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The Prodigy tell Neil Younghe's "too old"

Thu 22nd Jan, 2009 in Local News

When it was announced that rock – œn roll legend Neil Young would headline the 2009 Big Day Out tour, the response was divisive. Now it seems Boiler Room headliners The Prodigy have some contentious opinions about the man at the top of the bill.

Talking with our sister site inthemix for a video interview, the trio spoke at length about their history with the Big Day Out festival and their hotly anticipated new album Invaders Must Die. When the topic of Neil Young came up their iconic frontman Keith Flint was the first to offer his 2 cents.

“We’ve heard that he’s doing good things, and he’s a legend [so] you’ve got to respect him for where he’s been and where he’s come from,” Keith remarked somewhat diplomatically, before opening the flood gates. “Although he’s a legend he doesn’t stir me up to wanna go and see him. There’s nothing he’s gonna be doing on that stage that I can’t achieve by putting his album on my iPod.”

Keith’s comments were met with laughter, before fellow vocalist Maxim stepped in to defend the rock legend. “I mean, respect to him, y’know what I mean? But I don’t know a great deal about himÃ¢â‚¬Â¦” Then it was on for young and – pardon the pun – old, with Liam Howlett offering his perspective. “Basically, he’s too old.”

It didn’t end there, though, with Keith happy to lay the boot in once again. “I’d say his name is definitely Neil, and that’s as far as it goesÃ¢â‚¬Â¦” Before Maxim added with a laugh; ”...[And] he’s no longer young.” Composure regained, it was left to Liam to ponder the biggest question of all. “Do you think he’s heard of us?” Humble as always, Keith was quick to answer. “Everyone’s heard of us.”

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adam12

adam12 said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

"their hotly anticipated new album Invaders Must Die"

I didn't think any thing the prodigy had done lately was "hotly anticipated". As sophie said, let's see if they're still performing smack my bitch up when they're in their 60's

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

I think you are all misinterpreting this a bit.

The Prodigy are legends in their own right. 18 years down the line and still cranking out hot tunes is the dream of many a spring chicken band of the zeitgeist. But they are not at Neil Young stage yet. Neil Young has an impressive career and have made some of the most memorable songs with the most memorable voice of the last century. Basically he has been able to combine what Bob Dylan never quite managed: Brilliant Songwriting with a Brilliant Voice. (Note: I love Bob Dylan)

Now for the real issue: Is he fit to headline Big Day Out in 2009?

I'm with The Prodigy here: No, he's not. Taken in context the audience, the stage setup and the times - Neil Young would have been better off on an intimate stage where he could have been properly enjoyed by the right audience. In my ideal world it would have been Prodigy finishing on the main stage, and then head over to mellow out with Neil Young in an intimate venue with some good company and a good joint to finish off a perfect evening.

I love them both, but I think what Prodigy is doing here and what I am doing here is considering the context.

Piko

Piko said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

how crap would the BDO lineup be if The Prodigy were the main headline act, considering its their 4th appearence? the biggest BDO slut band there is, i wouldnt care to see them again, i've seen them play their best stuff, why would i need more? I mean, they headlined in 2002? but did their set differ much from 1997? (when i saw them) they also played 1996...

sophieb90

sophieb90 said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

yeah Neil should just do some Hunter Valley shows in the vineyards for the moneyed baby boomers.

I agree with FuQjump, and would much rather see Neil in an intimate venue, playing his old stuff on an acoustic guitar. But I'm just glad I get to see him at all.

elmokeep

elmokeep said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

The Prodigy are touring? Who knew?

dkos

dkos said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

I think you are all misinterpreting this a bit.

The Prodigy are legends in their own right. 18 years down the line and still cranking out hot tunes is the dream of many a spring chicken band of the zeitgeist. But they are not at Neil Young stage yet. Neil Young has an impressive career and have made some of the most memorable songs with the most memorable voice of the last century. Basically he has been able to combine what Bob Dylan never quite managed: Brilliant Songwriting with a Brilliant Voice. (Note: I love Bob Dylan)

Now for the real issue: Is he fit to headline Big Day Out in 2009?

I'm with The Prodigy here: No, he's not. Taken in context the audience, the stage setup and the times - Neil Young would have been better off on an intimate stage where he could have been properly enjoyed by the right audience. In my ideal world it would have been Prodigy finishing on the main stage, and then head over to mellow out with Neil Young in an intimate venue with some good company and a good joint to finish off a perfect evening.

I love them both, but I think what Prodigy is doing here and what I am doing here is considering the context.

I know what you are saying, and agree to an extent. But it comes down to respect, and Prodigy are not fit to even talk about Neil Young in that regard, doesn't matter if you are going for quantity or quality. They are nowhere near Young.

I used the same argument as you are (sortof) last year when it was Bjork then RATM. Now THAT was a fuckup.

John Donovan said on the 22nd Jan, 2009

The Prodigy? Never heard of 'em.

