Neil Young Breaks Live Hiatus With Surprise Benefit Appearance

Neil Young returned to the stage on Friday by performing a surprise acoustic set at a benefit concert in Vancouver commemorating the 90th birthday of Canadian activist David Suzuki. The four-song performance marked Young’s first live appearance since the Painted Turtle benefit show last October.

Suzuki and Young have been friends for years as they share a bond over their concern for and appreciation of the environment. The benefit show at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre also featured appearances from Jane Fonda, Sarah McLachlan, Bruce Cockburn, Al Gore, Sam Roberts Band and Chantal Kreviazuk, among others.

Neil Young kicked off his first live set of 2026 with “Mother Earth (Natural Anthem).” The 80-year-old musician performed the track from 1990’s Ragged Glory on pump organ.

Young then strapped on an acoustic guitar for “Human Highway” and “Heart Of Gold.” The former dates back to 1973, while the latter was featured on Neil’s iconic 1972 album Harvest. “Heart Of Gold” saw Young play harmonica in addition to guitar. The brief 18-minute set concluded with “After The Gold Rush.” Young sat at the piano to perform the beloved title track from his 1970 solo album.

Neil Young was supposed to launch a European tour in June. Young canceled the tour in February, citing a need to “take a break” in a message announcing the decision.

On Friday (May 29), Neil Young And The Chrome Hearts will release As Time Explodes, a live album documenting the ensemble’s Love Earth Tour 2025. Young also has a studio album with The Chrome Hearts in the works.

Watch Neil Young perform “Heart Of Gold” and “Human Highway” in Vancouver below:

Setlist (via Sugar Mountain)

Set: Mother Earth (Natural Anthem), Human Highway, Heart Of Gold, After The Gold Rush