Citing safety concerns, Neil Young said he won’t be kicking off his new world tour with a free concert in Ukraine.
The legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer announced this week that he scrapped the previously planned show as the country continues battling its years-long war with Russia.
“Our concert in Ukraine is canceled,” Young wrote in a statement on his website. “We had a good venue, close to a shelter, but the changing situation on the ground was too much. I could not in good conscience take my crew and instruments into that area. My apologies to all.”
Municipal workers clean up after Russian drones hit shops during the night attack in Odesa, Ukraine, on Friday. (AP Photo/Michael Shtekel)
News of the cancellation comes amid a limited ceasefire agreement being broken on Friday as Russian drones pummeled the city of Odesa.
Earlier this month, Young, 79, said the concert in Ukraine would serve as the opener for the international Love Earth Tour, a 26-city trek in support of his forthcoming album, said to be titled “Talking to the Trees.”
He and his band, The Chrome Hearts, will now begin the European leg on June 18 in Rättvik, Sweden.
The tour — with New York area dates scheduled for Aug. 23 at Jones Beach and Aug. 24 at at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts — is currently scheduled to wrap up on Sept. 15 at the Hollywood Bowl.