Neil Young's Multi-Faceted Activism and Artistic Endeavors
Musician Neil Young has undertaken several significant actions, spanning company boycotts, a unique philanthropic initiative in Greenland, and the cancellation of an upcoming European tour. Young has also shared his perspectives on the media landscape and provided updates on his ongoing musical projects and personal life.
Company Boycotts and Activism
Neil Young has confirmed the removal of all his music from Amazon, a decision initially announced in October. Young stated his inability to ignore the international policies and support for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by the current U.S. administration, whose owner Jeff Bezos is a supporter. He encouraged individuals to avoid Amazon and support local and independent digital services.
Young affirmed his music would not be available on Amazon as long as it remains under Bezos's ownership, acknowledging potential short-term negative impacts on his record company.
Young has also expanded his boycotts, citing reasons related to perceived support for Donald Trump. He announced intentions to discontinue using his Verizon flip phone due to the company's financial contributions and to cease further upgrades for his Apple computer. Young explored options for a T-Mobile flip phone and criticized Apple CEO Tim Cook for alleged support of the current administration.
He also linked to an article listing contact information for CEOs of 11 corporations, encouraging readers to contact them regarding their business dealings with ICE. Young described these dealings as "un-American and illegal actions." The companies listed include:
- Amazon
- Meta
- American Airlines
- AT&T
- Microsoft
- Home Depot
- Verizon
- FedEx
- UPS
- Dell
- Apple
In 2024, Young concluded a two-year boycott of the streaming service Spotify. This boycott was initiated due to Spotify hosting Joe Rogan's podcast, which Young alleged spread vaccine misinformation. Young stated his return to Spotify was influenced by Rogan's podcast becoming available on multiple platforms rather than being exclusive to Spotify. Artists Joni Mitchell and India Arie also removed their music from Spotify in solidarity with Young's initial protest. Young has a history of political engagement and has previously pursued legal action in 2020 to prevent the use of his music at Donald Trump's campaign rallies.
Greenland Initiative
Young gifted his complete music catalog and archives to the residents of Greenland. He stated this initiative was a response to statements made by the U.S. President concerning Greenland.
Young referred to these statements as "unwarranted stress and threats," and expressed a wish for his music and films to bring "peace and love" to Greenlanders, allowing them to enjoy his full discography in high-quality sound.
Greenland residents can access the Neil Young Archives for free and renew their subscription indefinitely. Verification requires a Greenland-registered mobile phone number, and access to Young's digital archive typically costs approximately $25 USD.
2026 European Tour Cancellation
Neil Young has canceled all of his scheduled 2026 European "Love Earth" tour dates with his band, the Chrome Hearts.
Young announced the decision on his official website, the Neil Young Archives, stating, "I have decided to take a break and will not be touring Europe this time." He offered apologies to those who purchased tickets.
The tour was scheduled to commence on June 19 in Manchester, England, and conclude on July 16 in Codroipo-Udine, Italy, comprising 13 performances across Europe. Elvis Costello and the Imposters were slated as opening acts for the initial nine shows.
The Chrome Hearts, formed in September 2024 at Farm Aid following the cancellation of a previous Crazy Horse tour due to illness among band members, consists of keyboardist Spooner Oldham, guitarist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick, and drummer Anthony LoGerfo. The group toured Europe and North America in 2024 and performed at Farm Aid in September and Harvest Moon: A Gathering in October. They supported Young on his 2025 album, "Talkin to the Trees."
The canceled tour dates included:
- June 19 - Manchester, England @ Heaton Park
- June 22 - Nimes, France @ Festival de Nimes
- June 24 - Nancy, France @ Nancy Open Air
- June 27 - Chelmsford, England @ State Fayre, Hylands Park
- June 29 - Glasgow, Scotland @ Glasgow Summer Sessions, Bellahouston Park
- July 1 - Cork, Ireland @ Virgin Media Park
- July 3 - Oxfordshire, England @ Blenheim Palace Festival
- July 5 - Cardiff, Wales @ Blackweir Fields
- July 8 - Weert, the Netherlands @ Evenemententerrein Weert-Noord
- July 10 - Zottegem, Belgium @ Rock Zottegem
- July 12 - Locarno, Switzerland @ Moon+Stars, Piazza Grande
- July 14 - Lucca, Italy @ Lucca Summer Festival, Mura Storiche
- July 16 - Codroipo- Udine, Italy @ Villa Manin
Media Commentary
Young has also shared his perspective on the current media environment. He advised viewers to try alternative news channels instead of Fox News, stating that it contained "untruths." He suggested The Guardian as a news source, replacing The New York Times for his own consumption.
Young critiqued general news "shows" and characterized CNN as mostly "trash," advocating for independent journalism to find "real coverage" and relief from what he described as "white-washed" news shows.
Music and Personal Updates
In a recent live Zoom chat with premium members of his Neil Young Archives, Young revealed he has written six songs for his upcoming album. He described one track, "The Second Song," as having a familiar melody re-contextualized with new lyrics and shared lyrics from an in-progress song.
When asked about a biopic, Young stated he does not wish to be involved in a film about his life while he is still alive, preferring to focus on making new music.
Young also commented on his recent 80th birthday, stating that his fear of turning 80 dissipated once he reached that age.
He emphasized his preference for maintaining a healthy and physical lifestyle, including walking, over gym activities.