Micah Nelson Revives Neil Young’s Spirit with New Band

Micah Nelson, son of legendary musician Willie Nelson, played a pivotal role in helping Neil Young reignite his passion for music after a challenging period marked by health issues. Following a series of setbacks, including the abrupt cancellation of a tour with Crazy Horse, Young found himself feeling disheartened and disconnected from his creative roots.

Nelson recalls, “I knew how bummed out Neil was. He wasn’t feeling like making music. He was really sick.” In light of Young’s struggles, Micah decided to take action to support him. He proposed the formation of a new band, the Chrome Hearts, which would bring together a talented ensemble including organist Spooner Oldham, alongside members from his own band, Promise of the Real, namely Corey McCormick and Anthony LoGerfo.

“I was like, ‘Is Neil fading away? This is unacceptable,’” Nelson shared in a recent interview with Rolling Stone. His proactive approach involved frequent check-ins with Young, encouraging him to take the necessary time to recover and assuring him that he was not alone in his musical journey. “Whenever you want to do the thing again, just call me up and I’m ready to go,” Nelson said he told Young.

The encouragement did not go unnoticed. Young gradually warmed up to the idea of continuing his musical legacy, prompting a renewed sense of inspiration. “It took Young a minute of sort of just micro-dosing with this idea of, ‘We don’t have to stop. I know you’re not done,’” Nelson explained. This rekindling of Young’s creative spark ultimately led to the natural evolution of the band, fostering an environment where he could explore his extensive discography freely.

The Chrome Hearts distinguishes itself from Young’s previous collaborations by allowing a unique blend of musical eras and styles. Nelson emphasized that the band is capable of learning songs quickly, enabling them to deliver authentic renditions. “We can do the Harvest Moon stuff in a way that really feels like the albums, and we can go delicate and we can get loud and ragged and do everything in between,” he stated.

Earlier this year, Neil Young released his first album with the Chrome Hearts, titled Talkin to the Trees, marking a significant return to form. Additionally, in a nostalgic turn of events, Young was recently reunited with his iconic Squires Gretsch 6120 guitar, which he had sold 60 years prior, thanks to musician Randy Bachman.

Through Micah Nelson’s unwavering support and the revival of his musical endeavors, Neil Young has once again found his place on the stage, reminding fans of his enduring talent and resilience.