Back in June, Neil Young revealed that he was plotting to bring his “Vampire Blues” (and its anti-Big Oil message) to cities along the oil spill-stricken Gulf Coast, and now we have the official dates, as well as details as to how the legendary singer/songwriter/Godfather of Grunge plans to help the affected area beyond simply lifting spirits with his music. In a press release, Young announced today that he has joined forces with John Tyson, his longtime friend and chairman of Tyson Foods, Inc., to bring hunger relief to Mobile, Alabama; Panama City and Pensacola, Florida; and Biloxi, Mississippi. In addition to a massive donation of food by Tyson and Young’s contribution of profits from limited-edition concert shirts, the pair ask that attendees of the 4 concerts bring non-perishable food items to be given to local food banks. In a statement, Young said:
Millions of people who live along the Gulf Coast struggle with hunger and the economic impact of the oil spill has only made matters worse. I appreciate the willingness of John Tyson and his company to get involved by helping the regional food bank help feed those in need. John is truly a ‘southern man’ with a ‘heart of gold’. We both encourage concert-goers to spend money locally and support local business.
These aren’t the only benefit gigs Neil has lined up for the fall, however, as his annual Bridge School Benefit in Mountain View, CA is set for October and he has joined the Farm Aid lineup once again, as well. Check out Young’s full itinerary (so far) below:
2010 Tour Dates (Ticket Info)
September 20 – Panama City, FL – Marina Civic Center (Gulf Coast Benefit)
September 22 – Clearwater, FL – Ruth Eckerd Hall
September 23 – Hollywood, FL – Seminole Hard Rock Casino
September 25 – Biloxi, MS – IP Showroom (Gulf Coast Benefit)
September 26 – Mobile, AL – Saenger Theatre (Gulf Coast Benefit)
September 28 – Pensacola, FL – Saenger Theatre (Gulf Coast Benefit)
Festival Dates (via Consequence of Sound)
October 02 – Milwaukee, WI – Farm Aid
October 23-24 – Mountain View, CA – Bridge School Benefit