THE FALLOUT: Neil Young Cancels 2026 Europe Tour & What Went Wrong?

 LOVE EARTH 2026 UK/EU TOUR Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts 

The ongoing fallout over the sudden cancelation of Neil Young's 2026 European Tour with The Chrome Hearts continues to reverberate across the Atlantic and beyond.

As the eloquent Scotsman puts it:

"The cancellation of Neil Young's Euro tour has unleashed a tsunami of disappointment (and also bittersweet understanding) among those who had tickets — and raises questions about exactly what went wrong."

So first, let's try and unpack what we know.

Last year on November 21, 2025, Neil Young announced that the LOVE EARTH 2026 UK/EU TOUR would begin on June 19, 2026 in Manchester, England followed by about a dozen other dates.  Ticket sales began on November 28.

On January 21, a new tour date was added for June 17 at the Eden Sessions in Cornwall, UK.

On January 27, Neil Young held a Patron ZOOM call for roughly one hour -- "looking fantastic" -- where he discussed a multitude of topics including additional possible tour plans in the U.S. plus recording an album of new songs in the studio.

Neil Young on Patron ZOOM 

January 27, 2026

image via Rusted Moon

Then on February 6, Neil Young announced the cancelation of the 2026 European Tour with The Chrome Hearts. 

 Statement via Neil Young Archives

In a statement published on Neil Young Archives, Neil wrote:  

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but now just isn't the right time."

So what happened between January 27 and February 6? Apparently it was still the right time to tour on January 27 but less than 2 weeks later it wasn't?

Obviously, the rustie speculation is off the charts. Folks bought tickets for Europe. Bought plane tickets, booked hotels and rentals. And suddenly, no tour or plausible explanation.

And with that background, The Scotsman steps up to attempt to understand what's happening here ... although it ain't exactly clear. Scotsman walks through the standard litanies of Neil's health, Neil following his muse, Neil's "eat a peach" attitude, etc.

Recall that just back in 2024, suddenly all remaining dates of Neil Young's tour with Crazy Horse were canceled unexpectedly for "health reasons". The Scotsman sums up 3 possibilities for the Europe tour cancelation:

A) Health. B) Unsatisfactory sales/demand. C) Donald Trump.

The bottom line: who knows?

Lastly, we'll highlight The Scotsman's conclusion regarding The Eden Project, the event just added to the itinerary:

Finally: Take a listen to the first 180 seconds of the video embedded at the top of the page , (TW: below) about the Eden Project. Particularly, take note of the section around 2:30 to 3 minutes in. This all sounds like a dream scenario for Neil, doesn't it? Indeed, it explicitly focuses on the very same subjects he's passionately dedicated much of the 21st century to.

At least in this case, I think he is absolutely sincere about being sorry to let people down... and he will be disappointed not to attend, too.

If nothing else, we can all agree about the disappointment all around.  

Thanks Scots -- as always -- for the words. The passion.  The insights.

If you can, please support @ The Flying Scotzman | Patreon. 

peace

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Neil Young Cancels 2026 European Tour

 LOVE EARTH 2026 UK/EU TOUR Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts 

Neil Young has cancelled the European LOVE EARTH 2026 tour with The Chrome Hearts.

Scheduled to start on June 17 in Manchester, England and include 14 stops across France, Ireland, Belgium, Switzerland, and Italy.  

In a statement published today on Neil Young Archives, Neil writes:

I've decided to take a break and won't be touring Europe this time. Thank you so much to everyone who bought tickets. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but now just isn't the right time. I love playing live and being with you and Chrome Hearts.

be well,
LOVE 

Neil

Elvis Costello was scheduled to open on several dates. 

Official Cancellation from Eden Festival

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What Might Neil Young's 2026 Bring Us?

 LOVE EARTH 2026 UK/EU TOUR Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts 

You ask, "so what might Neil Young's 2026 bring?"

