Neil Young Cancels Upcoming Tour Dates Due to Band Members’ Illness
Neil Young and his iconic band Crazy Horse have been forced to cancel their much-anticipated “Love Earth Tour” due to health issues affecting some of the band members. The announcement was made by the 78-year-old musician on his website on Wednesday, June 26, 2024. The tour, which had been a significant event for fans, has now come to an unexpected halt.
In his heartfelt message, Young expressed his disappointment and concern for the health of his bandmates. “We are still not fully recovered, so sadly our great tour will have a big unplanned break,” he wrote. The illness struck the band shortly after their performance at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston, Michigan, on June 22. Following this show, the group had to postpone two scheduled performances in Texas.
The current lineup of Crazy Horse includes bassist Billy Talbot, drummer Ralph Molina, and guitarist Micah Nelson. Talbot and Molina have been with the band since 1968, while Nelson joined the group last year. Young did not specify which members were ill, but the impact was significant enough to halt the tour.
The cancellation affects several upcoming shows, including seven Canadian dates in July and three U.S. shows in late September. These U.S. shows were set to take place at the Hollywood Bowl, the Ohana Festival in Southern California, and the Bourbon & Beyond Festival in Kentucky. The Ohana Festival confirmed the cancellation in a Facebook statement, expressing their disappointment and wishing the band a speedy recovery.
Young’s announcement comes just days before the release of “Early Daze,” a collection of recordings from 1969 by Neil Young and Crazy Horse. The album, set to be released on June 28, captures the band’s unique style and their contribution to the evolution of rock & roll. This release offers some consolation to fans who were looking forward to the tour.
The “Love Earth Tour” had been a significant event for both the band and their fans. Young described the tour as a “great experience” filled with “great audiences and music.” However, the health of the band members took precedence, leading to the difficult decision to cancel the remaining dates. “Health is #1,” Young emphasized in his statement. “We want to stay and do more shows and more albums for you…. and for us.”
The cancellation has undoubtedly disappointed many fans who had made travel plans to attend the shows. Young acknowledged this in his message, apologizing for the inconvenience and thanking fans for their understanding and patience. He also left open the possibility of rescheduling some of the missed dates once the band is ready to perform again.
The impact of the cancellation extends beyond the fans. The Hollywood Bowl, which was set to host one of the shows, now shows the date as unavailable on its official calendar. Similarly, the Ohana Festival and Bourbon & Beyond Festival are now seeking replacements for the band’s headlining slots. Despite the disappointment, the focus remains on the health and recovery of the band members.
Neil Young and Crazy Horse have a long and storied history in the music industry. Their collaboration has produced numerous albums and memorable performances over the years. The current health setback is a reminder of the physical demands of touring, especially for veteran musicians like Young, Talbot, and Molina.
As fans await further updates on the band’s health and potential rescheduled dates, they can look forward to the release of “Early Daze.” This album offers a glimpse into the early days of Neil Young and Crazy Horse, showcasing their raw talent and the beginnings of their musical journey. The release is a testament to the enduring legacy of the band and their contribution to rock & roll.
In conclusion, the cancellation of the “Love Earth Tour” is a significant event for Neil Young, Crazy Horse, and their fans. The health of the band members is the top priority, and their recovery is essential for future performances and projects. While the cancellation is disappointing, the release of “Early Daze” provides a silver lining for fans, offering a piece of the band’s history to cherish.
Source: People, Variety
