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Neil Young + Roland Swenson
Neil Young’s appearance as SXSW’s 20th-anniversary keynote speaker was particularly special for SXSW co-founder Roland Swenson, who introduced his musical idol with an explanation of how Young rallied a generation and helped change history.
“This one song by a Canadian artist arguably had more impact than any before it,” he said of Young’s “Ohio,” written after four Kent State University students were killed by National Guardsmen in 1970 during an anti-war protest. His song helped galvanize a nation that was tired of losing lives to the Vietnam War.
Without specifically mentioning our current involvement in Iraq, Swenson earned a huge ovation when he said, “Mr. Young, if you can hear me back there, we need another song.”
After Young appeared onstage, interviewer Jaan Uhelszki asked whether he’s still as passionate about making music as he once was. Noting that he does what he can to capture songs as they come to him, he said, “The gentleman was trying to give me some input a few minutes ago. I hope it takes hold.”
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