merton, who endeared herself to the crowd with "No Roots" and a touching tribute to Cat Stevens. Nick Hodgson of Everyone Says Hi battled the heat in his jacket, delighting fans with "Lucky Stars." Belgian pop trio Bluai brought their laidback summer spirit, and Dutch sister duo Sarah Julia opened the stage with tracks from their Only Making It Worse EP. Additional talent across the Birdcage Stage included Our Man in the Field, Kelly McGrath, Sam Wilkinson, and HOLiDAY MYSTICS.
BST Hyde Park continues its stellar run, with upcoming headliners including Stevie Wonder and Jeff Lynne's ELO.
