Neil Young has cancelled his entire UK and European tour, which was due to run from June to July 2026, citing personal reasons and saying “this is not the time” for him to be on the road.
The 80-year-old musician confirmed the news in a statement published on Neil Young Archives, calling off shows that were scheduled to begin at Cornwall’s Eden Sessions on 17 June and conclude in Udine, Italy, on 26 July.
Neil Young’s statement on cancelling the tour
In his message to fans, Young explained his decision to step back from touring at this time.
“I have decided to take a break and will not be touring Europe this time.
Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. I’m sorry to let you down, but this is not the time. I do love playing LIVE and being with you and the Chrome Hearts. LOVE Neil be well.”
UK dates affected by the cancellation
The cancelled run included a number of high-profile UK outdoor shows. After the Eden Sessions opener in Cornwall, Young was set to perform at Heaton Park in Manchester on 19 June and headline the inaugural State Fayre Festival in Chelmsford on 27 June.
Further dates included Glasgow Summer Sessions at Bellahouston Park on 29 June, Blenheim Palace Festival in Oxfordshire on 3 July, and a show at Blackweir Fields in Cardiff on 5 July. The tour was then due to continue across mainland Europe before finishing in Italy.
Eden Sessions confirmed the cancellation of its show in a statement shared on Instagram.
“We’re sorry to share that Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts will no longer be touring Europe this year. This means that regrettably the Eden Sessions show on Wednesday 17 June 2026 is cancelled. Ticket purchasers will be contacted directly and receive full refunds.”
Fans with tickets for other dates are expected to receive refund information from official ticket sellers.
Neil Young on turning 80 and slowing down
The tour news follows recent comments from Young about ageing and reassessing priorities. Speaking to fans during a live Zoom chat in January, he reflected on turning 80 last November.
“I thought I’d be scared. I was scared of getting to be 80 all the time until I was 80. And then I went: ‘I’m 80. What the heck? Who cares?’ It doesn’t matter any more. Lots of things don’t matter that used to matter.”
Young also spoke about staying active in ways that suit him.
“I like to be healthy. I like to be physical. I like to go out and walk. I don’t like to go to the gym, but I walked three miles yesterday at 8,500 feet. That’s what I like to do.”
During the same chat, he dismissed the idea of approving a biopic about his life while he is still alive.
“I don’t know how you could do that while you’re still alive.
I’ve got some people that I know that are working on something, but I don’t want to have anything to do with that. I’d rather make another record.
Can you imagine being there and having someone making a film and you’re going: ‘Yeah, this is a good film about me’.”
What’s next for fans
With the 2026 tour cancelled, fans can keep an eye on Neil Young Archives for any future updates. Embedding a curated Neil Young playlist here would give readers an easy way to revisit his live favourites while waiting for news of his next move.
