Neil Young Cancels Free Ukraine Concert Over Safety Concerns
"The changing situation on the ground was too much," Young explained.
Neil Young performs on stage in Hyde Park on July 12, 2019 in London.
Ukrainian Neil Young fans will have to wait even longer to see the musician in person, with Young cancelling a recently-announced free concert in the country.
Young had previously shared word of the forthcoming gig earlier in the month, revealing that his European tour with The Chrome Hearts would be preceded by his debut performance in the country. “We are currently in talks and will make the announcement of details here at NYA,” Young wrote on his Archives website.
While specifics were not forthcoming, the tour is set to begin in Rättvik, Sweden on June 18, meaning the as-yet unannounced Ukrainian show would have ostensibly occurred in the immediate lead-up. However, Young has since provided a disappointing update to reveal that the show is no longer going ahead as initially planned.
“We had a good venue, close to a shelter, but the changing situation on the ground was too much,” Young shared on his Archives page on Thursday (March 20). “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 initial announcement of the performance felt rather pertinent, given the outpouring of global support received by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy following his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on Feb. 28. The highly-contentious meeting resulted in widespread criticism of Trump, and took place only days after Young himself focused on the President in a post titled “Leader of the Free World No More.”
“Under 47’s leadership, the US has lost its standing,” Young wrote. “Loyalists will never be stronger than Patriots, and Patriots are in the majority here in the USA. Our Patriots will take to the streets to peacefully demonstrate. 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’s Ukrainian cancellation follows on from his announcement that future performances would no longer feature the sale of ‘Platinum’ tickets, having been inspired to axe the option after being inspired by an interview with The Cure’s Robert Smith.
“It’s the story of the bad thing that has happened to concerts world-wide. It’s this story that really helped me to realize that I have a choice to make and can make a difference for my music loving friends,” Young explained. “My management and agent have always tried to cover my back on the road, getting me the best deals they could.
“They have tried to protect me and my fans from the scalpers who buy the best tickets and resell them at huge increases for their own profits. Ticketmaster’s High priced Platinum tickets were introduced to the areas where scalpers were buying the most tickets for resale. The money went to me. That did not feel right.”
Young’s upcoming tour will see him accompanied on all shows by the Chrome Hearts band, featuring his longtime collaborator keyboardist/organist Spooner Oldham, as well as Promise of the Real members Micah Nelson (guitar/vocals), Corey McCormick (bass) and Anthony LoGerfo (drums). The group released the grungy anthem “Big Change” in January. Young debuted the Chrome Hearts band last year and has said an album from the group is tentatively slated for release in April.
