Rock legend Neil Young has made the difficult decision to cancel a highly anticipated free concert in Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict with Russia. Initially set to kick off his Love Earth world tour with this special event, Young expressed his deep concern for the safety of his crew and equipment amidst the turbulent situation in the region.
In a heartfelt statement on his Neil Young Archives website, the iconic musician explained that despite having a suitable venue near a shelter, the rapidly changing circumstances on the ground led to the cancellation of the concert. Young emphasized that he could not, in good conscience, expose his team and instruments to the risks associated with the conflict. He conveyed his sincere apologies to his fans and praised Ukraine as a great country with admirable leadership, concluding with the patriotic phrase “Slava Ukraini.”
This decision comes at a pivotal moment as Ukraine and Russia have tentatively agreed to a limited ceasefire following discussions involving President Donald Trump. While the specifics of this ceasefire, such as its commencement and restricted targets, are still being negotiated, the gesture signifies a potential step towards de-escalation in the region.
Despite this setback, Neil Young’s Love Earth tour is set to commence on June 18 in Rättvik, Sweden, before embarking on a European and North American journey, culminating at the Hollywood Bowl on September 15. Notably, Young has opted against utilizing Ticketmaster’s dynamic pricing for this tour, drawing inspiration from fellow musician Robert Smith of The Cure, who denounced the practice as a “greedy scam.” Young criticized dynamic pricing as detrimental to concert-goers worldwide and urged fans to secure tickets promptly to avoid inflated prices on secondary markets.
As fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 Rock + Metal Tours, the cancellation of the Ukraine concert serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of geopolitical events on the music industry. Despite the challenges, Young’s unwavering commitment to his principles and his dedication to delivering unforgettable performances resonate with audiences worldwide.
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