Joni Mitchell says Canada is “so fortunate” to have Mark Carney and performs ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ at Juno Awards
Amid her various live comebacks over the past few years, Joni Mitchell took to the stage at the Juno Awards to deliver a rare performance of ‘Big Yellow Taxi’.
The awards, which took place at the TD Coliseum in Hamilton, Ontario, on March 29th, celebrated the pinnacle of Canadian music, with Mitchell being one of the star attractions of the night.
Receiving the coveted ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for her unmatched contributions to music over the last six decades, the singer joined Sarah McLachlan and Allison Russell during a tribute performance of her songs.
While McLachlan sang the 1971 hit ‘A Case of You’, and was then joined by Russell to perform ‘Both Sides Now’, it was Mitchell’s appearance in the medley to give a rare rendition of her iconic song ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ that proved to be the highlight.
However, her acceptance of the award also came with a particular reverence, as Canadian prime minister Mark Carney was on hand to present the prize to the musical icon.
As part of his speech, Carney said: “Joni’s music didn’t just provide the soundtrack to our lives,” before adding, “She shifted culture, inspired generations and redefined what songwriting could be.”
To this end, Mitchell added a political edge to her own speech by saying: “I’m living in the States, and you know what’s happening there,” before noting, with reference to Carney, “This man is a blessing. You guys are so fortunate.”
Mitchell then went on to reflect on the aneurysm she suffered in 2015, which almost cost her life and led her to have to relearn to walk and talk, away from the spotlight for a number of years.
“I had a [brain] aneurysm, which changed my life — oddly, for the better,” she said. “I went into a coma, which helped me to quit smoking. And my house filled up with the most wonderful nurses. I was on the road with men for years and years; now I live with a house full of women. So my life has changed for the better, out of a catastrophe, like a phoenix who grows a better life.”
Elsewhere on the night, fellow Canadian legends Rush gave a surprise performance, playing ‘Finding My Way’ as their first live outing in some 11 years, ahead of their upcoming reunion tour.
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