"Second Song" Album by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts Released Today

"Second Song"

by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts  
Today -- September 18 -- marks the release of Neil Young's latest studio album, "Second Song," with his band The Chrome Hearts.

Tracklist for Second Song album by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

1. The Foggy Edge Of Time - 06:21

2. Day After Day - 06:34

3. Earth Girl - 07:07

4. Second Song - 11:20

5. Casting Me Away From You - 02:37

6. Soon I Might Be Going - 08:04

7. I'll Love You Forever - 04:14

Previously, 2 tracks dropped in advance: see NEW SONG VIDEO: Neil Young's "Casting Me Away From You" and VIDEO: "Second Song" | Neil Young Archives.

Here is Official Lyric Video for the song "Day After Day". 

Produced by Lou Adler, Neil Young & Niko Bolas (The Volume Dealers) and recorded at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studios in Malibu, California, The Chrome Hearts are:

• Anthony LoGerfo: drums.
• Corey McCormick: bass, vocals.
• Micah Nelson: electric guitar, vocals.
• Spooner Oldham: Farfisa organ.

In a new interview with MOJO magazine, Neil Young discusses his unconventional approach to making new music. He says of his writing process:

 “If I have an idea, just in order to preserve it, I’ll sit down and play whatever I can. Usually there’s a lot of mistakes, and I’m still finding it, but that’s what I record. I know where I’m trying to go. I can tell by listening.” He also explains why he likes his backing band to be unrehearsed and unfamiliar with the new songs when they begin recording.

“You don’t want to think about it,” Young says. “You don’t want to have it practiced. The whole idea is to not know what you’re doing.”

Some early review clips ... 

Mojo Magazine by John Mulvey: 

"Second Song is by far his best work since the monumental 2012 album Psychedelic Pill, the last great album of the Crazy Horse era under Poncho Sampedro. And while Young's current backing band, The Chrome Hearts, can certainly recapture the monolithic stomp of the Crazy Horse era, it's their grace and sensitivity, their Stray Gators-esque acoustic style, that truly stand out on this late-career classic. " 4 stars

UNCUT by Michael Bonner: 

"The fragility of his age-worn voice lends these songs an added melancholy—a reminder that these reflections come from an artist approaching his ninth decade . Far from sounding diminished, however, Young has delivered one of his most poignant albums of the 21st century, one that is both sad and beautiful . For all the album's reflections on aging and loss, Second Song is carried by what remains ." 9 out of 10 

 More reactions on NEW SONG VIDEO: Neil Young's "Casting Me Away From You" and VIDEO: "Second Song" | Neil Young Archives.

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Comment of the Moment: "Second Song" Album by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

"Second Song" Album

by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts

Reaction to Neil Young's initial releases of  2 songs from the upcoming album "Second Song" with The Chrome Hearts has been nearly universally praised by fans and the music press thus far.

 

"Second Song" VideoNeil Young & The Chrome Hearts

Here is a Comment of the Moment on the upcoming album "Second Song" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts by Abner:

I have a few thoughts going back to the first time I heard the song. 

Nostalgia is maybe not quite right as it constantly intersects with the present. The song places the nostalgic in a deeply problematic relationship to the present, although this is not always literal. 

If it was just harkening back to the sunny mornings and saving dimes the song is very different and probably not worth all that much. But beyond this problematic relationship to the present is that the present is placing everything in jeopardy. 

There is the immediate fact, within the lyrics, that what we need and want will no longer even be possible. This reality then strips us of our dignity as we are the ones who have destroyed the possibility of a future for both ourselves and everything else. 

To me, the center of the song are the lyrics: "but we won't remember them, cause we're the ones who didn't care." If one is really paying attention these lines hit like brass knuckles while there is painful irony with the beauty of the song. The same spirit could provide a bonfire for an electric nightmare of another song. 

Second Song is beyond a warning, it is a collision with our reckless actions.