Good question and the big ticket item is that Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts that kicks off the LOVE EARTH 2026 UK/EU TOUR on June 19, 2026 in Manchester, England.

Additionally, a comment by Dionys whets the appetite with expectations: 

• Mirror Ball Live  (w/ Pearl Jam)
• Love Earth World Tour 2024 double album
• Ben Keith's Seven Gates / Christmas at the Ranch re-release
• Gulf of Mexico/U.S. tour w/ The Chrome Hearts
• Tennessee (The Int’l Harvesters rediscovered 1985 tape)  
• Homefires (thanks dinkers!)

Gulf of Mexico/U.S. tour w/ The Chrome Hearts

via Greedy Hand Store

Thanks for the "informed speculation" Dionys. That pretty well tracks what we're seeing as well.  Obviously, all eyes on tour planning.

So what did we miss?

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What Might Neil Young's 2025 Bring Us?

Oceanside Countryside by Neil Young
"Original Analog Series"  (Click photo to enlarge)

 

You ask, "so what might Neil Young's 2025 bring?"

Good question and a comment by Dionys whets the appetite with expectations: 

• Talkin’ to the Trees (the new album) 
• Oceanside Countryside (the vinyl version)
• Tennessee (The Int’l Harvesters rediscovered 1985 tape) 
• ORS set (with Mirrorball, Sleeps with Angels) 
• Mirror Ball Live  (w/ Pearl Jam)
  
• Homefires
• Europe + U.S. tour with The Chrome Hearts

Thanks for the "informed speculation" Dionys. That pretty well tracks what we're seeing as well.  Obviously, all eyes on tour planning.

Regarding Oceanside Countryside, a comment by Tomatron notes that "Field Of Opportunity" landed on streaming services such as Apple Music last Friday. This is the mix with Neil’s original harmonies, before Nicolette Larson vocals were added to the track. 

There is some level of confusion on the release details of "Oceanside - Countryside" which is also available as a standalone CD  -- with the same cover -- from "Neil Young Archives Volume III". This CD of the same name contains eight of the ten songs, five of which are identical versions, however as a digital mix instead of analog. 

Here's what seems to be the difference: the order of the songs. The 1977 version sequence is as originally planned by Neil Young, as opposed to the CD of the "Archives Vol. III" which is arranged chronologically by recording date. In addition, two songs - "Field Of Opportunity" and "Dance Dance Dance" - are missing the vocals by Nicolette Larson, which were added later via overdub. 

Got it?  Another Valentine's Day gift from Neil with a February 14th release date of a black vinyl and a clear vinyl limited edition.

Or, just sit back and enjoy Neil Young's "Fireside Sessions".

Neil Young's "Fireside Sessions" 

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Neil Young's "Fireside Sessions" Resumes

Fireside Sessions II  | Neil Young Archives  (Click photo to enlarge) 

Late last year, Neil Young announced that he planned to stream another "Fireside Session" concert during the Christmas season.

As 2024 ended, Neil Young posted a video of the song "Silver & Gold" that his wife Daryl Hannah  recorded in front of their Colorado home fireplace. "Silver & Gold" was originally recorded during the 1985 sessions in Nashville and remained unreleased until 2000, when it appeared as a solo version on the album of the same name. The song had not been played since Farm Aid 2007.

 

Fireside Sessions Announcement| Neil Young Archive   (Click photo to enlarge) 

In the 2nd  "Fireside Sessions" installment, Neil Young pulls out "Pardon My Heart" for the first time in 50 years.  

Neil plays the song before a crackling fire and a sleeping dog.  "Pardon My Heart" was originally released on the album "Zuma" in 1975 and again in 2022 on the "Official Bootleg" series from New York's "The Bottom Line" club in 1974.

Neil Young's 2020 Fireside Sessions on NYA
Fireside Sessions #4
Fireside Sessions #3
Fireside Sessions #2
Fireside Sessions #1

 

In 2020, Neil Young produced four extremely intimate mini concerts with his wife Daryl Hannah.