Cam0

Cam0 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

they dont know Neil yet they basically stole a nirvana rif (which they happily acknowledge), yet Nirvana site Neil as a major influence???

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

In what way? Both are legendary in their own respects, and I enjoyed both shows. I was however embarrased to be in the crowd that were shouting to get her off stage.

The Prodigy are also legendary in their own respect. Not fit to be compared with Neil Young? Fair enough, but it is in the same way as you are not fit to be compared to me: It's a matter of accumulated experience and output.

Scared_of_Girls

Scared_of_Girls said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Ha! Firestarter alright!! They're playing with fire!!!

A bit rich for an electronic dance act to say ""There’s nothing he’s gonna be doing on that stage that I can’t achieve by putting his album on my iPod." Isn't that exactly what they will be doing onstage with their own albums?

A real musician playing a real instrument compared with some guys pushing buttons while one jumps around like a loon. I know which one I consider to be the true live act.

... I'm still gonna catch some of their set after Neil's but their stupid words will always be in my mind ... but that never stopped me loving Oasis ... rockstars just say stupid things sometimes ... I think it's the drugs.

Braveheart81

Braveheart81 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

I love the Prodigy, but this is a dumb shit thing to say. Neil Young is a legend and why would you put someone down who has clearly done nothing but good for music.

I agree with the sentiments regarding the lineup though. It would have worked better if Neil Young played before the Prodigy. If you put an act everyone is anticipating to see last, and precede them with a less familiar act, more people will see that act.

Unless you've made an effort to seek out Neil Young music, you will struggle to know more than a couple of his songs if you're young.

jetgirl

jetgirl said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

talk about the pot calling the kettle an old fart

Stefan Beck

Stefan Beck said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

You can't be serious.

I'm all for more people seeing Neil Young but that situation would've only led to a bogan-y crowd not appreciating him and yelling for the Prodigy to play.

dkos

dkos said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

In what way? Both are legendary in their own respects, and I enjoyed both shows. I was however embarrased to be in the crowd that were shouting to get her off stage.

The Prodigy are also legendary in their own respect. Not fit to be compared with Neil Young? Fair enough, but it is in the same way as you are not fit to be compared to me: It's a matter of accumulated experience and output.

At least this year they have had the common sense to put them on separate stages. Last year was embarrassing for Australia, even though Bjork didn't end up playing in Sydney, The Arcade Fire received the same treatment. All I am saying is that whether you feel that Prodigy have achieved as much as Neil Young in the music industry or not, it doesn't give them a right to show that kind of disrespect to one of the remaining pioneers of rock n roll.

I don't understand why it's always a personal attack with you, I guess your accumulated arrogance (read: output) is the way you live your life. I guess that's how it goes when you may as well be a spokesperson for ecstasy. Tell me Erik, do you sell it? It would make a lot of sense. Or are your posts about it just a continued effort to justify a reason to take it?

adamweathered

adamweathered said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

yeah Neil should just do some Hunter Valley shows in the vineyards for the moneyed baby boomers.

I would have thought that too until I saw him on Wednesday night in Bris. He was sensational.

arcadeleah said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Isn't BDO about music? a day out watchin' and listnin to ya 'favourite' bands. nothing to do with age. this is music! if ya dont like the line up dont go! or wander around watchin' who you wanna see, avoid who ya dont! catch someone new, soak up the atmosphere of the day and go home happy. Neil was top, the prodigy I couidn't be bothered .Bjork was amazin last year as were the arcadefire. its about who you like. did anyone else think the artic monkeys were a bit flat? im not a fan like just thought they didnt play as well as at splendour...

Meatbix

Meatbix said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Hahaha fucking Keith, some over 40 c*nt who screams a few lines then dances around wearing make up.
There is more talent in the steam that comes of the old boy's shit.

Exactly, if it was Liam Howlett making the comment then at least he'd have some reall talent to back it up, Keith's pretty much had a free ride on Howlett's talent all his career anyway.

sophieb90

sophieb90 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Tonight's the Night (part one)... I am way too keen to see Neil. haha.

hopefully he'll teach the kiddies something about good music. the main stage line-up up until arctic monkeys makes me shudder.

Super Browny

Super Browny said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Well, Im lookin forward to knockin off work at lunch and headin out. Definately not catching the Prodigy, cos I couldnt be bothered dealing with the boiler room. Will catch a decent chunk of Neil Young and then head out to the back stage to finish my night off with Fantomas and Dropkick Murphys...FARK YEAH!

doubtfulsounds

doubtfulsounds said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

sounds like a play for some mild controversy and media from Prodigy. They need all they can get for an act that has dated fairly quickly in their sound and look. Neil is still playing with more passion and conviction than many of the bands out there at the moment. See him and you will understand.

snegy001 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Who ever said Prodigy are legendary are delerious.
They certainly wont be headlining anything in 30 years time.

snapcrackleROCK

snapcrackleROCK said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Force Arctic Monkeys to pick a side.

snegy001 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

The best thing about BDO this year is that Prodigy are in the Boiler Room. In recent years Metallica bogans ruined The Strokes, Tool bogans ruined Muse and Rage Bogans ruined Bjork. With the setup this year it means all the fuckwits will piss off to the Prodigy and let the true music people watch a legend in peace.

mooney88

mooney88 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

i listened to the fat of the land yesterday.
i also listened to rust never sleeps.

and it wasnt neil who sounded dated.

