Watch: Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts Drop Chicago Soundcheck Video of New Protest Anthem “Big Crime”
Photo: Marc Millman
Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts have channeled their political frustration and contempt for Washington into a new, fully charged protest anthem, “Big Crime.” The track initially debuted in front of a live audience during the five-piece’s August 27, 2025, appearance at Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago and is now available on YouTube as an official video, shot during the band’s Windy City soundcheck.
In the clip, centerpiece Young sings–better yet, growls–beside bassist Corey McCormick and guitarist Micah Nelson, who collectively underscore the track’s critical takeaway: “There’s big crime in DC at THE White House,” their united and boisterous discontent with the current president’s authoritarian approach, demonstrating the power of collective action in protest.
The track functions like a courageous response piece to the regime, voicing disapproval of fascism in schools through censorship and thinly veiled agendas, the National Guard’s urban presence in places like the D.C. [and now, threats of Chicago and New Orleans], and other critiques that lend themselves to Young’s 55-year trajectory as an activist and outspoken thrill seeker, unafraid to voice his concerns on behalf of the people and in the name of freedom.
In the video, which can be viewed in full below, Young affirms:
No more great again
No – no more great again
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
Don’t need no fascist rules
Don’t want no fascist schools
Don’t want soldiers on our streets
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
Got to get the fascists out
got to Clean the white house out
Don’t want soldiers on our streets
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
No more great again
No – no more great again
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
No more money to the fascists
the billionaire fascists
TIME TO BLACKOUT THE SYSTEM
no more great again
No – no more great again
TIME TO BLACKOUT THE SYSTEM
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
NO MORE GREAT AGAIN
No NO MORE GREAT AGAIN
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
There’s big crime in DC at THE White House
NO MORE GREAT AGAIN
NO NO MORE GREAT AGAIN
Young’s music has long been a powerful force in addressing social issues. His latest protest song, “Big Crime,” is just one addition to his extensive repertoire, which includes modern anthems like 2025’s Talking To The Trees cuts, “Big Change,” and “Let’s Roll Again.” His activism, which spans more than half a century, was sparked on the anti-Vietnam response to the Kent State Massacre, “Ohio,” and has since addressed issues of discrimination and regional commentary on “Southern Man.” These songs, among others, reflect the profound impact that music can have in expressing concern and frustrations about inequality, a vocal point of Young’s career.
Watch below. Young’s Love Earth Tour arrives at Chateau Ste. Michelle Winery in Woodinville, Wash., this evening, for their latest live appearance.
Tickets remain on sale.