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA 

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COMING SOON: Another Neil Young "Fireside Sessions"

Fireside Sessions | Neil Young Archives  (Click photo to enlarge)

 

Neil Young has announced on Neil Young Archives that he will stream another   "Fireside Session" concert during the Christmas season.

During the "pandemic", Neil Young presented several  "Fireside Sessions" which some labeled as the "The perfect pandemic antidote". Or -- if you preferred -- "splendid isolation".

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA
Fireside Sessions #4
Fireside Sessions #3
Fireside Sessions #2
Fireside Sessions #1

 

In 2020, Neil Young produced four extremely intimate mini concerts with his wife Daryl Hannah.

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Also, Neil Young has released a fireplace video with nearly two hours of music on  YouTube. The holiday soundtrack with a crackling fireplace has back catalog songs along with other Christmas songs by other artists.

More on Neil Young's 2020 "Fireside Sessions".

"Stunningly intimate & unprecedented" says TW.
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA - STREAMING NOW: Details on Sessions #1, #2, #3, & #4 @ https://t.co/H2XvxC7cTG
☮️♥️ @NeilYoungNYA
@dhlovelife pic.twitter.com/HNt4YL0iWL

— ThrashersWheat (@ThrashersWheat) May 9, 2020

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UPDATE: A MESSAGE TO SONGWRITERS - PROJECT AMPLIFY: The Song For The Children

A MESSAGE TO SONGWRITERS - PROJECT AMPLIFY: The Song
via Times-Contrarian | NYA

Last year, Neil Young has posted A MESSAGE TO SONGWRITERS - PROJECT AMPLIFY: The Song For The Children along with the lyrics to his song "I Am A Child".

The ask:

A unique song to amplify the voices of the children that utilizes their accounts from their detention in the United States by the Federal Government through Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Patrol.

We believe that music is universal and the best manner in which these accounts can be shared and heard throughout the world. We also believe that the songs will keep the accounts and atrocities being perpetrated against these children in the minds of the public and will be a call to take action. This can further prevent the harm and trauma that has been caused to children and their families. It is safety and a home that people are seeking for themselves and for their children. It is illegal what the US is doing to these children and their families and there is no end in sight.

And here's the answer back from the ask from Joshua Kirch on A MESSAGE TO SONGWRITERS - PROJECT AMPLIFY: The Song For The Children:

After reading this article, I chose to do just that.

My wife and I created a full album of the stories of detained children, and have chosen, per Project Amplify, to donate this to The Young Center.

Here is a press release and the appropriate links:

Local residents and members of the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson, Joshua Kirch and Elisa Abatsis, have released a powerful new album, The Icebox and the Doghouse.

The album is a humanitarian effort to raise funds for the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights and tells stories of detained immigrant children in their own words. The children’s stories are read by the couple over instrumental music composed by Kirch.

“The basic idea of the album is to give voice to the statements provided by children and young adult detainees at the ICE holding centers at the border. These stories came from www.project-amplify.org, an organization devoted to putting these stories out into the public,” stated the artist.

“The music is very eclectic, a combination of ambient music, as well as some influences of electro, classical, pop, and rock elements. The vocals are entirely spoken, as we wanted the stories to be verbatim words and remain unedited in the recording,” Joshua continued.

The Icebox and the Doghouse is available for download at www.joshuakirch.bandcamp.com. Links to the digital album may also be found on the Unitarian Church of Hudson and Marlborough’s website, www.ucmh.org.

All proceeds from the album are donated to the Young Center for Child Immigrants, who provide child advocates for the detained immigrant children. More information about the non-profit organization is available at www.theyoungcenter.org.

Project Amplify is a 501c3 registered in the state of Washington and is fiscally sponsored by the non- profit, Lawyer Moms of America.

For further information, please contact:
Mary Ellen Carroll and Warren Binford
amplifythechildren@gmail.com
www.amplifythechildren.org

While we here at Thrasher's Wheat aren't songwriters per se, we'll post the song lyrics of "Children of Destiny" by Neil Young.

