Neil Young Unveils Rare Performance of "Thrasher"
Legendary musician Neil Young has shared a previously unreleased performance of his iconic song "Thrasher" from the upcoming box set Neil Young Archives Vol. III (1976-1987). The recording is from a residency at the Boarding House in San Francisco in May 1978, some of which was featured on his 1979 live album Rust Never Sleeps.
The Inspiration Behind "Thrasher"
Young debuted "Thrasher" on May 24, his opening date, and played both early and late shows over five days. Inspiration for the song came during a drive through the American west. "I wrote ‘Thrasher’ in a car on my way to Albuquerque from Taos, New Mexico. I was being driven by Carpio, a native American who I was introduced to by Dennis Hopper while filming Human Highway," Young said on his official site.
The Performance
The newly released version of "Thrasher" is from the early show on May 27. It’s one of 198 featured tracks on the 17-CD, 5 Blu-ray Neil Young Archives Vol. III (1976-1987), including live material, studio performances, and new mixes and edits. More than 120 of the songs are previously unreleased.
The Box Set
The deluxe edition Blu-rays feature 11 films, four of which are previously unreleased, with a total of 14 hours of video. Neil Young Archives Vol. III (1976-1987) is due on September 6. This box set is a treasure trove of unreleased LPs, concert recordings, classic bootlegs, and more from one of the deepest vaults in rock history.
Neil Young’s Creative Process
Young added, "Driving through the magnificent beauty of New Mexico, the words just kept coming to me. I saw the eagles circling, the deep canyons, the road ahead, reflecting on my journey through recent years, and thankful to be where I was."
Top 10 Neil Young Songs
If you’re new to Neil Young’s music, here are some essential tracks to get you started:
- "Heart of Gold"
- "Like a Hurricane"
- "The Needle and the Damage Done"
- "Cortez the Killer"
- "After the Gold Rush"
- "Old Man"
- "Harvest Moon"
- "Rockin’ in the Free World"
- "Powderfinger"
- "Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)"
Conclusion
Neil Young’s Archives Vol. III is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience the depth and breadth of his creative output. With over 120 previously unreleased tracks and 14 hours of video, this box set is a must-have for any Neil Young fan.
FAQs
Q: What is Neil Young Archives Vol. III (1976-1987)?
A: A 17-CD, 5 Blu-ray box set featuring live material, studio performances, and new mixes and edits from Neil Young’s career from 1976 to 1987.
Q: What is the significance of the Boarding House residency?
A: The residency at the Boarding House in San Francisco in May 1978 was a pivotal moment in Neil Young’s career, featuring the debut of "Thrasher" and other iconic tracks.
Q: What is the inspiration behind "Thrasher"?
A: The song was inspired by a drive through the American west, with Young writing the lyrics while being driven by Carpio, a native American who he met through Dennis Hopper.
Q: When is Neil Young Archives Vol. III (1976-1987) due for release?
A: The box set is due for release on September 6.
