This summer, Neil Young returns to Denmark — this time at Tiøren in Copenhagen, with Danish singer-songwriter Peter Sommer as support.
It’s a fitting moment to look back at another unforgettable night: when Neil Young lit up the Orange Stage at Roskilde Festival in 2008.
From tender acoustic ballads to electric rock explosions, his set that night left an indelible mark on fans — myself included.
Scroll down to relive that iconic concert, and discover the story behind the image now available as a limited edition fine art print on Galleri Rocks. Photography by Ole Christiansen.
Neil Young’s concert at Roskilde Festival 2008 took place on Saturday, July 5th, on the iconic Orange Stage. It's remembered as one of the most unforgettable performances of that year’s festival. The concert was split into two sets: one acoustic and one electric.
Acoustic Set:
Neil Young opened the show alone on stage, surrounded by six acoustic guitars. He performed classics such as “Old Man,” “Heart of Gold,” and “Unknown Legend,” creating an intimate atmosphere for the tens of thousands of fans. According to Pitchfork's Mark Richardson, it was one of those rare moments where “everything comes together,” and the crowd was serenaded by Young’s unmistakable voice.
Electric Set:
After the acoustic part, Young was joined by his band for a much louder and more energetic electric set. Songs like “Down by the River” and “Hey Hey, My My” were delivered with raw power, with “Down by the River” standing out as a highlight for its almost manic energy.
Reception:
The concert was met with widespread acclaim from both the audience and critics. Danish tabloid Ekstra Bladet gave it a perfect 6 out of 6 stars, calling it a “perfect concert.” Music magazine GAFFA also praised the performance, highlighting Young’s ability to deliver both tender ballads and powerful rock with equal intensity.
Behind the Scenes:
One fun detail from the show: Neil Young had his own private chef at the festival. According to VICE, one of the festival’s cooks was asked to prepare special meals for Young, including dishes like kohlrabi with seaweed and a traditional Danish dessert called koldskål.
Legacy:
Neil Young’s appearance at Roskilde 2008 remains one of the most iconic concerts in the festival’s history — a masterclass in how to fuse quiet intimacy with explosive rock energy.
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