Thanks for the comment Abner. Intrigued by your take on Second Song as "beyond a warning". The tone here on "Second Song" is a bit more subtle than we've heard from Neil in recent years where he's been  borderline sledgehammer (see  "Talkin' To The Trees" album and "Big Change", for example.)

More on  "Second Song" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts and NEW SONG VIDEO: Neil Young's "Casting Me Away From You".

"Casting Me Away From You"by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts (see NEW SONG VIDEO: Neil Young's "Casting Me Away From You") 

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NEW SONG VIDEO: Neil Young's "Casting Me Away From You"

"Casting Me Away From You"by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts via Neil Young Archives.

The 2nd song -- "Casting Me Away From You" -- from the upcoming release by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts "Second Song" album is now posted on  Neil Young Archives.

The song "Casting Me Away From You"  was written over 60 years ago when Neil was in Winnipeg, 

Similar to the 1st  song released -- "Second Song"  -- from the upcoming release by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts "Second Song"  album, the video is from Broken Arrow ranch.  The footage was shot in the back of a jeep by David Meyers, who filmed "Journey Through the Past" around 1972.

The video features Neil with his dog Timer, driving a Jeep on newly paved ranch roads, while Carrie Snodgress rides along side on horseback.

More on VIDEO: "Second Song" | Neil Young Archives.

"Second Song"

by Neil Young & Chrome Hearts  

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Comment of the Moment: "Second Song" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

"Second Song" VideoNeil Young & The Chrome Hearts Reaction to Neil Young's release of a video for "Second Song," from his upcoming album with The Chrome Hearts has been nearly universally praised by fans and the music press thus far.

For so many, the nostalgia of the Broken Arrow Ranch in Northern California is viscerally breathtaking. The video shot by Rick Rosas (AKA Rick "The Bass Player") on a drive into the ranch is simultaneously uplifting yet heartbreaking.

With that background, Neil's understated song melody, instrumentation and lyrics combine to bring some to smile, some to cry and everyone to wonder ... thrashers included.

Which brings us to a very special Comment of the Moment by Dan Swan.  

As you may recall, Dan has been on a sabbatical -- so to speak  -- from Thrasher's Wheat for awhile.  Often a thoughtful commenter, his words here have been missed.  His return -- for us -- is like the swallows of Capistrano.

Here is the TW Comment of the Moment on VIDEO: "Second Song" | Neil Young Archives by Dan:

I have been away for a really long time here. The reasons are multilayered and difficult to summarize here. But I couldn’t possibly not post about this new song from Neil.

My first reaction was an unmistakable feeling of comfort and reassurance. I fell under the spell of a road trip out to Neil’s ranch. Now; I don’t typically like music videos, but I make an exception in this case, because it truly serves the song. But as usual with Neil, the lyrics are really the focus here.

Neil has always had this tendency to write lyrics that feel more like a stream of consciousness, rather than a specific thing. In this case it plays to the strength of the musical tone of this song.

What it created here for me was a sense of nostalgia and purpose. Combining both without contradicting either one. Yet at the end of the song there’s a message that may seem contradictory. I’m not sure how else to explain it really. It may well be the point of the song to be unresolved in the end. Or perhaps just an open question left for each person to ponder.

All I know for sure is this Second Song affected me in a most profound way. I was drawn into that world, and it touched my spirit in an unexpected way. I felt his presence within the song. It wasn’t just him singing it, he was literally inside of it. And I was privileged enough to be invited in on his journey.

I was transported out of my current situation and spent just over eleven minutes somewhere I wish I could take up permanent residence. A place where perfect is a myth, and possibilities are infinite.

The word masterpiece has become a cliche. But if such a thing is still possible….this would be it.

Peace to All 🙏

Hey Dan, great to hear from you.

Especially for this new song from Neil.  You're right, the video of the drive into Broken Arrow ranch so captures the essence. The vibe. The whole feel of ranch world.

Rick Rosas film comes from the past.

Into the present.