Super Browny

Super Browny said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Really?? I dont ever go up the front at the BDO (those days were put behind me at the turn of the century), but everyone I know that is a fan of Tool (myself included) is also a massive fan of Muse.

waylon black

waylon black said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Spot on, in the early day's Keith was considered 'a dancer' with no imput at all, fucking lol!
He owes Liam EVERYTHING!!!

Alfonzo said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Who ever said Prodigy are legendary are delerious.
They certainly wont be headlining anything in 30 years time.

Exactly.

Neil Young would be well into double figures with the number of vintage classic albums that will still be inspiring musicians in 50 years time. What the fuck has the prodigy done? Nothing in comparison. Absolutely nothing. Two or three albums which seemed OK at the time but are now forgettable does not qualify as legendary.

Neil's past might be a little bit of a moot point in the context of this argument if he was just a tired old man going through the motions, a shadow of his former self. But on stage he plays the guitar with more passion, intensity and fire than almost anybody on the planet. He still dominates. So there is a simple argument why he should be headlining ... combine his song quality with his performance quality and he is the best live performer on the bill.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

I completely agree with this, however I reckon they are just taking the piss for shits and giggles. Especially the "iPod comment" could be seen as a self-ironic comment about the perception of electronic music that Scared_of_Girls seems to perpetuate. ("Keith’s comments were met with laughter")

Awwww. I thought it was our thing. ;)

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

no no, everyone thinks you're a fucking tool.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Still sore from yesterday's smackdown are we? :D

dkos

dkos said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

I completely agree with this, however I reckon they are just taking the piss for shits and giggles. Especially the "iPod comment" could be seen as a self-ironic comment about the perception of electronic music that Scared_of_Girls seems to perpetuate. ("Keith�s comments were met with laughter")

Awwww. I thought it was our thing. ;)

I might just be being a sourpuss, but even if they are just 'taking the piss' it is still showing disrespect for Neil Young? They are probably just upset that he ousted them from the mainstage.

If we ever have a thing, I'll let you know, until then - keep trying.

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

hahaha yeah, it was a real drag copping the wrath (or "Smackdown") of some tosser who has wanted to go see the prodigy since he turned 10 (fucking lol) over 17 years ago and has somehow been unsuccessful up until now (fucking lol pt. 2).

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

*laughs at all the neil young apologists*

aww, did someone poke fun at your favourite veteran rocker?

Is anything that The Prodigy said actually wrong? Is Neil Young not a very old man? I saw Neil Young and Prodigy in a row and i know which one had energy and passion and made more than a handful of people down the front dance...

I'd rather the Prodigy just say what they think than see another interview with someone who just gushes over everyone else...

pat2488

pat2488 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Oh its back awwwwnnnnnn.

QueenNahs

QueenNahs said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

*laughs at all the neil young apologists*

aww, did someone poke fun at your favourite veteran rocker?

Is anything that The Prodigy said actually wrong? Is Neil Young not a very old man? I saw Neil Young and Prodigy in a row and i know which one had energy and passion and made more than a handful of people down the front dance...

I'd rather the Prodigy just say what they think than see another interview with someone who just gushes over everyone else...

I don't think it's fair to compare such vastly different performers to each other... they have both made their marks on their genre's... only time and the tastes of future generations will determine if one has as long a career as the other.

The guys from The Prodigy are going to talk shit like that because that's part of their personae - they're so fucking "hard" aren't they? (chortle) To me they just sound like school kids...

There's nothing wrong with respecting what has come before, it has brought us to where we are now. And from all reports, old Mr Young delivered a stellar performance and the Prodigy's recent one's were "not champagne"... The Prodigy's house is not made of perspex it seems.

waylon black

waylon black said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

*laughs at all the neil young apologists*

aww, did someone poke fun at your favourite veteran rocker?

Is anything that The Prodigy said actually wrong? Is Neil Young not a very old man? I saw Neil Young and Prodigy in a row and i know which one had energy and passion and made more than a handful of people down the front dance...

I'd rather the Prodigy just say what they think than see another interview with someone who just gushes over everyone else...

Hey if Liam was the one doing all the bagging it would be a different story, most of it came from Keith's mouth which is a joke because basically he's a DANCER!

