The iconic musician reworks his music video with the help of his actress wife Daryl Hannah, showing footage of people around the world in the midst of the Covid-19 outbreak.
- April 12, 2020
AceShowbiz - Rocker Neil Young has revamped the video for his 2019 song "Shut It Down" due to its poignancy during the coronavirus pandemic.
The veteran musician originally released the tune as part of his "Colorado" album, but he's since been inspired by fans' messages requesting an updated video for the track, with the help of his actress wife Daryl Hannah.
"Shut It Down 2020" features clips from the original promo of Young and his Crazy Horse band performing the track at Colorado's Studio in the Clouds, interspersed with footage of people around the world in the midst of the health crisis.
Among the scenes shown include hospital staff hard at work, people wearing face masks while venturing out in public, boxes of medical supplies being delivered in England, and empty New York City subway stations and streets - cut together with footage of packed beaches in Florida.
On the song, Young warns, "People tryin' to save this earth / from an ugly death / Have to shut the whole system down / all around the planet."
In a statement accompanying the video release, Young expresses his gratitude for those on the frontlines of the pandemic.
"These are uncertain times. I wish you all the best as you care for our sick, the young and old who we love so much," he writes.
"Sending the best wishes to all the health care and government workers all over the world, to all the scientists who will learn and share with us the best ways to ensure survival in our world challenged."
Highlighting the need to continue social distancing in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19, he adds, "Let's all work together and stay positive that we will find a way."
"With love to all, in all walks of life, all political persuasions, all colors. We will succeed working together for the good of our world as we are here together, hanging in the balance of nature."
Young has been keeping busy while in self-isolation - he has been serving up acoustic renditions of rare songs from his archives in his "Fireside Sessions" online series, shot by Hannah at their Telluride home.