Taking us to future.
Alchemy baby.

Welcome back Dan.

More reaction to  VIDEO: "Second Song" | Neil Young Archives.

Rick Rosas: 1949 - 2014

Liverpool, England - July 13, 2014

Photo by Paolo Brillo

And more on  Rick Rosas (AKA Rick "The Bass Player"): 1949 - 2014

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VIDEO: "Second Song" | Neil Young Archives

Second Song | Neil Young Archives
 (Click photo to enlarge)

The title track of Neil Young's upcoming album with The Chrome Hearts, "Second Song," now has an official music video release. 

The video is shot by Rick Rosas (AKA Rick "The Bass Player") on a drive into the Broken Arrow Ranch in Northern California.  It's unclear when the film was was shot, but the best estimate is sometime around 1990 when Rick was driving into record at the ranch studio. 

"Second Song" album will be released on September 18, 2026. 

More on Neil Young Announces New Album: 'Second Song'.

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USA 250 - LWW 2026: Neil Young Archives

USA 250 - LWW 2026Neil Young Archives
 (Click photo to enlarge)

For July 4, Neil Young Archives has posted USA 250 - LWW 2026  -- a revisited Living With War Volume #2. (Thanks Road Dawg!)

Neil writes on NYA:

"There are small changes within the songs. The mix is refocused on now. The choir is huge and has a band."

Neil Young - Living With War - Living With War 2026 (Official Video)

Released in 2006, Neil Young's album Living With War was a direct confrontation of the need for a call to action.

Once completed, Neil played the album for his label Reprise and than immediately gave a live interview to CNN. For many fans, this was Neil at his finest -- speaking truth to power.

Neil Rocks on CNN

Living With War by Neil Young - 2006

And here we are still living with war in the 21st century.

"Children of Destiny" 

Neil Young + Promise of the Real - July 2017

Frame from Official Music Video

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Comment of the Moment #2: "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

"As Time Explodes" 

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

 (Click photo to enlarge)

The  album  "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/Chrome Hearts  was released for this year's Record Store Day on April 18. 'As Time Explodes' will be released on CD on May 29.

Last week's Comment of the Moment on "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts was by JVJ and sparked a few interesting comments.

Our latest Comment of the Moment #2: "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts is also by JVJ:

Another reminder of how lucky we are to have the Archives and the letters section... between the time I lamented the omission of Ambulance Blues and now, some intrepid fan sent in asking why it didn't make the cut and Neil explained succinctly: "THEY WERE GOOD BUT NONE WERE RIGHT FOR ME ON THIS ALBUM. MAYBE IN THE FUTRE IT WILL BE USED."

I'll echo that the version of Cortez the Killer contained here - as most of you know, the version with the missing verses that have been included since last year's tour with the horse - is absolutely essential. I understand the minor grievances listed in this thread (the slow start of Side 1. Spooner still being lower in the mix in the same way as on tour...) but damn, Side 3 is a towering and killer slab of rock and roll... Vampire Blues (from one of the shows I attended! I get a sensorial memory of my best friend and me losing our shit when they kicked into that one) and Cortez? An absolutely unmissable document of the band at their best right there.

Another letter I read in the most recent batch made the cover art make sense to me. I had no idea it was a picture of the band reflected in rained out pit at the Jones Beach show. I just thought it was an artistic decision that didn't do anything for me compared to a simple shot of the great stage set-up they had on this run. Really made my appreciation to the cover art skyrocket.

Anyways, looking forward to more opinions as the album continues to officially roll out. I really would live to see the truncated Crazy Horse tour make it to record at some point, though that feels unlikely (and maybe a bit greedy given the embarrassment of riches we've already received).

Thanks  for the comments JVJ! A 2fer.

More on the album "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/ Chrome Hearts  (Tracklist, etc.).  

