Walk On

The Zoo Crew is spinning Neil Young's "Walk On" from the Decade compilation, a track originally featured on his 1974 album On the Beach. This song, a gritty yet upbeat anthem, carries a defiant message of moving forward despite criticism or past conflicts. According to Shakey: Neil Young's Biography by Jimmy McDonough, Young wrote "Walk On" in the aftermath of his departure from Buffalo Springfield, addressing the tensions and bad feelings that followed. The lyrics, like "Some get stoned, some get strange / Sooner or later, it all gets real," reflect Young's resolve to leave behind drama and focus on his path. Fans on Songfacts have speculated it might also be a response to music critics who panned his raw, emotional Tonight's the Night, though Young himself hasn't confirmed this. Interestingly, Songfacts notes that Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real, who later backed Young on tour, drew inspiration from "Walk On" for their band name and early philosophy, highlighting the song's lasting influence.

Another tidbit from the Archives Vol. II: 1972-1976 release, as discussed on Sonic Breadcrumbs, reveals that "Walk On" was performed during Young's 1973 benefit shows at Topanga Corral with Crazy Horse, where it opened and closed sets alongside tracks from the then-unreleased Tonight's the Night. The song's inclusion on Decade in 1977, a career-spanning compilation, cemented its status as a fan favorite. Young's handwritten liner notes for Decade, as mentioned in Wikipedia, show his reflective side, choosing tracks that captured his journey, including "Walk On" for its raw honesty. The Thrasher's Wheat fan site emphasizes how Young's performances of the song, like those captured on Roxy: Tonight's the Night Live in 2018, showcase his ability to blend defiance with a catchy melody, making it a staple for Zoo Freaks tuning in.

Neil Young began his musical journey in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he was born on November 12, 1945. Growing up, he played in local bands during his teens, honing his skills as a guitarist and singer in coffeehouses and small venues, as detailed in his Britannica biography. His early style blended folk and rock, a mix that defined his career. In the mid-1960s, Young moved to Los Angeles, where he co-founded Buffalo Springfield with Stephen Stills and Richie Furay. The band’s pioneering folk-rock sound and hits like "For What It's Worth" brought Young initial fame, though internal conflicts led to their breakup in 1968. Young then launched his solo career with his self-titled debut album in 1968, followed by Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere with Crazy Horse in 1969, which established him as a distinctive voice with his high tenor and raw guitar work. His time with Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young in 1970 further amplified his reach, with albums like Déjà Vu showcasing his versatility.

Young’s official website, Neil Young Archives, is a treasure trove for fans, offering access to his complete discography, unreleased tracks, and personal reflections. You can follow him on Facebook for updates on tours and releases, or check his Instagram for behind-the-scenes photos and vintage memorabilia. On X, Young occasionally shares thoughts on music, environmental causes, and new projects, engaging directly with fans. For Zoo Freaks looking to connect with other devotees, Thrasher's Wheat is a long-running fan site with concert reviews, lyric analyses, and a vibrant community. The Neil Young Fans Facebook Group is another hub where fans share stories, rare recordings, and discuss tracks like "Walk On," keeping the spirit of Young’s music alive.