"Children of Destiny" by Neil Young
via NYA

A comment by Ian on Neil Young's song "Children of Destiny":

When "Children of Destiny" came out in summer 2017, it captured the zeitgeist of the moment powerfully, much like the entire "Peace Trail" album the year before. To be able to reproduce a cultural pulse in song (or any art form) is a potent gift.

Official Music Video by Neil Young + Promise of the Real of "Children of Destiny"

Also, see "Children of Destiny": Some Commentary on Neil Young's 2017 Song. i am a child ... you are a child ... we are all children of destiny ...

be the wheat, field.

Mountain View, California - October 24, 2015
Photo by Hounds That Howell - TWR Tour Manager

But really, the bottom line -- and The Really Big Secret (shhh) -- is that it's all about The Kids ... The Bridge Kids. Seriously.

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Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #5: Barnyard Edition | NYA

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #5: Barnyard Edition | NYA

Now playing, Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #5: Barnyard Edition | NYA.

"Harvest"

This is the 5th installment of the "Fireside Sessions". Earlier, we had a look back at the 1st 4 installments of Neil Young's Fireside Sessions. Neil writes on Times Contrarian | NYA:

“The sessions will continue.

They’re good for us all. I hope we don’t run out of songs, but probably that would take a long time. These songs are for all of us, left, right, in between. ALL.

We are stronger together.”

“Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere”

and the fun begins ....

Neil Young & Crazy Hens perform their hit single, "Long May You Cluck." pic.twitter.com/tj4msmHYQ4

— Jeremy Levy (@jewgravy) May 20, 2020

Also, here's a look back at some of the scenes from Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 on NYA.

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

"One Of These Days"
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

"After The Goldrush"
("when the sun burst through the sky")
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Art by Phil Baker

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA
(Reviews, setlists, photos, comments, etc.)

• Fireside Sessions #4
• Fireside Sessions #3
• Fireside Sessions #2
• Fireside Sessions #1

@dhlovelife | Twitter

(Thanks for retweet D!)

"Stunningly intimate & unprecedented" says TW.
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA - STREAMING NOW: Details on Sessions #1, #2, #3, & #4 @ https://t.co/H2XvxC7cTG
☮️♥️ @NeilYoungNYA
@dhlovelife pic.twitter.com/HNt4YL0iWL

— ThrashersWheat (@ThrashersWheat) May 9, 2020

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TW EXCLUSIVE: Silver and Gold Again by Morgan Enos

"The perfect pandemic antidote" says TW
"Silver and Gold" by Neil Young (2000)

Last week, we published a review by Morgan Enos "Silver and Gold": Neil Young’s Most Precious Treasure | Talkhouse in which Enos describes how Neil Young's album "Silver and Gold" helps a young family forge new traditions. Morgan Enos writes:

Out of all his albums, Young’s homey 2000 album Silver and Gold is a balm for right now.

Then, days after publishing, on Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4, Neil performs 3 songs from the 2000 album "Silver and Gold": "Good to See You", "Daddy Went Walking", "Distant Camera". As we commented: "Coincidentally -- or not -- just the other day we had a post about S&G being the perfect "pandemic"/splendid isolation album. hmmm.

Then, this weekend, the featured performance on Neil Young Archives was the concert film "Silver and Gold"!

So we got in touch with Morgan about these synchronicities and asked him if he would like to tie all of this together for our readers here at TW. Gratefully, Morgan re-watched the concert film "Silver and Gold" and Fireside Sessions #4 and graciously provided us with the following thoughts and revelations.

Thanks Morgan! We think The Big Guy might be listening. ;)

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Author Morgan Enos & "Silver and Gold" by Neil Young
"Silver and Gold": Neil Young’s Most Precious Treasure | Talkhouse

Silver and Gold Again

By Morgan Enos

There’s a zoo and museum in Sussex County, New Jersey, called Space Farms that’s been closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, but if you’re lucky, you can visit its buffalos from the side of the road. My wife Brenna and I are journalists who work from home, and the great Little Richard’s death consumed the better part of our Saturday after a long week.

