Neil Young, the legendary musician known for his distinctive voice and heartfelt songwriting, is back in the spotlight with a new documentary titled Coastal, directed by his wife, actress Daryl Hannah. This film offers a unique glimpse into Young's life and music, showcasing his recent solo tour after a four-year hiatus.
At 75, Young has returned to the stage, and his new tour film captures this momentous occasion. Hannah, who directed the documentary using her phone, provides an intimate look at Young's performances, which are characterized by their spontaneity and unpredictability. "He was very nervous about it," Hannah recalls. "There's always a point where he's like, 'I don't know if I can do this… We'll see.'" However, once he steps onto the stage, he finds his footing, delivering performances that blend familiar hits with lesser-known tracks.
During his recent tour, Young played without a band, allowing for a more personal and fluid experience. The setlists changed nightly, with songs like "Heart of Gold" and "Like A Hurricane" presented in different styles and arrangements. This approach kept both the audience and the crew guessing, leading to some challenges in filming. "It was really hit or miss because every day he would go out to do sound check, and he would choose one of his three pianos and play something like 'Expecting To Fly,'" Hannah explained. "So we'd set a camera on that piano, but when it came to showtime, he wouldn't go near it. There were quite a few shows where we literally got no footage. I was frustrated in the editing room, trust me."
Despite these challenges, Hannah's documentary captures stunning, stripped-back versions of rarely played songs such as "Vampire Blues" and "Prime Of Life." The film also features candid moments offstage, particularly on the silver eagle tour bus where Young shares lighthearted conversations with his long-time driver, Jerry Don Burden. Their exchanges are filled with humor and warmth, reflecting the mundane yet meaningful aspects of life on the road. Young often discusses the scenery, snacks, and setlists, providing a refreshing contrast to the persona many have come to associate with him.
Hannah emphasizes that Young is not the intimidating figure some perceive him to be. "People think of him as this intimidating, inscrutable person who'll make an album the record company refuses to put out," she said. "He just has an absolute, uncanny commitment to his creative muse. He's not driven by financial interests, he's not driven by self-aggrandisement, he's not driven by anything other than that creative force, and it's pretty incredible to witness. Having spent so much time with him, my perception is that he's completely guileless. He has a lot of warmth and innocence, so I wanted to show that."
Young's journey back to performing comes at a time of uncertainty, particularly regarding his ability to return to the United States. He has been outspoken about his criticism of former President Donald Trump, calling him "a disgrace to my country" and expressing concerns that he could be barred from re-entering the U.S. due to his political views. Young wrote on his website, "If I talk about Donald J Trump, I may be one of those returning to America who is barred or put in jail to sleep on a cement floor with an aluminium blanket." Despite this, Hannah remains hopeful that Young will not face barriers upon his return, noting, "They've been detaining people who have green cards or visas – which is hideous and horrifying - but they have not, so far, been refusing to let American citizens back in the country, so I don't think that's going to happen."
Young's relationship with Hannah is also a focal point of the documentary, showcasing their bond as they navigate the challenges of life and career together. Hannah will accompany Young to the Glastonbury Festival this June, where he will headline the Pyramid Stage. This performance comes after a brief period of uncertainty when Young initially announced he would not participate, citing disagreements with the BBC. However, he later clarified that he would indeed perform, joking about serenading the festival's livestock.
As Young approaches his 80th birthday, he reflects on his career and the evolution of his music. The documentary provides a platform for him to share his thoughts on the songs he plays, including the lesser-known tracks that have shaped his artistic journey. Young's candidness about his music and the stories behind it resonates with fans, as he acknowledges, "People think they want to hear the hits, because that's all they've ever heard."
Hannah's documentary not only highlights Young's musical journey but also captures the essence of his character. The film is a testament to his enduring passion for music and the creative process. Coastal is set to be shown in cinemas on April 17, 2025, offering fans a rare opportunity to witness the intimate moments of one of rock's most iconic figures.
As Young prepares for his upcoming full-band world tour, fans can anticipate a blend of nostalgia and new experiences. With Hannah behind the camera, Coastal promises to be a revealing and heartfelt exploration of Neil Young's life, music, and the relationships that shape him.
