Tim Mosenfelder/Getty ImagesNeil Young has hosted the Bridge School Benefit Concert for the past 30 years, to support the school for students with severe physical and speech impairments founded by his ex-wife Pegi, who was looking for a proper educational environment for the couple’s son, Ben.
But Neil Young has announced that he will no longer be hosting the concert, and at least for this year, for the first time since 1987, the all-star, acoustic fundraiser is off.
In separate letters from Neil and Pegi, who split in 2014 when Neil filed for divorce, posted to The Bridge School’s website, Neil writes, “Although I will continue in fund raising efforts, for personal reasons beginning this year I will no longer be hosting The Bridge School Concert.”
He adds that the school is financially stable, thanks in part to the millions raised by the concerts over the years, and will be able to go forward without the concerts.
He also has kind words for the students “because the light in their eyes tells me we have been doing the right thing for the last thirty years”; his son Ben, “for being there at my side throughout these many Bridge School years”; and his ex-wife, “for coming up with the idea and pursuing it with such great dedication.”
In her letter, Pegi — who is president of the school’s Board of Directors — doesn’t explicitly dismiss the idea of Bridge School Benefit Concerts in the future but announces that there will be no concert this year.
“Because our mission is of such great importance to so many, we proceed onward with optimism into the future. Stay tuned for updates as we begin to shape what the next steps will be in reaching our endowment goals,” she writes, offering “great appreciation” to all involved with the concerts over the years including her ex.
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