For every October since it’s origin in 1986 (except 1987), musician extraordinaire Neil Young and his wife Pegi have organized the Bridge School Benefit Concerts. The concerts are always held in Mountain View, California as the Bridge School is in nearby Hillsborough. Proceeds benefit the Bridge School, which assists children with severe physical impairments and complex communication needs. A main emphasis of the charity effort is the use of advanced augmentative and alternative communication systems and assistive technology. Neil always hosts the benefit and, of course, performs at each of them, as well. Over the years he has had a very impressive line-up of musicians in the line-up including Crosby, Stills & Nash, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Jerry Garcia, Don Henly, Jackson Browne, Sammy Hagar, Elton John, Pearl Jam, Elvis Costello, Steve Miller, REM, Metallica…and the list goes on and on. As a general rule, the performers use acoustic instruments.
The 18th Bridge School Benefit Concert from October 23-24, 2004 included The Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tony Bennett, Sonic Youth, Eddie Vedder and Paul McCartney, among others. This week’s BROW was recorded midway through Paul’s performance when he calls Neil Young up on stage with him to perform together on one of Neil’s classics from the 1970 album After The Gold Rush. This is Only Love Can Break Your Heart, a change-of-pace feature that I hope you’ll enjoy. Thanks much for stopping by this week.
Paul McCartney & Neil Young - Only Love Can Break Your Heart
Paul McCartney (left) and Neil Young performing together at the 2004 Bridge School Benefit in Mountain View, CA
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way cool. two icons you would never expect to duet
I seem to hear mostly Neil. Paul’s accompaniment is good yet, subtle. Would’ve loved to have been there to see it live.
Yes, Paul’s contribution isn’t very noticeable, but I applaud him for contributing to a good cause.
I can’t for the life of me remember why I didn’t go to Bridge School that year. I had been the previous two years and for both days each. The shows were good but the vibes (and garlic fries)were great. Shoreline is a great little venue and hanging with the crowds up on the grassy area beats being confined to a seat. Back in those days we easily brought vodka in with our sheets, blankets and rasta berets. It was a lot of fun. The students for whom the concert benefits get to sit on the stage and watch the whole show.
I remember clearly my friend’s asking me why I wasn’t going that year to see Paul – I just can’t remember my response. Big regret. In my opinion there hasn’t really been a good Bridge School since this one. Just off of the top of my head, I remember really thinking Billy Idol was way better than any of us thought he’d be. I’m glad there are recordings. Someday there will a be a highlights package.