BTW how can you say the old boy didnt play with passion?
And yes The Prodigy made everyone dance, but you would hope they would seeing as they are a dance outfit, comparing the two cant be done.

dkos

dkos said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

*laughs at all the neil young apologists*

aww, did someone poke fun at your favourite veteran rocker?

Is anything that The Prodigy said actually wrong? Is Neil Young not a very old man? I saw Neil Young and Prodigy in a row and i know which one had energy and passion and made more than a handful of people down the front dance...

I'd rather the Prodigy just say what they think than see another interview with someone who just gushes over everyone else...

Well fuck me sideways with a broom handle. I guess we have slipped into an alternate reality where the quality of the music is judged by how much the crowd dances to it. You would probably see more dancing at a Veronica's gig than at Spiritualized, but I guess that probably makes the Veronica's better.

You can say what you think and still be respectful. What they have said is just ridiculous and plainly naive.

And no, Neil Young is not my favourite veteran rocker.

Napoleon Solo

Napoleon Solo said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Have you listened to The Prodigy? Everything is sampled and they aren't gonna go and sight the Cosmic Psychos as an influence either.

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Hey if Liam was the one doing all the bagging it would be a different story, most of it came from Keith's mouth which is a joke because basically he's a DANCER!

BTW how can you say the old boy didnt play with passion?

Actually he WAS basically a dancer, his role has far evolved since then.

and i was front row for neil young, and the only thing he looked was grumpy.

Alfonzo said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

*laughs at all the neil young apologists*

aww, did someone poke fun at your favourite veteran rocker?

Is anything that The Prodigy said actually wrong? Is Neil Young not a very old man? I saw Neil Young and Prodigy in a row and i know which one had energy and passion and made more than a handful of people down the front dance...

I'd rather the Prodigy just say what they think than see another interview with someone who just gushes over everyone else...

You need to actually read what they said, cause it is wrong. They said he is too old (big difference to just being old ... why should age matter?), can't play better than an ipod, etc.

I've seen Neil several times, the last were 2 shows at Madison Square Garden last month from 5m away right in front. The energy and passion he displays can not be questioned, so you don't have a clue on that aspect.

If you can't appreciate that standing mesmerized for 10 minutes during an epic Cortez the Killer is 1005838750 times better than jumping around like an idiot singing "Smack my bitch up"; then you are a complete moron.

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

You need to actually read what they said, cause it is wrong. They said he is too old (big difference to just being old ... why should age matter?), can't play better than an ipod, etc.

I've seen Neil several times, the last were 2 shows at Madison Square Garden last month from 5m away right in front. The energy and passion he displays can not be questioned, so you don't have a clue on that aspect.

If you can't appreciate that standing mesmerized for 10 minutes during an epic Cortez the Killer is 1005838750 times better than jumping around like an idiot singing "Smack my bitch up"; then you are a complete moron.

oooo, burn!

I was 5 metres away from him two nights ago, and what i saw was a grumpy old man. who kept needing his lyrics boards changed over.

whether or not it sounds like an ipod recording is a matter for debate, but i respect a band that comes out and says what they think any day, over "oh my god, he's such a legend, he's so great, everyone's so great, we love everyone on the tour, even the people who hate us!"

dkos

dkos said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Blah blah blah. Why did they feel the need to say anything?

Because they are fuckwits and are jealous that he is on the mainstage.

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Blah blah blah. Why did they feel the need to say anything?

Because they are fuckwits and are jealous that he is on the mainstage.

because they were being interviewed?

"When the topic of Neil Young came up their iconic frontman Keith Flint was the first to offer his 2 cents"

was it brought up by the interviewer?

dkos

dkos said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

because they were being interviewed?

"When the topic of Neil Young came up their iconic frontman Keith Flint was the first to offer his 2 cents"

was it brought up by the interviewer?

Yes, fantastic, but why did they feel need to go on about his age?

They could've just said something inconspicuous and flat, instead they continue to be media whores they have always been.

Liv_8

Liv_8 said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Weird Al Yankovic has a good go at The Prodigy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQaL2gSdL6Q

I'm only really going to the BDO for Neil Young

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Yes, fantastic, but why did they feel need to go on about his age?

They could've just said something inconspicuous and flat, instead they continue to be media whores they have always been.

Damn you media whores for participating in interviews, answering questions, and trying to provide some entertainment for people reading the interviews! Everyone knows the best interviews are where all the answers are flat and inconspicuous!

i_have_ADD

i_have_ADD said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

yep - my question wassssss:

"This year’s Big Day Out line-up is, as always, diverse, and some controversy was caused when it was announced that Neil Young would headline the mainstage. Obviously you wouldn’t have had a chance to check him out as you headline the Boiler Room just after his set, but how does it feel being on the tour with such a notable musical identity?"

