In a heartfelt exploration of an iconic artist and his intimate world, Daryl Hannah has directed a new documentary film that sheds light on her husband, legendary musician Neil Young. Married since 2018, Hannah has previously directed several of Young's music videos and now takes a deeper look at his life during his 2023 solo tour, which marks his return to the stage after a four-year hiatus.

As a testament to Young's enduring appeal, he has amassed millions of fans over his lengthy fifty-seven-year career. Yet, according to Hannah, none are as loyal as his beloved pet dogs. "They love the music," she explains, sharing an endearing anecdote about how the dogs accompany Young to every sound check, finding comfort beneath the piano during his performances. "Whenever Neil is playing, the dogs just migrate right to him and lay at his feet," she adds, highlighting the special bond between the musician and his canine companions.

The connection doesnt end there. During the 2020 lockdown, Young hosted a livestream concert from his picturesque barn located on his Colorado farm. Surrounded by a menagerie of animals including alpacas, ducks, chickens, and even a horse, he played to an audience that included every creature in sight. "And every single one of the animals came over and laid down and watched him," Hannah recalls. "It was so cool. I think they're really drawn to the music." This touching scene set the stage for Hannah's latest project, which she filmed predominantly on her phone, capturing candid moments during Young's tour.

At 75 years old, Young faced a whirlwind of emotions as he prepared to step back into the spotlight. Hannah describes his apprehension: "He was very nervous about it. There's always a point where he's like, 'I don't know if I can do this We'll see.'" Interestingly, Young chose not to hold any rehearsals prior to the tour, preferring instead to embrace a sense of spontaneity in his performances. Despite the initial nerves, Hannah noted that once he took the stage, he was completely at ease.

The documentary is largely shot in black and white, transitioning into vivid color for the end credits, a nod to Hannahs all-time favorite film, The Wizard of Oz. Known for its unpredictability, Young's solo performances featured a fluid setlist that changed from night to night. Even familiar tracks such as "Heart of Gold" and "Like a Hurricane" were presented in unexpected ways, often switching instruments or arrangements without prior notice. This unique format, while exciting for fans, posed challenges for Hannah in the editing room. "It was really hit or miss because every day he would go out to do sound check and choose one of his three pianos to play something like 'Expecting To Fly,'" she explains. "So we'd set a camera on that piano, but when it came to showtime, he wouldn't go near it. There were quite a few shows where we literally got no footage. I was frustrated in the editing room, trust me."

Despite these hurdles, Hannah successfully captured stunning, stripped-back versions of less frequently played songs like "Vampire Blues," "If You Got Love," and "Prime of Life." However, the most revealing moments occurred off the stage, particularly during the long stretches spent on Young's tour bus. Here, Young and his longtime driver, Jerry Don Burden, engage in relaxed conversations that are reminiscent of the classic characters Vladimir and Estragon from Waiting for Godot. Rather than waiting for a dramatic moment, they chat about everyday life, discussing scenery, snacks, and setlists. Young observes, "People think they want to hear the hits because that's all they've ever heard." Their exchanges are punctuated by comfortable silences, during which Young might drum on his knees or interact with his son, Ben, who was born with severe cerebral palsy.

One particularly humorous moment occurs when Young steps out of the bathroom and looks directly into the camera, deadpan, declaring, "Now there's no risk of having to pee in the middle of the show." Such candid snippets are what Hannah aimed to portray from the outset. "So many performers put on a persona, and Neil just does not have that quality at all. Whatever he's talking about with his bus driver, he continues talking about with the audience," she explains. The common misconception that Young is intimidating or inscrutable stands corrected by Hannah's portrayal of him as approachable and genuine.

As she reflects on her husbands artistic ethos, Hannah emphasizes Young's unwavering dedication to his craft. "He just has an absolute, uncanny commitment to his creative muse. Hes not driven by financial interests, self-aggrandizement, or anything other than that creative force, and it's pretty incredible to witness. Having spent so much time with him, my perception is that he's completely guileless. He has a lot of warmth and innocence, so I wanted to show that," she concludes.

In a world where artists often present a curated version of themselves, Hannah's documentary provides an authentic glimpse into Neil Youngs life and artistry, highlighting the warmth and sincerity that define both the man and his music.