Rust Never Sleeps

album by Young

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July 19, 2026

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Rust Never Sleeps is a 1979 album by Canadian musician Neil Young. It is considered a response to the punk movement, incorporating elements of punk music into Young's distinctive style. The album marked a resurgence in Young's career, reasserting his musical mastery. It also featured the song "Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black)," which referenced Johnny Rotten, the singer of the Sex Pistols. The album's release was followed by the live recording Live Rust.12

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Pocahontas
…paean “Pocahontas,” from his album Rust Never Sleeps (1979), casts her as the object of male romantic desire situated in pristine, unspoiled America.
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…paean “Pocahontas,” from his album Rust Never Sleeps (1979), casts her as the object of male romantic desire situated in pristine, unspoiled America.
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Neil Young
Harvest, Rust Never Sleeps, and Harvest Moon
Nevertheless, in 1979 Rust Never Sleeps reasserted his mastery—ironically, in response to the punk revolt. Young made the Sex Pistols’ singer, Johnny Rotten, the main character in “Hey Hey, My My.” Thus, Young’s reenergized reaction to punk sharply contrasted with that of his aging peers, who generally felt…
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Nevertheless, in 1979 Rust Never Sleeps reasserted his mastery—ironically, in response to the punk revolt. Young made the Sex Pistols’ singer, Johnny Rotten, the main character in “Hey Hey, My My.” Thus, Young’s reenergized reaction to punk sharply contrasted with that of his aging peers, who generally felt…
Read More