Watch Neil Young: Young Shakespeare

Neil Young: Young Shakespeare is a documentary-style concert film capturing the essence of Neil Young's live performance in 1971. This film takes the audience back in time to Young's first solo tour, right after the release of his third album, "After the Gold Rush." The film captures a never-before-seen live performance of Neil Young from Shakespeare theater in Stratford, Connecticut. The performance was a solo acoustic set mingled with the songs from his latest album, which went on to be the chart-topping album of the 1970s. Young played a 150-year-old Martin guitar, and his performance was raw, intimate, and full of emotions.

The film is directed by Daryl Hannah, who captures Young's live performance in a vintage and captivating way. She presents the concert stage as a time machine that takes viewers back to the early days when Neil Young was just beginning to make his mark on the music industry. The film gives an intimate look at Neil, showing him with his short hair, wearing a cowboy shirt, and sitting alone on the stage, strumming his guitar.

Young's setlist for this concert film is a mix of acoustic classics, including "The Needle and the Damage Done," "Old Man," "Tell Me Why," and "A Man Needs a Maid." The audience watching the film can witness Young's raw emotions as his voice fills the theater, singing words that resonate with listeners even after these many years.

The film also features home video footage from the early 1970s, capturing Young's life offstage, both relaxed, and in recording studios. There are shots of him performing at Carnegie Hall with Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, and in the recording studio in which he recorded some of his biggest hits.

Overall, Neil Young: Young Shakespeare is a mesmerizing film that transports the audience to a bygone era of music. The concert featured in the film offers a rare glimpse into the legendary artist's beginnings, capturing the spirit of his music and the raw emotion of his performance. It is a must-watch for any fan of Neil Young and for lovers of intimate and authentic acoustic performances.

Neil Young: Young Shakespeare is a 2021 music movie with a runtime of 45 minutes.