After our stories were filed, we exhaustedly cued up Neil Young’s Silver and Gold on his Neil Young Archives app and cruised out to Space Farms from our house in Hackensack. By the time we arrived, a light snowstorm had materialized during otherwise perfect weather, dusting the huddled-together buffalo family with ice flakes that shone in the sun. What a sight.

We call it “Silver and Gold Season” right now because that album just turned 20 and it’s been playing on a loop around here. Last month, I wrote an essay for Talkhouse talking about its evergreen nature in my life — specifically, how it helps my wife and I forge new traditions and keep the connection to my late dad going. (I’ve also written articles about his live album Tuscaloosa and the history of his Archives site.)

Young appears acutely aware of the anniversary. On Thursday, he unveiled the fourth edition of his Fireside Sessions digital concert series, in which he performed “Good to See You,” “Daddy Went Walkin’,” and “Distant Camera” — Silver and Gold songs he hadn’t performed in years.

"Good to See You"
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4

I felt something wild seeing him pluck out these underappreciated tunes from his home. I texted my aunt (my dad’s sister) and told her it was like Young was strumming around the firepit back in Atascadero, California — as if my dad, who loved Silver and Gold and who we both miss very much, was preparing his famous bacon-wrapped filets just outside of the frame.

“I can’t imagine how your dad would have felt watching Neil play ‘Good to See You,’” she responded. “It’s a message to you through Neil.” At the end of that one, which he hadn’t performed since 1999, he lingers with the guitar in his hand as if it’s literally good to see the song again. (“I can never get it right,” he cracks. “It seems like a simple little song.”)

After a solemn run-through of “Daddy Went Walkin’” — which has a bittersweet Ben Keith-sized hole in it — Young switches to piano for a more well-known song from the era, “Mother Earth.” Then he’s back at the firepit for “Distant Camera,” which Young picks out like it’s much fresher in his memory. What a treat to hear Silver and Gold songs in the present day, in a format that feels like it was played just for me and Brenna.

Young further rang in Silver and Gold Season by sharing 2000’s Neil Young: Silver and Gold, a concert film directed by the late Larry “L.A.” Johnson which documents a 1999 solo show at Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas. I’ve seen it dozens of times, but it was comforting to revisit the little worn-in details — the Sierra Nevada bottle, the stage decorated with candles, Young’s remark about the venue resembling a “music church.”

By the time the title track wafts in over the credits, I’m reliably soothed. (It’s also a good reminder that Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young’s final album, 1999’s Looking Forward, contains a handful of gorgeous Young cuts recorded with the Silver and Gold band that serve as a beautiful little companion piece. Yes, I have this imaginary EP as a NYA playlist.)

Brenna and I aren’t done ringing in Silver and Gold Season. She and I used to play in a rock ‘n roll band, so over dinner, we pondered getting out the guitars and learning the songs together. I’m writing this little follow-up about the album instead because my new friends at Thrasher’s Wheat asked me to, which is a real honor. Of course, I immediately said yes.

Even when our minds drift to other subjects during this lockdown, I know I’ll eventually share Silver and Gold with my future kids. I hope they share it with theirs as well. That’s what it’s all about — family and holding onto things we cherish.

Sometimes a “simple little song” is all you need.

Morgan at Space Farms, Sussex County, New Jersey

Brenna at Space Farms, Sussex County, New Jersey

Thanks Morgan & Brenna so much! Right, exactly. Sometimes, “a simple little song is all you need" -- and hard earned deservedly so, as well. Your thoughts here on Silver and Gold have been the "perfect pandemic antidote".

Your line “It’s a message to you through Neil” really, really resonates with us here @ TW. Last night, @ TW HQ, we curled by a nice fire with thrashette and had our own little 'fireside sessions' double feature with the Silver and Gold film stream on NYA. (btw, very unseasonably cold our way too with frost warnings last night?!)

