Bruce Springsteen MusiCares Setlist: What Did Neil Play?

Last night in Los Angeles, on the eve of the 2013 Grammy Awards, a whos-who of music royalty — spanning genres from rock to pop to country and beyond (Latin pop superstar Juanes was perhaps the least likely surprise, performing “Hungry Heart”) — paid tribute to Bruce Springsteen as MusiCares Person Of The Year.

Now, for those of you asking what all of this has to do with our usual focus on all things Neil Young…well, it just so happens that Neil (a past MusiCares honoree himself) was among the participants.

Not surprisingly — even with a star-studded lineup boasting names as diverse as Elton John, Sting, Mumford & Sons, Patti Smith, Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw and the aforementioned Juanes — the burning question this week amongst Rusties was both simple and obvious:

What Bruce song would Neil play?

Earlier this week, an online poll posted by our good friends over at Thrashers Wheat favored “The River” (by 25%) — with choices like “Streets Of Philadelphia” (covered by Elton John at the event); “Atlantic City” (performed by Dixie Chick Natalie Maines and Ben Harper) and “The Ghost Of Tom Joad” (Jim James and Tom Morello) running not far behind.

But the one Bruce song most everyone seemed to agree was the least likely that Neil Young would perform was “Born In The USA”.

So which song do you think Neil — with Crazy Horse, no less — actually played?

Well, let’s just say that no one ever accused Neil Young of being the easiest guy to predict.

Hopefully, this year’s Springsteen tribute will eventually make its way to broadcast on cable outlets like Palladia and to a DVD and Blu-ray release, much as the 2010 MusiCares tribute to Neil himself did.

Looks like it was a good one.

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