"Like a Hurricane" is a song written by Neil Young in 1975 and first released on the album American Stars 'n Bars in 1977.
The song was written in July 1975 with friend and La Honda neighbor Taylor Phelps in the back of his car—a DeSoto Suburban—when Young was unable to sing because of an operation on his vocal cords. Driven by Young's trademark fierce guitars, the song became a landmark of the 'electric side' of his concerts. The song has been played on nearly every tour Neil Young has done since. It has also appeared on the compilations Decade and Greatest Hits and on the live albums Live Rust, Weld and Unplugged (this last rendition is played almost entirely on a pump organ).
An edited version of "Like a Hurricane" was released as a single on August 8, 1977, with "Hold Back the Tears" as B-side.
Recorded for music release
Roxy Music released two live versions, one on the 1983 EP The High Road and a second on Heart Still Beating.
The song was also covered by The Mission on their second single "Garden of Delight". It was later included on the album The First Chapter (a compilation of their first singles) and Ever After - Live.
Jay Farrar, backed by country-rock band Canyon, covered this song on his live album Stone, Steel, & Bright Lights.
Heather Nova recorded the song at a 1995 concert in Hiroshima, released on import-only CDs Maybe An Angel (Japan) and Truth & Bone (Germany).
Jeff Healey covered the song on his 2008 album Mess of Blues.
The Coal Porters covered the song on the 2010 album Durango.
Randy Bachman and Burton Cummings perform the song on their album of cover songs "Bachman-Cummings Jukebox" released 2008
Adam Sandler covered the song on the 2009 album Covered, A Revolution in Sound, of Warner Brothers artists performing cover songs. He also performed the song on the Late Show with David Letterman, to promote the release.
Jason Isbell and The 400 Unit covered the song on the 2012 album Live From Alabama.
New Orleans singer Theresa Andersson sings it in the 2006 film New Orleans Music in Exile.
Neil Young – Lead guitar and lead vocals
Frank "Poncho" Sampedro – Stringman synthesizer and background vocals
Billy Talbot – Bass guitar and background vocals
Ralph Molina – Drums and background vocals
