Foolam’s Folly

So Neil Young was blowing into town for what I assumed was support of his new album “Chrome Dreams II” (I don’t have it yet, as anyone can tell you, I’m a vinyl addict, so I’m waiting until Jan. 8th when it comes out in my favorite black plastic format.)  I assumed it would be at the usual horrible venue of Madison Square Garden, where I had last seen him (thanks to an industry connection box seat, with food and booze.)  This was during the Greendale tour, and while I enjoyed the show, I did not feel inspired to buy the album (strange, since I own a good majority of all his other albums, even the much maligned but entertaining to me “Trans”.)  Busy with work and what not, I let it slip under my radar that it was not the usual MSG concrete stadium horror show (no free press box seat nd booze this time), but instead was going to be six nights at a somewhat small (3000 capacity) church turned performance hall in Washington Heights, the United Palace Theater.  Two fseperate riends who went the first night raved that it was one of the best shows they have ever seen him do.  My pal John Neilson said something to the effect of “he was on fire like I haven’t seen him in years”, or something to that effect.  Ok, seeing Mr. Young several times since the late 80s, I knew I had to go.  All shows sold out, and so wanting the avoid the hideous fees of “professional” scalper sites (who probably bought up a third of the tickets, thanks douchebags, well, that’s business), it was Craigs List to the rescue!  I ended up going the final night, and have great regrets…that I only went one night.While there were tickets available on all nights, it was harder to get them for the last evening of the run, but I’m glad I did.  Not even the scalpers outside had any tickets for sale, there was quite a buzz/vibe/whatever ya wanna call it in the air.  Seems like everyone had been hearing about what amazing shows there