On a crisp Saturday evening, September 6, 2025, the rolling lawns of Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, British Columbia, came alive with the unmistakable presence of Neil Young and his band, The Chrome Hearts. For fans, it was more than just another concert—it was a celebration of resilience, musical legacy, and a few surprises that will be talked about for years to come.
The event marked the first of two Live Nation-booked nights at the scenic outdoor venue, with the second show set to follow on September 8. The anticipation was palpable, not just for the music, but for the chance to see a legend who, despite approaching his 80th birthday in November, continues to perform with a vitality and passion that belies his age. As reported by Sugar Mountain and local outlets, the setlist was a testament to Young’s enduring versatility, weaving together acoustic ballads and electric anthems with ease.
Fans were treated to a set that spanned Young’s storied career. The concert opened with “Ambulance Blues,” setting a reflective tone, before launching into “Cowgirl in the Sand,” where Young offered a heartfelt, “Hello, woman of my dreams.” The energy in the crowd was electric, especially as the band segued into “Be the Rain,” a rallying cry for environmental consciousness, and then the searing “Southern Man,” which has long been a staple of Young’s critique of social injustice.
But the real fireworks came seven songs in, with the tour debut of “Powderfinger.” The song, a staple of Young’s live repertoire since its debut on May 26, 1978, at San Francisco’s The Boarding House, had not been played since September 24, 2024, at The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York. As Young belted out, “Look out, Mama, there’s a white boat coming up the river!” the crowd erupted, recognizing not just the song but the moment—a revival of a classic that’s been performed 812 times throughout Young’s career. According to Sugar Mountain, this was a defining moment of the night, underscoring Young’s penchant for dusting off beloved gems when fans least expect it.
The setlist was a journey through Young’s musical landscapes. Alongside “Powderfinger,” the band performed “Ohio”—a Vietnam protest anthem that, as noted by local reviewers, felt especially poignant given current events in the United States. Other highlights included “Long Walk Home,” “Big Crime,” “Silver Eagle,” “Looking Forward,” “Only Love Can Break Your Heart,” and “Harvest Moon.” The energy never waned, with the crowd singing along to favorites like “Mr. Soul,” “Sun Green,” and the raucous “Hey Hey, My My (Into The Black).” The night closed with a heartfelt encore of “Roll Another Number (For The Road),” leaving fans both satisfied and yearning for more.
The Chrome Hearts, Young’s current backing band, played a crucial role in the night’s success. With Crazy Horse sidelined due to illness in 2024, the “Love Earth” tour saw Young team up with a new ensemble: Micah Nelson (guitar, vocals), Spooner Oldham (organ), Corey McCormick (bass, vocals), and Anthony LoGerfo (drums). The chemistry was undeniable. Oldham, at 82, was the “new” guy, but his seasoned touch on the organ brought depth and warmth to the performance. Nelson, notably the youngest son of Willie Nelson and Annie D’Angelo, added youthful energy and flair, bridging generations on stage. As reported by local media, the mix of ages and backgrounds in the band gave the show a dynamic, unpredictable edge, perfectly matching Young’s ever-evolving setlists.
One of the evening’s most touching moments came when Young paused to share a personal story about his guitar—a Gretsch 6120 electric that had been lost to him for decades. “I found this guy who tracked down guitars, and this guitar here is my guitar that I used in The Squires in Winnipeg,” Young told the crowd, drawing applause. “I’d been looking for it for awhile, just wondering what happened, you know, because I sold it in Toronto in a pawn shop or something. I was gonna be a folk singer, so I didn’t need this anymore—that’s right, I figured it out. So Randy [Bachman] introduced me to this friend of his [White Rock resident William Long, according to a CTV News story], and the guy went on the internet with an old picture from Winnipeg with this guitar, and found it, because of the grain in the wood is just so unique, and this matched it absolutely perfectly.” The audience, many of whom had followed Young’s career for decades, seemed to share in his joy at being reunited with a piece of his musical past.
Of course, the night wasn’t without its logistical hiccups. Deer Lake Park, while lauded as a great concert venue for a late-summer night, drew some grumbles over parking. By 6:30 p.m., the line of ticket-holders stretched down the park road, and many opted for ride-sharing to avoid the hassle. As one local reviewer put it, “Leave your lawn chairs at home, because they’re not allowed. Blankets are, but don’t bother with those. Saturday, we stood near the front of the stage and enjoyed every note of a legend during what could be his final Vancouver concert.” Opening acts included Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Choir, setting the stage for Young’s arrival.
The “Love Earth” tour itself is a testament to Young’s adaptability and commitment to his craft. After the cancellation of last year’s Crazy Horse dates, Young could have easily taken a step back. Instead, he regrouped with The Chrome Hearts, delivering a show that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. The set’s diversity—pairing softer acoustic numbers like “Harvest Moon” and “Old Man” with thunderous, guitar-driven tracks—kept the audience guessing and engaged. As noted by Sugar Mountain, the pacing and variety were a delight, showcasing a musician who refuses to rest on his laurels.
As Neil Young approaches his 80th birthday, his voice remains remarkably clear and high, a fact not lost on longtime fans. “OK, some people think Young never could sing, but his clear, high voice has always set him apart, in a good way,” one reviewer observed. And while no one can say for sure if this will be Young’s final Vancouver performance, the consensus among those in attendance was clear: if it is, he went out on a high note.
For those lucky enough to have been at Deer Lake Park on September 6, 2025, the concert was more than just a night of music. It was a reminder of the enduring power of live performance, the importance of musical heritage, and the joy of unexpected reunions—both with old songs and old guitars. As the last notes faded and the crowd drifted into the night, there was a sense that, with Neil Young, there’s always another chapter waiting to be written.
