In a surprising turn of events, Neil Young has announced the cancellation of his anticipated concert in Ukraine, citing significant safety concerns over the evolving situation on the ground.
The 79-year-old musician, who is slated to headline the iconic Glastonbury Festival later this year, previously confirmed plans to perform in Ukraine as part of his Love Earth world tour before kicking off in June. In an official statement on his website, Young expressed regret but emphasized the importance of safety, stating, "Our concert in Ukraine is cancelled. We had a good venue, close to a shelter, but the changing situation on the ground was too much."
Young's announcement comes on the heels of heightened tensions in Ukraine, exacerbated by a contentious meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and U.S. President Donald Trump that broke down into a shouting match, with Zelensky ultimately leaving the meeting in frustration. The ongoing crisis was further intensified by President Putin's aggressive actions against Zelensky's hometown, which began shortly after a ceasefire agreement was reportedly reached.
Maintaining his long-standing support for Zelensky, Young reflected positively on the Ukrainian leader, declaring, "Ukraine is a great country with a good leader. Slava Ukraini.” Although no specific date was set for the now-cancelled concert, the plans hinted at Young's deep connection to the region and his commitment to using his music as a form of activism.
This cancellation is not the only headline involving Young. Recently, he has been embroiled in discussions about the Glastonbury setlist. Despite prior confusion over his participation due to a disagreement with the BBC, Young ultimately confirmed he would take to the iconic Pyramid Stage after Sir Rod Stewart’s set on Saturday, June 28.
Young's tour kicks off on June 18 in Rättvik, Sweden, nine days before his highly anticipated appearance at Glastonbury, where he will perform alongside a strong lineup that includes Olivia Rodrigo, The 1975, and Charli XCX, among others. Following his UK engagements, Young will headline the BST Hyde Park festival on July 11, sharing the stage with fellow legends Cat Stevens/Yusuf and Van Morrison. His tour will reach its conclusion in Los Angeles on September 15.
Notably, headlining Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage requires a strong mix of appeal across musical genres, and this year’s festival is seeing plenty of excitement with acts like Loyle Carner, The Prodigy, and Charli XCX on the Other Stage. Enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting a grand showcase ranging from rock to pop, as Young leads the charge on Saturday.
In another piece of news from Glastonbury, the U.S. band Infinity Song has confirmed their participation in the festival, although they are not officially listed in the lineup yet. They announced on March 21, 2025, their upcoming tour, which coincidentally includes a stop at Glastonbury on June 28. This will mark the band’s first ever performance at the famous festival.
Infinity Song rose to fame after being signed by Jay-Z's Roc Nation following a viral video of their busking performance. Their inclusion at Glastonbury adds another layer of excitement for fans, as they prepare to showcase their harmony-rich sound to a historic audience.
With growing speculation surrounding additional performances, fans have rallied around the notion that classic 90s band Radiohead could be making a surprise appearance at Glastonbury this year. Enthusiastic supporters have taken to online forums to share clues about the potential reunion, particularly given the band's current tour schedule. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet regarding their participation.
The buzz surrounding the line-up reveals a variety of rumors and speculations, some fans expressing disappointment, suggesting that this year’s list lacks appeal compared to previous years, prompting discussions on social media. While the lineup has its headliners, there are concerns over crowd control and logistical issues surrounding attendance.
As Glastonbury approaches, the festival will be held from June 25 to 29 at Worthy Farm in Somerset, presenting a platform for diverse musical acts that have shaped the industry. Each day promises a departure into unforgettable performances, and both fans and artists alike are eager to bask in the atmosphere that this festival cultivates.
Ultimately, Neil Young’s decision to cancel his concert in Ukraine serves as a poignant reminder of the current global tensions that influences cultural events. While concerts and festivals represent solace through music, safety remains paramount in these turbulent times.
