Last night, Los Angeles’ Greek Theater was electric with anticipation as rock legends Neil Young and Stephen Stills reunited on stage for the “Light Up The Blues” autism awareness event. It was Young’s triumphant return to the stage, his first live performance since 2019. The audience was transported back in time as the duo performed hits that have endured for decades.

The night was marked by a sense of collaboration and nostalgia. Young took the stage for solo renditions of “From Hank to Hendrix” and “Comes a Time” before being joined by house band Promise of the Real for the iconic “Heart of Gold.” Stills added soulful piano accompaniment on the CSNY classic “Helpless” and continued with a series of Buffalo Springfield songs, including “For What It’s Worth,” “Bluebird,” and “Mr. Soul,” featuring the talents of Joe Walsh.

The set concluded with a heartwarming rendition of “Long May You Run” from the Stills-Young Band’s 1976 joint album, a fitting tribute to their enduring friendship.

Earlier in the evening, Stills paid a poignant tribute to the late David Crosby with a performance of CSNY’s “Wooden Ships,” joined by his son, Chris Stills, and Crosby’s son, James Raymond. Graham Nash, unable to attend, sent a heartfelt video message, urging everyone to “enjoy the music, and please rejoice.”

The LA-based “Light Up The Blues” event, hosted by Jeff Garlin and Camryn Manheim, has been organized by the Stills family since 2013 to benefit Autism Speaks. The concert also featured performances by Sharon Van Etten and Willie Nelson.

Neil Young’s return to the stage was unexpected, considering his previous hesitation to perform live due to health and safety concerns. Despite this, Young has remained creatively prolific, releasing two albums with Crazy Horse: “World Record” in November 2022 and “All Roads Lead Home” in March.

Thanks to Dror Nahum for the great footage!