Neil Young cancels free Ukraine concert due to safety concerns

Neil Young has cancelled his free concert in Ukraine due to safety concerns.

The Canadian musician has been forced to scrap his upcoming show in Ukraine due to the "changing situation" in the war-torn European country.

The free-of-charge concert was announced earlier this month as part of his upcoming European summer tour with the Chrome Hearts, but never had an official date.

Young announced the cancellation on his Archives website on Thursday, writing, "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," the 79-year-old continued. "My apologies to all. Ukraine is a great country with a good leader. Slava Ukraini (Glory to Ukraine)."

The gig would have been the Heart of Gold hitmaker's first time performing in Ukraine, but he has been outspoken about his support for the country since it was invaded by Russia in 2022.

Young's upcoming Love Earth tour is set to kick off in Rättvik, Sweden on 18 June and will include dates in Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands and a headline performance at Glastonbury festival on 28 June.

The artist will then begin the North American leg of the tour in North Carolina on 8 August before wrapping up in Los Angeles on 15 September.