Neil Young brings back rare gem ‘Pardon My Heart’ for Fireside series

Neil Young has recently revisited "Pardon My Heart," performing it live for the first time in half a century. This rendition is part of his "Fireside Sessions," a series of intimate performances shared on his Neil Young Archives website. In his introduction to the session, Young remarked, "Hello again folks. Pretty laid back versions here. This is our second fireside of the season... Love to all of you. Peace."

"Pardon My Heart" originally appeared on the 1975 album Zuma, a collaboration between Neil Young and Crazy Horse. The track was recorded in June 1974, featuring Tim Drummond on bass, with Ralph Molina and Billy Talbot of Crazy Horse contributing background vocals. Despite being completed in 1974, the song remained unreleased until Zuma's debut.

Prior to this recent performance, "Pardon My Heart" had been played live only twice. Its debut occurred on May 16, 1974, during an impromptu late-night set at The Bottom Line in New York City. Introducing the song, Young described it as "a love song. It's one of the saddest love songs I've ever heard." The second performance took place in August 1974 during Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young's reunion tour at the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, New York.

The song reflects Young's introspective songwriting style, often delving into personal relationships. In a 1974 interview with Rolling Stone, Young commented on his songwriting approach: "[Joni Mitchell] writes about her relationships so much more vividly than I do. I guess I put more of a veil over what I'm talking about. I've written a few songs that were as stark as hers. Songs like 'Pardon My Heart', 'Home Fires', 'Love Art Blues'... almost all of 'Homegrown'. I've never released any of those. And I probably never will. I think I'd be too embarrassed to put them out. They're a little too real."

This recent performance of "Pardon My Heart" follows Young's December 25 rendition of "Silver and Gold," another track he had not played live in nearly two decades. These sessions offer fans a rare glimpse into Young's extensive repertoire, highlighting songs that have seldom been performed live.

Who is this Neil Young fella anyway?

Neil Young, a Canadian-American singer-songwriter, has had a profound impact on the music industry with a career spanning over five decades. Known for his distinctive guitar work, deeply personal lyrics, and a willingness to experiment across various musical genres, Young has been a significant influence on artists worldwide. His collaborations with bands like Buffalo Springfield and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, as well as his work with Crazy Horse, have solidified his reputation as a versatile and innovative musician.

The "Fireside Sessions" continue to showcase Young's enduring talent and commitment to connecting with his audience through intimate and heartfelt performances. Fans can access these sessions through the Neil Young Archives website, where Young shares his music and reflections directly with his listeners.

For those interested in revisiting the original studio version of "Pardon My Heart," it is available for streaming on various platforms, including Spotify...or listen to it right below!