Legendary Canadian musician Neil Young has premiered “Big Change,” his first single with his new band, The Chrome Hearts, marking the beginning of an exciting new phase in his prolific musical career. Described by John Hanlon, Young’s sound engineer, as “irreverent, hard-hitting, wild rock and roll, like a canvas painted by Jackson Pollock,” the song promises to be an anthem for fans of the raw, visceral sound that has defined his career.
Who are The Chrome Hearts?
The Chrome Hearts is Young’s new lineup that includes high-caliber musicians:
- Micah Nelson (guitar),
- Corey McCormick (bass),
- Anthony Logerfo (drums),
- Spooner Oldham (organ).
Although this band is a novelty, many of its members are already old acquaintances in Neil Young’s creative orbit. Nelson, McCormick and Logerfo are part of Promise of the Real, the band that accompanied Young on albums such as The Monsanto Years, The Visitor and Paradox (Original Music From the Film). For his part, Spooner Oldham has left his mark on emblematic albums such as Harvest Moon and Silver & Gold, consolidating an artistic bond that combines the fresh and the classic.
“Big Change” and the Magic of Shangri-La
The new single was produced by the iconic Lou Adler at Rick Rubin’s legendary Shangri-La Studio in Malibu, California. This setting steeped in musical history was the ideal space to capture the explosive essence of “Big Change”. The track is the first preview of Neil Young’s forthcoming album, titled “Talkin’ to the Trees,” scheduled for release in 2025.
The Road to Glastonbury
One of the most anticipated milestones in this new stage will be the participation of Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts as headliners at the Glastonbury Festival. However, this path has not been without controversy. Young initially announced his withdrawal from the event due to concerns over the BBC’s corporate control of the festival. After a series of conversations and clarifications, the musician confirmed his return to the iconic Pyramid stage, assuring that it will be a performance to remember.
An Evolving Legacy
With “Big Change”, Neil Young reaffirms his ability to reinvent himself without losing his essence. This release not only reflects his inexhaustible creative spirit, but also his commitment to art as a tool for expression and resistance. At a time when formulas seem to dominate the industry, Young remains committed to authenticity, something that has established him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary music.
2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for Neil Young and his new band. With a powerful single, an album on the way and a stellar performance at Glastonbury, the artist proves he still has a lot to offer. For fans, “Big Change” is not just a song, but a statement: Neil Young is still a driving force for change in the world of music.
