Neil Young cancels 2026 European tour, Italian dates dropped too

An announcement that came like a bolt from the blue: Neil Young has cancelled the entire 2026 European tour with Chrome Hearts, including the two shows scheduled in Italy. The news came via the Neil Young Archives, the artist's official website, with a message addressed directly to fans. "I have 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 Chrome Hearts. With love, Neil. Be well."

The tour was set to kick off on June 19 in Manchester, before moving through the UK and Europe. It was due to close with two Italian dates: July 14 at the Lucca Summer Festival and July 16 in Codroipo, in the province of Udine. No official information has yet been released regarding ticket refunds.

The Chrome Hearts, the band backing 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 just days after another stand taken by the artist, who announced his intention to pull his music from Amazon and make it available for free in Greenland, as a political gesture against recent statements by President Donald Trump. In a message addressed directly to the people of Greenland, Young explained that he wanted to offer his music as a sign of solidarity: "I hope my music and videos can ease the stress and unwarranted 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 possible quality. It's a gesture of peace and love. All the music I've made over 62 years belongs to you."

For now, then, there's no European return for Neil Young in 2026. It remains to be seen if and when the tour might be rescheduled. And doubts linger over the real reasons that pushed the Canadian songwriter to make such a drastic decision.

Ride the wave of great music

Add OndaRock to your favorite sources on Google Discover. Don't miss our reviews, milestones and latest news straight in your feed.

Follow on Google