Neil Young Makes Long-Awaited Return to the Queen City

For just a few brief moments on Friday night, I was worried Neil Young’s voice wasn’t what it used to be. As he sang the opening words to his first song, “Ambulance Blues,” there was a raspiness, a shakiness, that made me pause. 

Thankfully, by the time Young got to the second line, his voice had cleared. As the night progressed, his vocals got continuously stronger and clearer. It’s hard to believe he’s going to turn 80 years old this November. 

Kicking off the U.S. leg of his 2025 tour, Young returned to PNC Music Pavilion for the first time since 1997. Performing a setlist of songs that included solo numbers, tunes from Neil Young & Crazy Horse, and a few from Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Neil and his latest band, The Chrome Hearts, knocked the rust off and churned through song after song.

Alternating between various electric and acoustic guitars — and sitting at a pipe organ at the end of the night — Young proved that age is just a number. Sure, he doesn’t sway as much during his solos and he might have landed just shy of the highest notes in a few of the songs, but damn if Neil Young doesn’t still have it after all these years.

While the night started off a bit slowly, it’s no surprise that some of his biggest hits got the loudest applause. While “Fuckin’ Up” got people moving and cheering, it was “Southern Man” that got the majority of the crowd standing. 

The sweetness of “Harvest Moon” had folks swaying in their seats, while “Hey Hey, My My” felt like the perfect closer to the set.

Young and company returned to the stage for a three-song encore of “Like a Hurricane,” “Name of Love” and “Old Man.” He returned for a second encore of his usual closing song, “Rockin’ In a Free World.” 

Throughout the night, there was an overarching theme of loving Mother Earth and taking care of one’s self. It should also be no surprise that Young steered the offerings at the concession stands, limiting beer options to a few local choices and food to locally sourced or grass fed meats.

Also worth noting — Willie Nelson’s youngest son, Micah Nelson, plays guitar in the Chrome Hearts; and Young released his 49th studio album, Talkin to the Trees, earlier this year. 

It’s difficult to believe he’s been at it for roughly 60 years, yet impressive to see him live and watch how nimble his fingers remain on the fretboard and how much emotion and strength still remain in his vocals.

Neil Young setlist
Ambulance Blues
Cowgirl in the Sand
Be the Rain
When You Dance, I Can Really Love
Fuckin’ Up
Southern Man
One of These Days
Harvest Moon
Daddy Went Walkin’
New Mama
Looking Forward
Sun Green
Love and Only Love
Hey Hey, My My

Encore
Like a Hurricane
Name of Love
Old Man

Encore 2
Rockin’ in the Free World

Be sure to check out Queen City Nerve’s Soundwave, Charlotte’s most comprehensive live music listing, so you don’t miss out on any shows or concerts coming up. And hell, if you’re looking for something else to do, you can check out our events page as well, which runs the gamut of things to do in Charlotte. You don’t ever have to be bored again. You can check out more of Jeff’s pics and live reviews here.