Neil Young drafts Wilco, Death Cab for tour

By Jonathan Cohen

NEW YORK (Billboard) - Neil Young has snared two of alternative rock's biggest bands to open for his fall North American tour.

Death Cab For Cutie will open the first portion, beginning October 14 in Minneapolis, and Wilco jumps aboard November 29 in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Los Angeles trio Everest will have a supporting role on all dates in the tour.

Young wraps a European tour Saturday (August 23) in Coburg, Germany, and will make his annual Farm Aid benefit appearance September 20 outside Boston, along with Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and others. Yet to be announced are the dates for his annual Bridge School Benefit, traditionally held in late October.

Wilco is expected to spend the time before the Young dates working on its seventh album, due next spring.

Death Cab For Cutie finishes an Australian run Friday in Brisbane and starts a short North American headlining tour October 3 in Boston.

Here are Neil Young's fall tour dates:

October 14: St. Paul, Minn. (Xcel Energy Center, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)

October 16: Winnipeg, Manitoba (MTS Centre, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)

October 18: Regina, Saskatchewan (Brandt Centre, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)

October 19: Calgary, Alberta (Pengrowth Saddledome, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)

October 21: Everett, Wash. (Comcast Arena, no opener specified)

October 22: Vancouver (GM Place, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)

October 29: San Diego (Cox Arena, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)

October 30: Los Angeles (Forum, w/ Death Cab For Cutie)