Neil Young has officially canceled a free concert that he had planned to hold in Ukraine, citing significant safety concerns as the primary reason for this unexpected decision. The Canadian musician made the announcement on his Neil Young Archives website, revealing that while a venue had been secured close to a shelter, the constantly shifting security situation in the region rendered the concert impossible.
“Our concert in Ukraine is canceled,” Young stated in his post. “We had a good venue, close to a shelter, but the changing situation on the ground was too much. I could not in good conscience take my crew and instruments into that area. My apologies to all. Ukraine is a great country with a good leader. Slava Ukraini.” The cancellation came amidst a precarious limited ceasefire agreement between Ukraine and Russia, which unfortunately collapsed just a day later, on Friday morning, March 21, 2025.
This concert was intended to kick off Young’s highly anticipated Love Earth tour, which is now set to commence on June 18, 2025, in Rättvik, Sweden. Instead of opening the tour in Ukraine, Young and his band, The Chrome Hearts, will first make their way to Europe before later heading to North America, where they will perform in cities including Charlotte, North Carolina on August 8, and eventually wrapping up the tour at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on September 15, 2025.
The war has been ongoing since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, a conflict that has drawn international condemnation and left the country grappling with the devastating effects of armed conflict.
Young, who is now 79 years old, has been steeped in social and political activism throughout his nearly 60-year career, often using his music as a platform to speak out on various issues. He has not shied away from commenting on the war in Ukraine, previously labeling Russia's aggression as “the crazy war of an old dying guy who wants to relive his life and make things better for himself because of mistakes he thinks were made 50 years ago.” In this context, Young's decision to cancel the concert aligns with his long-standing commitment to the safety and well-being of his crew and band members.
His stance has also been accompanied by critiques of political figures, notably Russian President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. President Donald Trump. Young has articulated grave concerns regarding the state of American politics, claiming that under Trump’s leadership, the United States has “lost its standing” as a leader among nations. “There will be a moment of truth in our country, and we will show the world who we really are. The USA will again be the leader of the Free World,” Young remarked in previous statements.
Despite the setback in Ukraine, Young remains committed to his touring plans, which have garnered excitement among fans. The Love Earth tour, which supports his upcoming album "Talkin’ to the Trees," is a 24-date event, with a rich setlist expected to resonate with themes of environmentalism and social justice. Young announced that he would not permit Ticketmaster to use dynamic pricing for his tour, inspired by The Cure frontman Robert Smith, who has been a vocal critic of the ticketing giant's pricing practices. Young’s support for fan-friendly policies demonstrates his dedication to making concerts accessible to all music lovers.
As Young prepares to embark on this new chapter of his career, fans can look forward to experiencing his music in venues that celebrate not only his artistry but also a shared commitment to activism and positive change. The cancellation of the concert in Ukraine, while disappointing, underscores the realities artists face when navigating geopolitical landscapes. Young’s decision to prioritize safety aligns with the broader struggle of a nation still contending with the aftershocks of war.
In hindsight, Young's legacy continues to evolve, shaped by both his musical contributions and his outspoken advocacy on vital social issues. With his tour approaching, the music community and fans alike anxiously await the chance to see him perform, sharing in the experience of music that seeks to promote healing and awareness in an ever-complex world.