Also, more on  2025 "Love Earth" tour in Europe and North America (concert reports). 

love earth 2025 WORLD tour neil young and the chrome hearts 

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Comment of the Moment: "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

"As Time Explodes" 

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

 (Click photo to enlarge)

The  album  "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/Chrome Hearts  was released for this year's Record Store Day on April 18. 'As Time Explodes' will be released on CD on May 29.

Our Comment of the Moment on "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts is by JVJ:

Wonderin', for those who picked up a copy of the new live LP already, how folks are enjoying it? 

With so many full shows from the tour on YouTube, it's easy for anyone to have an opinion on what was omitted and what they dug making the cut. I think it's a great live album - especially considering the turnaround from tour to LP didn't provide much room for reflection.

A coupla things I woulda loved weren't included (shame to begin opening nearly every show with such a beautiful rendition of Ambulance Blues for it to not make the cut) but found myself especially surprised by a few choices (Silver Eagle, while very good, felt like a moment to rest between heavy hits during the shows I saw but on the LP it plays as a beautiful coda and a perfect tribute to their time on the road together). 

Also happy that it brought Daddy Went Walkin' back to peoples ears... and it's a treat to have a version of Big Crime on record... if this album ends up being it's only physical home, that alone will make this release a special one in a discography that has a lot of essential live albums already.

Of note, this album will be another Top 10 Bestseller for Neil Young debuting at #6 on the charts, per Forbes:

As Time Explodes — Live, which is credited officially to Neil Young and the Chrome Hearts, launches on three U.K. charts, and it performs best on the Official Americana rundown. That tally focuses on the top-selling titles in that one style throughout the country, and purchases on CD, cassette, vinyl, and via download stores such as iTunes are all factored into its methodology. This frame, As Time Explodes — Live kicks off at No. 6.

Young has placed 19 projects onto the Official Americana chart since first landing on the tally just over a decade ago. Almost all of those releases, 16 in total, have spent time inside the top 10. 

More on the album "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/ Chrome Hearts  (Tracklist, etc.).  

Also, more on  2025 "Love Earth" tour in Europe and North America (concert reports). 

love earth 2025 WORLD tour neil young and the chrome hearts 

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Neil Young Announces New Album: 'Second Song'

RECORDING and LISTENINGTimes Contrarian | Neil Young Archives(Click photo to enlarge)

Neil Young has announced another new studio album titled 'Second Song' and recorded with the Chrome Hearts. 

On Times Contrarian | Neil Young Archives, Neil writes that the album, with eight total songs, contains three written in 1963, which have remained unreleased. Neil explains the creative process beginning several months ago when he spent several days composing new lyrics and melodies in the early morning hours. In early March, the recording sessions began under a full moon at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studios in Malibu.  

During the two days of recording with the Chrome Hearts, they recorded five new songs.  A search of the archives discovered previously unreleased early material. 

The final mixing and mastering were completed in April under a full moon. In another statement on NYA titled "Moon To Moon,", Neil writes that the new music is a "special gift" that he "really feels".

RECORDING and LISTENING

4-21-26

Recording 'Second Song', my next studio album for Reprise records, was a lifetime experience. First, the music was breathing. Every song of the seven released on this album is straight form the heart.

Second, we tried to do something we have never done: record digital and analog masters at the same time.

We did this so we could show the difference we know and believe in, my friends and I. Analog was the beginning, and it never sounded better. Hi res digital is a clear second best. We are finishing the two versions and will release them both. The Digital hi res master and the Analog Vinyl. You can hear the difference, instantly. They are both beautiful if the song is. One is as deep as life. One is the highest quality counterfeit copy. If you are interested in the sound you can disappear into and lose yourself… over repeated listenings, Analog.

I made records like that in the beginning. I miss the quality people today hardly ever get a chance at hearing. Music is infinitely deep. Museum quality sound is analogue.

Try comparing these if you get a chance. For true analog playback, there can be no digital components in the player or amplifier or speakers. I do hope you enjoy the music no matter how you listen. We made it for all of us.

LOVE

Neil

More on Times Contrarian | Neil Young Archives.

