Photo Credit: Marc Millman

On Feb. 25, Neil Young performed live for the first time in over four years. The celebrated musician and passionate activist showed up at a march and rally supporting the United For Old Growth campaign in Victoria, B.C., which aims to discontinue the Canadian government from devastating old-growth forests. There, he performed “Heart of Gold” and “Comes A Time.” 

Before delivering two fan favorites, Young spoke candidly about the environment, emphasizing the campaign at hand. “I’m only here for those trees up there.” He continued, “It’s a precious, sacred thing, these old trees. They show us the power of nature when we are being threatened. They show us the past. They show us our future. That’s something that I hope our Canadian government and business section will recognize.” 

As the musician continued to add context to his appearance, outlining his reason for backing the cause, he simply and eloquently stated: “These trees have lasted so long, they deserve Canada’s respect.” After concluding his speech, Young played his 1972 No. 1 single, “Heart of Gold.” To follow, the artist kept the music flowing with a favored rendition of “Comes A Time.” 

Before this weekend, Young last performed in front of a live audience in 2019 at a benefit concert in Lake Hughes, Calif., with Norah Jones and Father John Misty. However, earlier this month, he was listed as one of the billed performers for an April 22 Autism Speaks benefit concert, along with event host and longtime collaborator Stephen Stills. Read more. 

Watch fan-shot videos of Young supporting the United For Old Growth campaign below.

That’s right, Neil Young performed at #United4OldGrowth to deliver a message to the Canadian government and @bcndp🔥 And yes we were all sobbing as soon as he started playing Heart of Gold💛 pic.twitter.com/SaCpAwN9c4

— Stand.earth (@standearth) February 26, 2023

Sometimes you organize a rally and rock legend Neil Young comes and sings at it as a surprise.#UnitedForOldGrowth pic.twitter.com/r3AVncG2Rp

— Torrance Coste (@TorranceCoste) February 25, 2023

never thought i’d see #neilyoung in my lifetime pic.twitter.com/h3AYuxjoX3

— Nell Saba (@nellen55) February 25, 2023

Announcing surprise guest… @Neilyoung!! #United4OldGrowth pic.twitter.com/WjWEWuW7uk

— Sierra Club BC (@SierraClubBC) February 25, 2023

This just happened at the #Unitedforoldgrowth rally! @Neilyoung showed up to play his music for the crowd.

What an incredible moment to be a part of, thank you Neil for bringing your gift of music to us and for using it to help save the ancient forests. pic.twitter.com/X2N4D8vkll

— Wilderness Committee (@wildernews) February 25, 2023