Neil Young, a Canadian singer, is well known for his songs “Harvest Moon”, “Heart of Gold” and “Down by the River”. But did you know he once came to Selkirk to perform before he became a global icon?
Neil Young was born on November 12 1945 in Toronto. His family moved to Winnipeg in 1963 where Neil Young would go to Earl Grey Junior High School. It is here that he formed his first-ever band called The Jades with his friend Ken Koblun. Neil’s friendship with Ken Koblun continued as they attended Kelvin High School. From there the two formed a new band called The Squires and bring in Jeff Wuckert and Bill Edmondson. The Squires were a successful local band and even produced a local hit called “The Sultan”.
The Squires success was quick and the group began performing throughout Manitoba. They played in community centers, clubs, dance halls, and schools. The Squires success grew when they gained a producer who helped them to record a series of demos! The Squires would perform in local Manitoba communities like Brandon, Neepawa, Giroux, and even Selkirk!
In December 1964, local newspapers in Selkirk began to advertise that Club 17 Selkirk was hosting a Christmas party. The community would be able to purchase tickets for $1.00 and The Squires’ songs had made their way to Selkirk. Club 17 in Selkirk put on a few different dances one of which was held on December 23 from 9 pm to midnight at Selkirk Memorial Hall!
The group travelled to Selkirk in a 1948 Buick Roadmaster that had been lovingly gifted the name “Mortimer Hearseburg” or “Mort” for short. On February 26, 1965, Neil Young & the Squires performed live at Selkirk Memorial Hall. Some songs that were part of the regular set included “Farmer John” and “The Sultan”, “I Wonder”, and “Aurora”. The tickets for this live performance cost $1.00 and the band was paid between $85 and $100 for their performance! Neil Young & the Squires performance in Selkirk has left a long-lasting and fun memory for the community.
Sources
Winnipeg Free Press- October 3rd 1964
Selkirk Enterprise – December 23rd 1964
Selkirk Enterprise- February 24th 1965
