Neil Young Breaks Out Anti-Corporate Anthem ‘This Note’s For You’ At Budweiser-Sponsored Venue

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts played their first of two concerts at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage on Sunday. Young, who was born and spent some of his formative years in Toronto, resurrected “This Note’s For You” to kick off the encore.

The name of the title track from the legendary rocker’s 1988 studio album mocks Budweiser’s “This Bud’s For You” ad campaign. Young took aim at corporate sponsorship on “This Note’s For You” and its accompanying video. The Julien Temple-directed video was a parody of Michelob ads from the period featuring the likes of Eric Clapton, Roger Daltrey, Steve Winwood and Roger Daltrey. MTV initially banned the video before reversing course.

“This Note’s For You” had gone missing from Neil Young setlists since October 19, 1997, but he couldn’t resist dusting off the song last night at the venue named for Budweiser. Young and The Chrome Hearts — bassist Corey McCormick, drummer Anthony LoGerfo, multi-instrumentalist Micah Nelson and organist Spooner Oldham — played the anti-corporate anthem following their 17-song main set and before the usual “Rockin’ In The Free World” closer.

After returning to the stage for the encore, Young quickly addressed the crowd. He thanked the audience and called the venue the “Freshwater Amphitheater” before revving into his first “This Note’s For You” in nearly 28 years.

Young was greeted by cheers as he delivered the opening lyrics of “Ain’t singing for Pepsi” and “Ain’t singing for Coke.” The reaction was even louder after Neil sang “Don’t sing for Bud.”

Watch fan-shot footage of Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts’ Sunday night encore below:

The Toronto setlist was also notable for the tour debut of “Tumbleweed,” a song featured on Young’s 2014 album, Storytone. Neil and his band also treated fans to plenty of beloved favorites, including “Ambulance Blues,” “Cinnamon Girl,” “Ohio,” “Harvest Moon” and “Like A Hurricane.”

Young & The Chrome Hearts return to the Budweiser Stage tomorrow, Tuesday, August 19. The Love Earth Tour 2025 continues through September 15 before the group performs at Farm Aid on September 20.

Setlist (via Sugar Mountain)

Set: Ambulance Blues, Cowgirl In The Sand, Be The Rain, Cinnamon Girl, Southern Man, Mr. Soul, Tumbleweed, Ohio, Looking Forward, Silver Eagle, Harvest Moon, Daddy Went Walkin’, New Mama, Sun Green, Like A Hurricane, Name Of Love, Old Man

Encore: This Note’s For You, Rockin’ In The Free World