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

yep - my question wassssss:

"This year�s Big Day Out line-up is, as always, diverse, and some controversy was caused when it was announced that Neil Young would headline the mainstage. Obviously you wouldn�t have had a chance to check him out as you headline the Boiler Room just after his set, but how does it feel being on the tour with such a notable musical identity?"

hehe cool, so they obviously took that ball and ran with it a little further than you were expecting :)

i_have_ADD

i_have_ADD said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

yes indeed, i've quite enjoyed it thus far - don't stop people!

dkos

dkos said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

It seems that was answered for me below.

Lets face it, the only good thing that the Prodigy have done is the Smach My Bitch Up video clip. Other than that, it all got very old, very fast. Much like Mr Young?

clashpalace said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

the group and their friends.

FuQjump

FuQjump said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Guess you didn't go to BDO huh?

Timbzy

Timbzy said on the 23rd Jan, 2009

Too old for what? Backstage sex?

The Prodigy were a one hit (album) wonder anyway and that was over 10 years ago.

bucketboy63

bucketboy63 said on the 24th Jan, 2009

I saw Fantomas over both of them.......I did leave with the Prodigy having 45 minutes left in their set though.

I guess that says something.

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 24th Jan, 2009

Too old for what? Backstage sex?

The Prodigy were a one hit (album) wonder anyway and that was over 10 years ago.

and what was that hit?

clashpalace said on the 24th Jan, 2009

*laughs at all the neil young apologists*

aww, did someone poke fun at your favourite veteran rocker?

Is anything that The Prodigy said actually wrong? Is Neil Young not a very old man? I saw Neil Young and Prodigy in a row and i know which one had energy and passion and made more than a handful of people down the front dance...

I'd rather the Prodigy just say what they think than see another interview with someone who just gushes over everyone else...

I'm not actually even into Neil young a whole lot. I just think the prodigy are one of those overrated groups. So they had a smash single or two circa that 90's pill popping era and were raved about as being so cutting edge by people on acid dancing like bell ends.

I don't mind their stuff around that era, but what have they done for me lately? zilch. They've made about the same longterm impact on the shape of music as limp bizkit.

I'm not dissing them (though grouping someone with limp bizkit probably is) but I just don't see them as validated to be saying those things (even in irony) It's just being sensationalist and hence they deserve to be put in the same boat as those knobs oasis and everyone else with foot in mouth disease.

thats all really. I'm not even fussed, its like meh.

Timbzy

Timbzy said on the 24th Jan, 2009

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 24th Jan, 2009

you're an idiot. i'm reasonably familiar with the prodigy's work, having been a fan for many years, i just want you to identify their 'one hit', so i can point and laugh.

Alfonzo said on the 24th Jan, 2009

I think it is you who is the idiot. The only thing worth pointing and laughing about is the fact you've been a fan for many years of an overrated, forgettable, talentless band.

sophieb90

sophieb90 said on the 24th Jan, 2009

If you can't appreciate that standing mesmerized for 10 minutes during an epic Cortez the Killer is 1005838750 times better than jumping around like an idiot singing "Smack my bitch up"; then you are a complete moron.

I did both yesterday. Both options were fun, but the former was significantly more rewarding. I have to say the crowd gathered for Neil Young was one of the best I've been a part of, and this judgment wasn't based on how much people were dancing or moshing. Seeing Needle and the Damage Done, Heart of Gold and Old Man within minutes of each other was probably the best live music moment I have ever experienced.

It was also nice to see 50 year olds and 18 year olds alike knowing all the words to his songs.

dkos

dkos said on the 24th Jan, 2009

I did both yesterday. Both options were fun, but the former was significantly more rewarding. I have to say the crowd gathered for Neil Young was one of the best I've been a part of, and this judgment wasn't based on how much people were dancing or moshing. Seeing Needle and the Damage Done, Heart of Gold and Old Man within minutes of each other was probably the best live music moment I have ever experienced.

It was also nice to see 50 year olds and 18 year olds alike knowing all the words to his songs.

But I've heard he was so grumpy!!!

sophieb90

sophieb90 said on the 24th Jan, 2009

ha ha really? are you being serious? that's fucking neil, man. he's an odd guy.

Braveheart81

Braveheart81 said on the 24th Jan, 2009

Oh my god! Neil Young completely blew me away. He is still an amazing guitarist. What a performance last night in Sydney. Enjoyed every minute of it.

A few of my friends went to the Prodigy (they're going to see Neil Young tonight so they wanted to catch Prodigy at BDO) and had a blast.

sophieb90

sophieb90 said on the 24th Jan, 2009

oh yeah, and neil went ape shit after the encore, making sure every single guitar string was well and truly ripped off his guitar. then he went to his wife pegi, took the xylophone (or whatever) sticks from her and played two notes with great purpose. then walked off.

it was awesome.

JackP

JackP said on the 24th Jan, 2009

Like to see the Prodigy doing the same thing Neil is doing when they are his age... he has only released over 40 records and written nearly 400 songs so of course he is getting on... this does piss me of though

dkos

dkos said on the 24th Jan, 2009

No, I was just being a dick to the guy who said that Neil Young was grumpy earlier in this thread.

