AceShowbiz - Earlier this month, Neil Young shared exciting news about a free concert in Ukraine, which would have been his debut performance in the country. Unfortunately, he made the difficult decision to cancel the performance due to the unpredictable and dangerous situation on the ground amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

"We had a good venue, close to a shelter, but the changing situation on the ground was too much," Young explained on his official Neil Young Archives (NYA) website. "I could not in good conscience take my crew and instruments into that area. My apologies to all. Ukraine is a great country with a good leader. Slava Ukraini."

The gig was supposed to be part of his European tour with his band, The Chrome Hearts, which kicks off in Rättvik, Sweden on June 18.

Young has been a vocal supporter of Ukraine since Russia's invasion in 2022, condemning the conflict as "the crazy war of an old dying guy who wants to relive his life and make things better for himself because of mistakes he thinks were made 50 years ago."

The initial announcement of the concert felt especially significant, following the global support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy after his contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on February 28.

Young, who has been critical of Trump, wrote, "Under 47's leadership, the US has lost its standing. Loyalists will never be stronger than Patriots, and Patriots are in the majority here in the USA."

"Our Patriots will take to the streets to peacefully demonstrate. There will be a moment of truth in our country and we will show the world who we really are. The USA will again be the leader of the Free World."

Young's decision to cancel the Ukrainian concert also ties into his recent announcement about no longer selling "Platinum" tickets for future performances. Inspired by The Cure's Robert Smith, the musician aims to protect fans from ticket scalpers and their exorbitant resale prices.

He explained, "Ticketmaster's High priced Platinum tickets were introduced to the areas where scalpers were buying the most tickets for resale. The money went to me. That did not feel right."

Despite the canceled Ukrainian concert, Neil Young's European tour with The Chrome Hearts will commence as planned. The tour will feature his longtime collaborator Spooner Oldham on keyboards and organ, alongside Promise of the Real members Micah Nelson (guitar/vocals), Corey McCormick (bass), and Anthony LoGerfo (drums). Their new song, "Big Change," was released in January, and an album from The Chrome Hearts is expected in April.

Young fondly reminded fans, "Music unites! We will be there with you! Join us as we celebrate the Summer of Democracy. Old songs and new songs. Old words and new words. Long jams! We will come together this summer. The Chrome Hearts and I are ready for you! LOVE and Democracy reigns in the USA and the world."