Neil Young Performs With Stephen Stills In Blues Benefits Concerts
via Nederlander Concerts / Facebook
On April 26, 2025, the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles came alive with an evening of unforgettable performances at the seventh edition of the Light Up the Blues benefit concert. Hosted by Stephen Stills and his wife, Kristen, the event aimed to raise awareness and funds for Autism Speaks, the largest autism research and support organization in the U.S. Among the standout moments of the evening was the much-anticipated return of Neil Young, who delivered a compelling set alongside his band, The Chrome Hearts.
This wasn’t just another benefit concert. It was a reunion of old friends and collaborators, a night steeped in history and purpose. Neil Young and Stephen Stills—both Rock & Roll Hall of Famers—have shared the stage for decades in projects like Buffalo Springfield, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and the short-lived Stills-Young Band. At this show, they once again joined forces to stir nostalgia and deliver politically charged performances that reminded fans of their musical legacy and activism.
The concert also marked a milestone for Autism Speaks, celebrating 20 years of service. This year’s event, held during World Autism Month, did more than entertain—it underscored a continuing commitment to autism advocacy, while also offering support to local communities impacted by recent Los Angeles-area wildfires.
Neil Young’s Set with The Chrome Hearts
Neil Young opened his set with something fresh—“Let’s Roll Again,” a new song that made its live debut at the benefit concert. With lyrics that appear to take aim at the Trump administration, the song offered a reminder that Young hasn’t lost his edge when it comes to political commentary. The track is expected to feature on his upcoming album “Talkin’ to the Trees”, recorded with The Chrome Hearts.
Following that bold opener, Young dove into his catalog of rarities. He played “Big Box,” a track from 2015’s The Monsanto Years, originally recorded with Promise of the Real—three members of which now make up part of The Chrome Hearts. Then came “Ordinary People,” a song he hadn’t performed live since 1989, before its studio version appeared on 2007’s Chrome Dreams II. These selections served as a deep-cut treat for longtime fans.
The highlight, however, was his collaboration with Stephen Stills toward the end of the set. The two reunited for performances of “Human Highway” and the defiant anthem “Rockin’ in the Free World.” Before launching into the latter, Young rallied the crowd with the chant, “Take America back!”—a fiery moment that brought the audience to its feet and closed his set with a powerful political punch.
Stephen Stills Holds His Ground
Stephen Stills began his set with a poignant rendition of “Colorado,” a track from his Manassas days. He was joined by Nathaniel Rateliff, who split lead vocals with him, adding fresh dynamics to the classic. The performance echoed Stills’ ability to blend vintage material with contemporary flair, making it resonate for both seasoned and younger audiences.
Digging further into his past, Stills revisited Buffalo Springfield’s “Hung Upside Down,” a 1967 track rich in introspective lyrics and mellow instrumentation. The song choice added emotional depth to his set, reminding the audience of the songwriter’s thoughtful craftsmanship. His voice, though aged, carried a weathered sincerity that drew quiet attention from the crowd.
He continued with a string of lesser-known yet emotionally rich songs, including “Turn Back the Pages” from his 1975 solo catalog and “Dark Star,” originally recorded with Crosby, Stills & Nash in 1977. These selections reinforced Stills’ enduring relevance, showing that his music still connects deeply with listeners, even when drawn from the lesser-explored corners of his discography.
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A Joint Legacy on Display
The chemistry between Neil Young and Stephen Stills reached a peak when Young rejoined Stills onstage at the end of his set. The two legends shared vocals on “For What It’s Worth,” the Buffalo Springfield classic that has remained a protest anthem across generations. Backed by The Chrome Hearts, their rendition felt both timely and timeless.
That moment wasn’t just nostalgic—it was deeply symbolic. As longtime collaborators who’ve had creative ups and downs, their performance showed a mutual respect and shared vision that has lasted through decades. It was a powerful reminder of the political and emotional weight their music carries when delivered together.
Fan-shot footage of the concert, including these shared moments, has already surfaced online, allowing those who couldn’t attend to witness the magic. And for those in the audience, it was a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see two rock icons rekindle their fire for a cause greater than themselves.
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A Celebration of Music and Mission
Beyond the performances by Young and Stills, the 2025 Light Up the Blues concert featured a star-studded lineup, including Billy Idol and guitarist Steve Stevens, Cat Power, Linda Perry, and Rufus Wainwright. With Ken Jeong as the evening’s emcee, the night balanced heartfelt moments with lighthearted energy, offering something for everyone in the crowd.
The concert also marked an important milestone for Autism Speaks, celebrating two decades of research, outreach, and service to the autism community. Stills and Kristen’s dedication to this cause made the event feel personal, not just promotional. Every act on the bill contributed to the organization’s mission to foster acceptance and support for those on the autism spectrum.
Held every year since 2013 during World Autism Month, the Light Up the Blues concert continues to be more than just a musical event—it’s a testament to how art and activism can go hand in hand. With the addition of support for wildfire-affected communities this year, the event expanded its reach, reinforcing the message that compassion and collaboration are more vital than ever.
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