Annie Lennox Joins Dave Grohl and Wendy Melvoin for a Soulful Neil Young Classic

At the Soundstage of Hope benefit on October 10, 2026, Annie Lennox performed at Chaplin Studios in Hollywood with Dave Grohl, Wendy Melvoin and Greg Kurstin. The Scottish singer chose “Don’t Let It Bring You Down,” the Neil Young song first released in 1970, rather than turning to a more obvious pop anthem. Grohl, the Foo Fighters frontman, and acclaimed guitarist Melvoin accompanied her on guitar, while producer Kurstin played keyboards, according to credits on the uploaded footage.

The intimate event benefited Hope the Mission and the Los Angeles Mission. Both organizations offer food, shelter and other vital assistance to people experiencing homelessness. With Grohl playing outside his usual stadium-rock setting beside Melvoin, the musicians created the relaxed, communal character described at the gathering. Their stripped-back accompaniment also left room for Lennox’s vocal range to remain central to the rendition.

Lennox was already closely acquainted with Young’s composition. She included her own recording on Medusa, the solo covers collection she released in 1995. That album rose to number one on the UK album chart. Young’s version had appeared 25 years earlier on After the Gold Rush, while Lennox’s interpretation recast the song as a soulful consideration of resilience.

More than three decades after recording it for Medusa, Lennox returned to the material in a form that continued to suit her vocal style. She was 71 at the time of the benefit, and online responses praised the richness and control of her singing. Viewers also singled out the arrangement and the lasting quality of Young’s songwriting.

Although the four performers could initially appear to be an unexpected combination, several prior professional links connected them. Kurstin produced the Foo Fighters’ 2017 record Concrete and Gold, establishing a continuing studio relationship with Grohl. Melvoin, recognized for her role in Prince and the Revolution with Lisa Coleman, had revealed plans for a recording project with Coleman and Lennox in early 2024.

Watch the full performance on page two