Timbzy

Timbzy said on the 24th Jan, 2009

I think it is quite clear that their one hit album was Fat of the Land. Also, before you get carried away on some retarded tangent again, I am not saying that is their best album, or that it is a good album. I don't really like the Prodigy.

dkos

dkos said on the 24th Jan, 2009

I would like to put forth the motion that "Always Outnumbered, Never Outgunned" is one of the worst albums ever.

Timbzy

Timbzy said on the 24th Jan, 2009

I would like to agree with dkos.

dreims

dreims said on the 25th Jan, 2009

Hahah I think I remember the Prodigy... they still get played at 90's retro nights don't they. I mean I'm not saying the band stop being at all popular or relevant over ten years ago. I mean they did do something like with combining punk and techno or something right, but put it this way they're not exactly CHILD prodigy's anymore are they. What I'm saying is people in old houses shouldn't throw stones. I can't see anyone paying to see any of them do anything when they get to 40 even as a novelty.

dkos

dkos said on the 25th Jan, 2009

Haha, you'll find Maxim is close to 42. Howlett is 37, and Flint will be 40 in 5 months time.

ionecoe

ionecoe said on the 27th Jan, 2009

I saw the Prodigy at the Sydney BDO

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 27th Jan, 2009

ionecoe

ionecoe said on the 27th Jan, 2009

"There�s nothing he�s gonna be doing on that stage that I can�t achieve by putting his album on my iPod."

I can't even comprehend what kind of moron could come up with a statement like that. What a clueless, talentless knob.

Anybody who would even contemplate seeing the Prodigy over Neil Young is musically retarded.

Good one Alfonso, Talentless you say. Hmmm. LONG LIVE THE PRODIGY.

ionecoe

ionecoe said on the 27th Jan, 2009

It didn't post the rest of my reply... Not real good at this.. ANyway. After seeing them probably 10 years ago at the BDO they have still got it.. The absolute top of the chain when it comes to beats and the highlight of my and my mates BDO.. You wouldn't have seen us at Neil Young for quids even though I totally respoect the bloke. I can not wait for the new album... GO THE PRODIGY!!!

MorningAfterboy

MorningAfterboy said on the 27th Jan, 2009

nice first post bro

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 27th Jan, 2009

grattan

grattan said on the 27th Jan, 2009

Saw both yesterday. One sounded sadly dated, the other played Cortez the Killer, Heart of Gold and Everyone Knows This is Nowhere and Rocking in the Free World.

dankobiaka

dankobiaka said on the 27th Jan, 2009

I watched the first half of Neil Young's set before moving to the Boiler Room to see the Prodigy at the Sydney BDO.

Both acts were amazing. But for vastly different reasons....

Personally I enjoyed the Prodigy better, but not really because of their music (which I can't really picture myself listening to normally).... mainly just because of how crazy the crowd and atmosphere was. The energy in the Boiler Room for their set was palpable. People were just going crazy... it was intense. At that time of the night, I guess that was just what I was in the mood for -- throwing caution into the wind and going crazy.

When it comes to the Prodigy talking shit about Neil Young...that is just ridiculous. I don't really consider them to be the most proficient musicians and are in no real position to be passing judgement on any musician of Neil Young's calibre and legendary status. To be honest, judging by their behaviour on-stage, seems like their just a bunch of crazed speed freaks. Each to his own I guess.
I can't imagine Neil Young will be losing any sleep over those stupid comments.

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 27th Jan, 2009

^ well justified.

rosie4tune

rosie4tune said on the 28th Jan, 2009

So glad I didn't bother trying to catch a little of The Prodigy after Neil. sniff sniff I smell mid-life-crisis, 'bag the old guy out cos at least we're not THAT old!'

JackT

JackT said on the 28th Jan, 2009

I watched the first half of Neil Young's set before moving to the Boiler Room to see the Prodigy at the Sydney BDO.

Both acts were amazing. But for vastly different reasons....

Personally I enjoyed the Prodigy better, but not really because of their music (which I can't really picture myself listening to normally).... mainly just because of how crazy the crowd and atmosphere was. The energy in the Boiler Room for their set was palpable. People were just going crazy... it was intense. At that time of the night, I guess that was just what I was in the mood for -- throwing caution into the wind and going crazy.

When it comes to the Prodigy talking shit about Neil Young...that is just ridiculous. I don't really consider them to be the most proficient musicians and are in no real position to be passing judgement on any musician of Neil Young's calibre and legendary status. To be honest, judging by their behaviour on-stage, seems like their just a bunch of crazed speed freaks. Each to his own I guess.
I can't imagine Neil Young will be losing any sleep over those stupid comments.

