AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS… BST HYDE PARK LONDON 2025 - NEIL YOUNG & THE CHROME HEARTS
Rock n’ roll royalty reigns in London
★★★★☆ (4/5)
NEIL YOUNG & THE CHROME HEARTS PERFORMING AT AMERICAN EXPRESS PRESENTS… BST HYDE PARK LONDON 2025
PICTURE BY: ISHASHAH PHOTOGRAPHY
Friday saw Hyde Park transformed into a sun-drenched sanctuary for music lovers as the iconic Neil Young headlined the final weekend of the BST festival 2025. With temperatures climbing past thirty degrees, the intensity of the heat was matched only by the fire of the performances on stage.
Backed by a lineup that included a walk of fame through decades of singer-songwriters which spanned across a medley of genres. Artists from Folk, rock, and country all provided sets which had the crowd dancing in the summer heat, setting the tone for the genre-spanning artist that Young is.
Van Morrison brought his signature blend of soul and jazz-infused rock with a set rich in classics that had the crowd swaying in collective nostalgia. Morrison’s voice, still rich and emotive, carried effortlessly across the park. While Yusuf/Cat Stevens delivered a powerful set which took the crowd on a spiritual journey through songs that have shaped generations. His iconic croon sounded as sharp as ever as he led the audience through sing-alongs of such classics as “Wild World”.
Young him wasted no time in taking the stage and journeying into his vast catalogue. Throughout, fans were treated to a masterclass in musical storytelling. His well-known classics like “Harvest Moon” and “Old Man” were greeted with enthusiasm, while his politically charged newer material added depth and relevance to the evening’s narrative. Dedicated fans were also rewarded by many deep cuts from his lengthy career, with the CYSN cover “In the Name of Love” proved to be a surprise highlight.
Hyde Park was packed with thousands of fans, spanning all ages. Some had followed Young since his Buffalo Springfield days, while others were discovering his magic for the first time. The crowd was respectful and enthusiastic, with many appearing visibly moved. Despite the heat, spirits remained high.
Young’s voice was weathered yet unmistakable and served to cut through the mix with ease. His guitar work alternated between delicate acoustic fingerpicking and thunderous electric solos which saw the audience astounded. Throughout, the performance felt truly special. Not merely a swan song or nostalgic indulgence, the evening was a celebration of Young’s energy and artistry. There was no sense of winding down, only of winding deeper into the music that has defined him.
Young’s chemistry with his band the Chrome Hearts was palpable, and his choice of songs all pointed to an artist still deeply engaged with his craft. This was especially evident during the heavier songs of the evening. The classic “Hey Hey, My My” sounded immense, with its heavy riff giving way to a soaring chorus. While the closer, “Rockin’ in the Free World”, served to weave poignant messages into a defiant anthem. Young's irrepressible energy was on full display as he led the band through a lengthy rendition of the song, playing right up until the festival’s curfew.
While Young was on the stage it was undeniable that there was no sense of winding down, only of winding deeper into the music that has defined him.