Neil Young has announced yet another archival release with Young Shakespeare. The concert film and live album, out on March 26th, captures the singer-songwriter’s solo acoustic show on January 22nd, 1971 at the Shakespeare Theater in Stratford, CT. Ahead of the release next month, Young has shared a video of “Tell Me Why” taken from the show along with a trailer.
The concert came two months after the release of After The Gold Rush and hosts early versions of “Old Man”, “The Needle And The Damage Done”, “Heart Of Gold”, and other songs that would appear on Harvest and other beloved albums. In a statement announcing the archival package, Young characterized the collection as some of his earliest live footage in existence. The concert was originally taped for German TV later that year but has not been made available until now. The original, 50-year-old analog tapes have been lovingly restored yet still carry a definite vintage quality.
Related: Neil Young Shares ‘Homegrown’ Outtake “Daughters” From ‘Archives Vol. II’ [Listen]
“Young Shakespeare is a very special event,” Young said in a statement. “[It’s] a more calm performance, without the celebratory atmosphere of Massey Hall, captured live on 16mm. To my fans, I say this is the best ever… one of the most pure-sounding acoustic performances we have in the Archive.”
Young Shakespeare will be available in a variety of formats including CD, LP, and DVD. Click here to pre-order the release and scroll down to see Young perform “Tell Me Why” at the Shakespeare Theater on 1/22/71 as well as a trailer for Young Shakespeare along with the full tracklist.
Neil Young – “Tell Me Why” – Stratford, CT – 1/22/71
[Video: neilyoungchannel]
Neil Young – Young Shakespeare Trailer
[Video: neilyoungchannel]
Young Shakespeare is merely the latest in an ever-expanding list of archival projects from Neil Young. Earlier this month, he announced the release of yet another “lost” album with 1982’s Johnny’s Island. February 26th will bring with it the release of Young’s live album/concert film with Crazy Horse, Way Down In The Rust Bucket, recorded in 1990. Then on May 7th Young will begin a new bootleg series with his solo debut at Carnegie Hall on 12/5/70, with plenty more archival releases to come.