Sir, – Regarding the adverse reviews of Neil Young’s recent RDS appearance (June 19th), I would point out that Neil Young (unlike, say, the Rolling Stones, who stopped being interesting in 1973) is still pumping out top quality rock albums every year or two, and therefore has the right to ignore the set list you mentally sent backstage before the show.
He’s not a tribute band; he’s Neil Young! He’s made an entire career out of subverting the expectations not only of his fans, but even his own record companies, managers and bands. He owes you nothing.
On a related note, it warms my heart to realise that, even coming from a 67-year-old Canadian, great rock music still has the power to irritate sensible, middle-class people. – Yours, etc,
BARRY PURCELL,
Coleville Road,
Clonmel,
Co Tipperary.