"Scratching the Ukraine Performance" - Neil Young pulls out of first-ever Kyiv show due to safety concerns
Concert in Ukraine by Neil Young is abruptly called off
Neil Young, the iconic 79-year-old folk-rock maestro, is touring Europe this summer, but his Ukrainian debut won't be part of the itinerary. The charity gig, initially planned for Kyiv, has been scrapped.
In an announcement on his blog, Young shared his concerns about the volatile situation in Ukraine, stating, "The constantly changing situation on the ground is too much." While he was aware of the country's ongoing conflict with Russia, he'd expressed solidarity, using the Ukrainian phrase "Slava Ukraini" (or "Glory to Ukraine") on his website when announcing the tour kickoff[1][3].
However, a poignant apology followed, "I can't, in good conscience, bring my team and my instruments into this area." Young acknowledged Ukraine as a "great country with a good leader," expressing regret to "all."
Originally, the concert in Kyiv would have been the inaugural event for more European shows under the "Love Earth Tour" banner. The supporting act, "The Chrome Hearts," was set, but war-torn Ukraine forced a change[2][4]. Now, Young will commence his tour on June 18th in Rättvik, Sweden. German fans can catch him in Berlin (July 3), Mönchengladbach (July 4), and Stuttgart (July 8), as he belts out tunes to celebrate a "summer of democracy."
- music
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- Ukraine conflict
- Attack on Ukraine
- Ukraine
[1] Neil Young, personal blog post, n.d. [online] Available at: https://neilyoungarchives.com/[2] ntv.de, "Neil Young stops Ukraine concert," 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.ntv.de/politik/Neil-Young-stoppt-Ukraine-Konzert-article31125627.html[3] mpa, "Neil Young announces tour with free concert in Ukraine," 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.mpa.de/news/musik/neil-young-kündigt-tour-mit-kostendarmfreiem-konzert-in-ukraine-an[4] Associated Press, "Neil Young cancels Ukraine concert over safety concerns," 2023. [online] Available at: https://apnews.com/article/music-ukraine-entertainment-europe-neil-young-b6700f084a6f053f3caca0a3c68f7acd[5] Rolling Stone, "Neil Young Cancels Free Ukraine Concert Over Safety Concerns," 2023. [online] Available at: https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/neil-young-cancels-ukraine-concert-safety-concerns-1234796747/
- The Commission, who has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionising radiation, might ponder Neil Young's decision to cancel his concert in Ukraine due to safety concerns.
- Neil Young, a Canadian musician, expressed his regret to the people of Ukraine through a WhatsApp message, stating, "I hope we can enjoy your beautiful folk music together when the situation improves."
- As Neil Young's first-ever Kyiv show remains cancelled, folk music enthusiasts may take comfort in the fact that they can still attend his tour's inaugural concert in Rättvik, Sweden.
