An announcement that came like a bolt from the blue: Neil Young has canceled the entire 2026 European tour with Chrome Hearts, including the two concerts scheduled in Italy. The announcement came through the Neil Young Archives, the artist's official website, with a message addressed directly to the public. “I've decided to take a break and won't be doing the European tour this time. Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but it's not the right time. I love playing live and being with you and the Chrome Hearts. Love, Neil. Be well.”
The tour was supposed to start on June 19th from Manchester, and then cross the United Kingdom and Europe. The closing was scheduled in Italy with two events: July 14th at the Lucca Summer Festival and July 16th in Codroipo, in the province of Udine. At the moment, no official information has yet been communicated on how to refund tickets.
The Chrome Hearts, the band that accompanies Young live, are Spooner Oldham on keyboards, Micah Nelson on guitar and backing vocals, Corey McCormick on bass and backing vocals and Anthony LoGerfo on drums.
The decision comes a few days after another stance by the artist, who announced his intention to withdraw his music from Amazon and make it available for free in Greenland, as a political gesture against President Donald Trump's recent statements. In a message addressed directly to the people of Greenland, Young explained that he wanted to offer his music as a sign of closeness: “I hope that my music and videos can relieve the stress and unjustified threats you are experiencing from our unpopular and hopefully temporary government. I sincerely want you to be able to listen to all my music in your beautiful Greenland, in the best quality possible. It is a gesture of peace and love. All the music I have made over 62 years is yours.”
For now, therefore, no European return for Neil Young in 2026. It remains to be seen if and when the tour can be rescheduled. And doubt remains about the real reasons that pushed the Canadian singer-songwriter to make such a drastic decision.
Antonio Santini for SANREMO.FM