Playback Session @ Reprise Records - 

Posted on May 5, 2026 @ T-C | NYA 

And in other Neil Young news of late, the the album "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/Chrome Hearts  was released for this year's Record Store Day on April 18. 'As Time Explodes' will be released on CD on May 29.

"As Time Explodes" 

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

 (Click photo to enlarge)
Lastly, still no word on re-scheduling the cancelled 2026 Europe Tour dates.

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Neil Young on NYA: "I'm so happy with my new album!"

 Neil Young and The Chrome HeartsCharlotte, NC - August 8, 2025 photo by thrasher  (Click photo to enlarge)

Some good news from Neil Young on his recent recording sessions at Rick Rubin's Shangri-La Studios.

Recall that earlier this month we learned that Neil Young & Chrome Hearts had been in the studio with "8 songs recorded".   

Now in a response to a letter from Wendy, Neil seems quite pleased.

via Neil Young Archives

"I'm so happy with my new album! 

I honestly can't remember ever feeling so good about what we recorded. Everything happened so naturally… Chrome Hearts were totally in the groove. Songs! I'm really looking forward to sharing it with you all as soon as possible.

Songs…"

Nice to see the change in Neil's mood. Also, recall that in early March, Neil wrote:

"Politics today is sad and depressing for me. I can’t do it anymore."

And in other Neil Young news of late, the tracklist for the album "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/Chrome Hearts  has been revealed for this year's Record Store Day on April 18. 

"As Time Explodes" 

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

 (Click photo to enlarge)
Lastly, still no word on re-scheduling the cancelled 2026 Europe Tour dates. Although we're hearing that something big might be announced in early April.  Stay tuned. :)

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Still "Living With War", v. 3.0 & "the most courageous album of 2006" by Neil Young

Living With War by Neil Young - 2006

And here we are still living with war in the 21st century.

It all started for us back in 2006 -- and nothing has been the same since -- when an obscure blog link popped up over in the right sidebar here on Thrasher's Wheat.

According to the blog Last Left Turn Before Hooterville, a new Neil Young album was being recorded. The blog, written by a member of a 100-voice choir, said the album would contain the lyrics: 

"Let's impeach the President for lyin'!". 

Once completed, Neil Young played the album for his label Reprise and then immediately gave a live interview to CNN. For many fans, this was Neil at his finest -- speaking truth to power.

Neil Rocks on CNN

Neil Young's album "Living With War" would go on to become music's "Fahrenheit 9/11" film equivalent. And the rest is history, as some say.

"If nothing else, Living With War was the most courageous album of 2006."

(Complete TW coverage of the Living With War controversary at Neil Young News: 04/01/2006 - 05/01/2006 and Neil Young News: 05/01/2006 - 06/01/2006.)

In 2022, as the war drums started beating for War in Ukraine ("Living With War", v. 2.0), Neil Young penned an editorial on  Neil Young Archives: VIEWPOINT: The Apotheosis of War.

 

“The Apotheosis of War” by Vasily Vereshchagin(Click photo to enlarge)

 

In a followup, Neil Young writes "Streets are the Stage for Change" and asks:

"THE RUSSIAN PEOPLE NEED TO STAND UP FOR HUMANITY and let the whole world know who they really are."

With military madness continuing to kill our countries, what's the average citizen of the world to do?

Obviously, we're Still Living With War -- both in our minds and hearts -- because it's all just deja vu, all over again and again and again ...

As Neil Young has stated: "History is a cruel judge of overconfidence."

 

Neil Young Signs "PEACE"

More "Shock And Awe" was coming our way.

 "CSNY DEJA VU" Film Poster - 2008

 

Part performance, part documentary and commentary, the film CSNY Déjà Vu is a call to peace and remains relevant today. Because if we ignore the lessons of history, we do so at our peril and increase the likelihood of repeating the same mistakes.

 

From album "Living With War", the title track's lyrics continue their prescient revelations on today's times. so, carry on.

