Ontario, Canada / USA — Legendary singer-songwriter Neil Young surprised fans with a heartfelt performance of his 1980s deep cut “My Boy” during a rare acoustic benefit concert at Lakefield College School in Ontario on May 23.
It was the first time in 42 years the song had been performed live, making the moment both nostalgic and emotionally powerful for the crowd of 2,000 who braved cold, rainy conditions to witness the music icon in an intimate setting.
The solo acoustic event, held to raise funds for the restoration of a 116-year-old historic cottage on the school’s Northcote Campus, has quickly become one of the most talked-about moments in Neil Young’s recent history—not just for the setlist, but also for the controversy surrounding its steep ticket prices.
‘My Boy’ Returns to the Stage After Four Decades
The emotional highlight of the evening came when Young picked up a banjo and played “My Boy”, a tender ballad from his 1985 album Old Ways, written for his eldest son, Zeke. It was the song’s first live performance since 1983, and Young acknowledged the occasion in a personal post hours before the concert, sharing a vintage photo of himself with Zeke and his late father, Canadian sportswriter Scott Young.
“I think ‘My Boy’ is my favorite recording of all the ones I have done,” Young wrote. “Practicing for Lakefield, I was playing it and thinking about my own dad. I knew he must have heard this song.”
Ticket Prices Spark Debate Among Fans
Despite the musical magic, the event sparked backlash due to ticket prices ranging from $500 to $1,500, prompting debate over accessibility and charity ethics. Critics on social media questioned why a benefit concert led by a rock icon worth an estimated $200 million wasn’t more financially inclusive.
“$600–$1,500 for a benefit? Hard pass, but props to Neil for still rocking at 79,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Others defended the pricing, citing the limited 2,000-person venue, the significance of the cause, and the rarity of a solo Young performance. Still, the conversation has raised larger questions about celebrity-driven charity events and how artists balance exclusivity with their public image.
Neil Young’s Deep Connection to Lakefield and Ontario
For Young, the performance was a homecoming of sorts. Born in Toronto and raised in nearby Omemee—a village immortalized in his classic song Helpless—the artist has deep roots in the Kawartha Lakes region. He and wife Daryl Hannah now reside part-time in a historic cottage near Lakefield, where they spent significant time during the pandemic.
The benefit concert’s location just 20 km from Omemee added emotional weight to the evening, reinforcing Young’s long-standing bond with the community. Local residents and alumni from Lakefield College School attended the show as part of the school’s “Home to the Grove” weekend.
A Glimpse Into Young’s Ongoing Philanthropy
Neil Young’s legacy extends beyond his music. He co-founded Farm Aid in 1985 and has performed in numerous charity concerts for causes including indigenous rights, autism research, and environmental protection. The Lakefield benefit aligns with this tradition, though its high ticket price deviates from events like his 2017 Home Town concert, which was livestreamed globally for free.
Despite the controversy, many fans praised Young’s commitment to preserving local heritage and supporting grassroots projects. Others hope future events will balance fundraising goals with broader accessibility.
Love Earth Tour and New Album
The Lakefield concert comes just weeks before the launch of Young’s Love Earth Tour, which begins June 18 in Rättvik, Sweden, and includes U.S. stops in Charlotte, Minneapolis, and Toronto this August. The tour will support his upcoming album, Talkin’ to the Trees, releasing June 13 via Reprise Records.
In contrast to the benefit show, Love Earth Tour tickets start at just $29 in some markets, thanks to Young’s public stance against dynamic pricing. He’s using Ticketmaster’s Face Value Exchange to prevent price gouging—except in Canada, where the system isn’t yet supported.