Catching up with Pegi Young.
With the 26th annual Bridge School Benefit Concert coming up and a new solo album, “Lonely in a Crowded Room,” to promote, Pegi Young doesn’t have much time to dwell on her pending divorce from Neil Young after 36 years of marriage. The concerts, which are set to take place Oct. 25-26 at Shoreline Amphitheatre, feature a lineup that includes Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Florence and the Machine, Tom Jones, Brian Wilson, Norah Jones and Band of Horses. Young, 61, is also gearing up for a national tour with her band the Survivors, which kicks off at the Chapel on Oct. 28. We spoke with her last week.
Q: You don’t make any albums for 30 years, and now you’re on your fourth. Are you making up for lost time?
A: Well, you know, timing is everything. This record was really done months ago, mostly last year. I’ve already got another set of songs just waiting to be recorded. Q: How would you describe your brief evolution from your self-titled debut in 2007 to “Lonely in a Crowded Room”?
A: Oh, gosh. The band makeup has changed, and it took a turn to a more R&B sound. I’m quite comfortable there. I’m a California native, but I must have some Southern roots because I’ve always loved the blues, girl groups and Muscle Shoals sound. I’m also a big lyrics person. Q: So you probably know people are going to be looking for all kinds of clues about your personal life with the songs on this record. Were you anticipating that? A: No, not at all. Not in the slightest. This record was done well before any of the recent drama in my personal life. Q: “Lonely in a Crowded Room” seems like such a loaded title.
A: I think it’s self-explanatory. The record was done in January. There’s very little relevance to what’s going on in my life now.
Q: Is this the first time your name is actually appearing on the bill for the Bridge School Benefit?
A: Yes, it only took 28 years. I’m so pleased. Q: Putting those concerts together can’t be easy. Do you still enjoy it?
A: You know, it’s an absolute pleasure to go out there and do what we do for these kids. At the same time we know we can’t do this forever. We are mere mortals. That’s why we’re really emphasizing the endowment. We really need to look at ways the school can continue to go on after the concerts. Q: When are you going to write your book?
A: I’ve been working on it. There are little snippets here and there — thoughts on this and that. I intend to have a book written before it’s all said and done. Q: I’m sure you have some great stories to tell.
A: That’s a fact.