Sadly, as awesome as I reckon our site is, I'm not sure Neil Young reads us anyway. :)

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 28th Jan, 2009

and even if he did, i dont imagine he'd give two shits what the prodigy think of him either :)

over_burdened1987

over_burdened1987 said on the 30th Jan, 2009

Neil old......yes tis true

unlachs

unlachs said on the 30th Jan, 2009

lol at all the people taking this seriously.

get a sense of humour, and some fresh air!

rjohno

rjohno said on the 31st Jan, 2009

hahahaha.

Prodigy are good for a laugh. I mean, this article doesnt say much, Neil Young is old, but a legend, and a chance to see him over prodigy. Theres no contest.

Neil Young, Please Smack Prodigys Bitches Up!

Joe Smiggens

Joe Smiggens said on the 6th Feb, 2009

Good review. Stick this up your bum gumbouy!

http://www.thevine.com.au/music/reviews/live-review-_-2009-big-day-out,-melbourne-_-part-2.aspx

"All of the conjecture about whether Neil Young was the right choice for the country's biggest rockin' yoof festival is swept aside the second that guitar sound hits the air. Sh!t it's good. (I've even spent the last half an hour reading about how he gets it it's so good. And weird.) A big, majestic, sonic tunnel of apocalyptic sound that, unlike your run-of-the-mill pedal-heavy bands, sounds like no instrument. It sounds like mountains, thunder, a wave. Yeah, all that hippy sh!t. Am I making myself clear? It was BIG, and unlike anything I've ever heard before. Mogwai would wee themselves.

That he then 180s and throws in a trio of acoustic classics like 'Needle and the Damage Done', 'Old Man' and 'Heart of Gold' is goosebump stuff. I profess at this point, I'm not even a Neil fan. More a passing observer. But these songs are inside people through a lifetime of radio/car stereo/friend's party osmosis, and to suddenly have the harmonies of 'Old Man' ringing out over the showgrounds is otherworldly. Neil is on fire, and by the time he finishes with a cover of The Beatles 'A Day In The Life' that ends with a warped, feedback wig-out, I know exactly why he should be headlining the festival. It lacked the bug-eyed spectacle of last year's Rage Against the Machine madness, but exceeded it and maybe every other Big Day Out headline performance I've seen by sheer musicality and sonic wonder. Not to mention a glimpse into the songbook of Rock n Roll history itself. The groups of oiled up singlet wearing dudes now all standing motionless around the fringes with their arms folded, soaking it in, might quietly agree.

After Neil Young, The Prodigy seem - ironically - hilariously old hat. Where the execution of Young's songs are timeless, The Prodigy seem dated and tied to an era long gone. Frontguys Keith Flint and Maxim prowl the stage, spitting at the cameras, dancing and jumping up and down endlessly in front of a blitzkrieg of strobe lights, flash pots and people being hauled out of the pit. Still, there's a sense they couldn't last a minute in front of Young's amp."

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 6th Feb, 2009

Good review. Stick this up your bum gumbouy!

http://www.thevine.com.au/music/reviews/live-review-_-2009-big-day-out,-melbourne-_-part-2.aspx

you still care about this? you're living in the past.

Joe Smiggens

Joe Smiggens said on the 6th Feb, 2009

So are the aforementioned artists!

dream_brother

dream_brother said on the 6th Feb, 2009

Joe Smiggens

Joe Smiggens said on the 6th Feb, 2009

translate please

mooney88

mooney88 said on the 6th Feb, 2009

im so keen for neil's archives if he ever actually puts them out

hiphop123 said on the 7th Feb, 2009

how pretentious of you to assume no one cares about the prodigy.

hiphop123 said on the 7th Feb, 2009

Good review. Stick this up your bum gumbouy!

http://www.thevine.com.au/music/reviews/live-review-_-2009-big-day-out,-melbourne-_-part-2.aspx

"All of the conjecture about whether Neil Young was the right choice for the country's biggest rockin' yoof festival is swept aside the second that guitar sound hits the air. Sh!t it's good. (I've even spent the last half an hour reading about how he gets it it's so good. And weird.) A big, majestic, sonic tunnel of apocalyptic sound that, unlike your run-of-the-mill pedal-heavy bands, sounds like no instrument. It sounds like mountains, thunder, a wave. Yeah, all that hippy sh!t. Am I making myself clear? It was BIG, and unlike anything I've ever heard before. Mogwai would wee themselves.

That he then 180s and throws in a trio of acoustic classics like 'Needle and the Damage Done', 'Old Man' and 'Heart of Gold' is goosebump stuff. I profess at this point, I'm not even a Neil fan. More a passing observer. But these songs are inside people through a lifetime of radio/car stereo/friend's party osmosis, and to suddenly have the harmonies of 'Old Man' ringing out over the showgrounds is otherworldly. Neil is on fire, and by the time he finishes with a cover of The Beatles 'A Day In The Life' that ends with a warped, feedback wig-out, I know exactly why he should be headlining the festival. It lacked the bug-eyed spectacle of last year's Rage Against the Machine madness, but exceeded it and maybe every other Big Day Out headline performance I've seen by sheer musicality and sonic wonder. Not to mention a glimpse into the songbook of Rock n Roll history itself. The groups of oiled up singlet wearing dudes now all standing motionless around the fringes with their arms folded, soaking it in, might quietly agree.

