Young Rust: The Neil Young Experience

Mike Gendron (our "Neil") is renowned for his ability to replicate everything from Neil Young's voice, look, movements, guitar tone, and guitar styling. Watch/listen to the "Live Rust" album, then come see a Young Rust performance, and be blown away. The similarity in sound, appearance, and overall detail will hit you immediately upon the start of a performance. Young Rust can function as a full 4-piece outfit (electric, acoustic, or both), duo, trio, or solo. They can be booked however best tailors your event or venue.

Hailing from Providence RI, Young Rust - the Ultimate Neil Young tribute experience was formed in late 2004 by longtime local original music scenesters Mike Gendron, Ryan Meehan, and Kevin Ferschke. Shortly thereafter, the band was joined by multi-instrumentalist John Winters on rhythm guitar and pedal steel. The band currently knows and can perform 60+ Neil Young songs, spanning Mr. Young's musical career and still continues to learn selections from a 700+ song catalog of Neil's music.

Since a teenager, Mike Gendron developed an instant connection to Neil Young’s music and art. It was Neil’s music that inspired him to go out and get an electric guitar at age 15. Since that time Mike has learned countless Neil Young songs, and finally discovered the opportunity to play these songs live when he met up with Ryan and Kevin. The group had an instant musical connection, and decided they should make the first known tribute band in Rhode Island dedicated to Neil Young. The band is glad they did, as they've developed new and lasting relationships with several venues in the RI and SE MA areas, who repeatedly book the band month after month.

Known for their uncanny ability to replicate the sound, passion, and energy of Neil Young concert, Young Rust has had many memorable performances over the years, including a performance at the venerable TOADS PLACE in New Haven, CT, BLACKSTONE RIVER THEATRE in Cumberland RI, as well as several festival performances including the RHODE ISLAND SEAFOOD FESTIVAL (yearly since 2013), CUMBERLAND-FEST, The PROVIDENCE FIREFIGHTER'S ANNUAL PKD BENEFIT FESTIVAL, and yearly solo acoustic performances at the 1 of 52 Hunger benefit concerts.

Young Rust has a wealth of experience performing at large outdoor festivals, small intimate theaters, private functions, and indoor taverns / restaurants / sports bars.

If you’re looking for (or would like to come see) an experienced, dynamic, and authentic Rock N' Roll tribute band for your venue or special outing/event, look no further than YOUNG RUST: The Ultimate Neil Young Tribute Experience.

Standard set up for a 4-piece rock band. 3 vocal mics, 2 DI boxes typically needed for festival / larger stage / concert shows. We utilize Fender Deluxe guitar amps, standard bass amp, electric & acoustic guitars, pedal steel, mandolin, standard 5 piece drum kit. We have our own PA designed for small to mid-size venues (private parties, venues with weekly live entertainment...etc) that we often travel with.