Credit: DH LovelifeNeil Young hasn’t announced any touring plans for 2020 yet, but the folk-rock legend says he turned down a big payday to do a trek celebrating his most successful album, 1972’s Harvest.
In an in-depth new interview with AARP The Magazine, Young reveals, “I was just offered millions of dollars for a tour to do Harvest. Everyone who played on Harvest is dead. I don’t want to do that. How about planting instead of harvesting?”
He adds, “If I decide to go on the road, I’d like to do a democracy tour next year, with different people that keep changing. Not right or left. Democracy is not you on this side and me on that side just to see who wins.”
Harvest was Young’s only album to reach #1 on the Billboard 200, and it featured the chart-topping hit “Heart of Gold.” The backing group that recorded most of the album, dubbed The Stray Gators, included pedal-steel guitarist Ben Keith, pianist Jack Nitzsche, bassist Tim Drummond and drummer Kenny Buttrey, all of whom have passed away.
Also in the interview, Young shared his thoughts on his estranged Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young band mate David Crosby, and what the chances might be for a reunion.
“Crosby should write an introspective book: Why People Won’t Talk to Me Anymore,” Neil says. “He made a lot of great music for a long time. I don’t know what happened with David. I got nothing to say.”
“I love Stephen [Stills]. I love Graham [Nash]. If a reunion happens, it would be a surprise,” he adds. “I won’t close the door on anything. I can hold a grudge with the best of them but only if there’s a reason for it.”
Check out the full interview at AARP.org.
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