After Neil Young, The Prodigy seem - ironically - hilariously old hat. Where the execution of Young's songs are timeless, The Prodigy seem dated and tied to an era long gone. Frontguys Keith Flint and Maxim prowl the stage, spitting at the cameras, dancing and jumping up and down endlessly in front of a blitzkrieg of strobe lights, flash pots and people being hauled out of the pit. Still, there's a sense they couldn't last a minute in front of Young's amp."

there are reviews floating around which praise both neil young and the prodigy. unbiased reviews are alot better than one's with so much bias.

i caught the prodigy at syd bdo,. and neil young at melb bdo. both were absolutely fan-fucking-tastic.

seriously, i hate people who refuse to open their mind in regards to music taste. so damn pretentious.

Alfonzo said on the 7th Feb, 2009

there are reviews floating around which praise both neil young and the prodigy. unbiased reviews are alot better than one's with so much bias.

i caught the prodigy at syd bdo,. and neil young at melb bdo. both were absolutely fan-fucking-tastic.

seriously, i hate people who refuse to open their mind in regards to music taste. so damn pretentious.

Maybe its quite pretentious to think that if you don't like the prodigy thats because you aren't open minded.

Open minded people, unlike the hordes of sheep who attend the BDO, can look beneath the surface/spectacle and decide their is much ineptness and shallowness behind the Prodigy. There is little substance in what they do and and it will be easily forgotten with time. The reviewer is not biased, he says he is "not even a Neil fan. More a passing observer", and simply recognized that what Neil Young does is special, what the Prodigy does is not.

gumbuoy

gumbuoy said on the 7th Feb, 2009

Maybe its quite pretentious to think that if you don't like the prodigy thats because you aren't open minded.

Open minded people, unlike the hordes of sheep who attend the BDO, can look beneath the surface/spectacle and decide their is much ineptness and shallowness behind the Prodigy.

thats your definition of open mindedness? i dont think it means what you think it means...

kill

kill said on the 9th Feb, 2009

The Prodigy are too old.
It is clear form a listen to their latest attempts at song writing that the only music they have listened to in the past decade is their own. Who cares what they think about anything, anytime. pish. they stink. *peg on nose*

Joe Smiggens

Joe Smiggens said on the 9th Feb, 2009

Maybe its quite pretentious to think that if you don't like the prodigy thats because you aren't open minded.

Open minded people, unlike the hordes of sheep who attend the BDO, can look beneath the surface/spectacle and decide their is much ineptness and shallowness behind the Prodigy. There is little substance in what they do and and it will be easily forgotten with time. The reviewer is not biased, he says he is "not even a Neil fan. More a passing observer", and simply recognized that what Neil Young does is special, what the Prodigy does is not.

Agreed. The review was not biased hippityhop. He WAS NOT a fan before he went to the gig. I don't have a dictionary with me, but I'm pretty sure that's the DEFINITION of being unbiased?

mooney88

mooney88 said on the 15th Sep, 2010

Huge News:

Buffalo Springfield are reforming for their first concert in 42 years, happening at this year’s Bridge School Benefit in Mountain View, California on October 23rd and October 24th. Rolling Stone can confirm that surviving original members Neil Young, Stephen Stills and Richie Furay will perform. (Original bassist Bruce Palmer died in 2004; the band’s first drummer, Dewey Martin, died last year.) Neil Young and his wife Pegi have staged the all-acoustic Bridge School concerts, which raise money for the students with severe physical handicaps, nearly every year since 1986.

Other likely performers: Pearl Jam, Elvis Costello, Merle Haggard with Kris Kristofferson, Modest Mouse, Grizzly Bear, Billy Idol, Lucinda Williams, Jackson Browne and T-Bone Burnett’s Speaking Clock Revue, which features Elton John and Leon Russell, Elvis Costello, Ralph Stanley, Neko Case and Jeff Bridges.

Buffalo Springfield last played together in 1968, though they performed privately at the home of Stephen Stills in July of 1986. A tour was discussed, but Young decided he didn’t want to do it — leaving Dewey Martin and Bruce Palmer to recruit new members and tour as Buffalo Springfield Revisited. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, but Young didn’t attend the ceremony. Three years later he released the song “Buffalo Springfield Again,” which voiced a desire to “to see those guys again and give it a shot. Maybe we can now show the world what we got."

Also new Neil album out on the 24th 'Le Noise'

Jose Cuervo

Jose Cuervo said on the 15th Sep, 2010

Yeah take that Prodigy

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