 

 

[Try to remember peace (visualize) ]

"I join the multitudes
I raise my hand in peace
I never bow to the laws of the thought police
I take a holy vow
To never kill again
To never kill again

I'm living with war in my heart
I'm living with war in my heart and my mind
I'm living with war right now"

Despite what the critics wrote negatively about the album -- if nothing else -- Living With War was the most courageous album of 2006.

No War
Greendale Film still

 

More on CSNY: Deja Vu Film.

Also, see:
- Premiere of 'CSNY Deja Vu' at 2008 Sundance Film Festival
- Deja Vu Preview Footage on YouTube
- Interview at Sundance: Bernard Shakey Explains CSNY Deja Vu
- Concert film 'Deja Vu' polarizes Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young fans
- 2006 Crosby Stills Nash & Young Freedom of Speech Tour

Crosby Stills Nash & Young - 7/6/2006 - Camden, NJ2006 Freedom of Speech Tour
photo by Buzz Person (via CSNY.net)

Also, see Crosby Stills Nash & Young Freedom of Speech tour comments. 

More at Commentary on Politics of CSNY Freedom of Speech Tour.  (Ah, those were the days.  If you think you're stressed today, you should've been here back in 2006. or is just deja vu all over yet again!?) 

And so here we are in 2026 with "Living With War", v. 3.0.  We are in a loop and we are not learning our histories and repeating the same mistakes.  Break the cycle. Make peace cool again. Now.

And we'll probably do this again in 2032 ("Living With War", v. 4.0) ... if only ... at the least, for our "Families".

peace 

ps- apparently, Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts have been in the studio, with "8 songs recorded".  A "Living With War", v. 3.0 maybe?  Well, we shall see and hear eventually.  Hopefully the new songs provoke another generation to support peace. We are dreamin' people ...

pss - Note that LWW is now the default playback song of the day on NYA. thanks Jake!

Song of the Day

Neil Young Archives

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Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts Are In The Studio + Comment of the Moment

 Neil Young and The Chrome HeartsCharlotte, NC - August 8, 2025 photo by thrasher  (Click photo to enlarge)

Neil Young & Chrome Hearts have been in the studio, with "8 songs recorded", per a response to a letter on  Neil Young Archives.

Presumably recorded on the last full moon -- the Blood Moon -- no additional details have emerged, other than Neil is not happy. Writing on NYA | T-C, Neil Young says:

“Folks, I am so hurt for this country.

Politics today is sad and depressing for me. I can’t do it anymore. I can go out and demonstrate my feelings about it. We have the worst president in the history of our country. Every day, a bad TV show produced by DJT [President Donald J. Trump] is what we get.

Now, thankfully, once again, I’m in the studio recording a new album with the chrome hearts.

I love the songs and the feelings of life and love. Music is. So far, we have eight new songs. They make me feel.”

Which brings us to a  Comment of the Moment from TeekiesPlace:

Following the North Star HEADER in the Letters section of the TC... 

Neil’s been talking about how music makes him 'feel' lately and how it’s got him back in the studio.

You have to wonder if that fan letter he shared with the track link at the bottom had something to do with the inspiration? It's an upbeat country-rocker that even name-checks his old friends Willie and Waylon from Farm Aid.

Makes you wonder.

Here is the link he left in: https://www.reverbnation.com/wendyellenwarren/song/29254035-cheap-champagne

Thanks for sharing TeekiesPlace!  It does make you wonder, doesn't it?

Actually, Neil has made it quite a habit of his to make us be "Wonderin' " most of the time.

Afterall, recall just last summer when Neil Young invited President Trump to attend his concerts.

And in other Neil Young news of late, the tracklist for the album "As Time Explodes" by Neil Young w/Chrome Hearts  has been revealed for this year's Record Store Day on April 18. 

"As Time Explodes" 

Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

 (Click photo to enlarge)
Lastly, still no word on re-scheduling the cancelled 2026 Europe Tour dates.

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