Like we said before, normally we might say something trite like "keep on isolating in the free world"! Except that's really a terrible affirmation since we want everyone free and un-isolated. No "splendid isolation"/anti-social distancing for us, thank you. (DISCLAIMER: proper precautions -- of course -- and we're not suggesting nor advocating reckless, careless behaviors.) So we'll just say once again, Keep Calm, No Fear, Shut It Down, and Keep on Rockin'!

Also, see full article Silver and Gold is Neil Young’s Most Precious Treasure | Talkhouse by Morgan Enos.

Incidentally, we featured another article by Morgan Enos recently How Neil Young's Eccentric Online Home Was Born | Fortune.

Movietone: Silver and Gold 2000

Full length concert

Directed by LA Johnson

SILVER AND GOLD, the album, was made in the late nineties
and released in 2000.

Now Showing on Page 4 of the Times Contrarian#NeilYoung #NeilYoungArchives #SilverandGold pic.twitter.com/4l6PJV7KQI

— Neil Young Archives (@NeilYoungNYA) May 9, 2020

"The ultimate pandemic antidote" says TW.
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA - STREAMING NOW: Details on Sessions #1, #2, #3, & #4 @ https://t.co/H2XvxC7cTG
☮️♥️@NeilYoungNYA @dhlovelife pic.twitter.com/89Wgi1puev

— ThrashersWheat (@ThrashersWheat) May 10, 2020

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STREAMING NOW: Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Neil Young's Fireside Session IV is now streaming on Neil Young Archives.

"One Of These Days"

This is the 4th installment of the "Fireside Sessions". Earlier, we had a look back at the 1st 3 installments of Neil Young's Fireside Sessions.

"After The Goldrush"
("when the sun burst through the sky")

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Art by Phil Baker

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA
(Reviews, setlists, photos, comments, etc.)

• Fireside Sessions #4
• Fireside Sessions #3
• Fireside Sessions #2
• Fireside Sessions #1

"Stunningly intimate & unprecedented" says TW.
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions on NYA - STREAMING NOW: Details on Sessions #1, #2, #3, & #4 @ https://t.co/H2XvxC7cTG
☮️♥️ @NeilYoungNYA
@dhlovelife pic.twitter.com/HNt4YL0iWL

— ThrashersWheat (@ThrashersWheat) May 9, 2020

Also, playing this weekend is 2000’s Neil Young: Silver and Gold, a concert film directed by the late Larry “L.A.” Johnson which documents a 1999 solo show at Bass Concert Hall in Austin, Texas.

"Harvest Moon"
Neil Young: Silver and Gold
Bass Concert Hall, Austin, Texas

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COMING SOON: Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #4 | NYA
Art by Phil Baker

Neil Young has announced that another Fireside Session is planned to stream soon on Neil Young Archives.

This will be the 4th installment of the "Fireside Sessions". Here's a look back at the 1st 3 installments of Neil Young's Fireside Sessions.

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #3

"Already One"
via Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #3 | NYA

"Helpless"
Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #3

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #2 | Neil Young Archives

Also, as noted previously, Neil Young's "Fireside Sessions #1" webcast has broken all previous traffic records on Neil Young Archives. The webcast has been considered as one of the best artistic efforts put forward since the CV-19 crisis hit, per Rolling Stone's "Quarantine Comfort: The Best Livestreamed Performances So Far".

Fireside Sessions Breaks NYA Traffic Records | Times-Contrarian | Neil Young Archives

More Fireside Sessions Coming | Neil Young Archives

via Fireside Sessions #1 | Neil Young Archives

More on Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #1, with setlist, photos, comments, etc.

"Vampire Blues"
via Fireside Sessions #1 | Neil Young Archives

"Sugar Mountain"
via Fireside Sessions #1 | Neil Young Archives

Dogs of N&D
via Rusted Moon

Neil & Daryl

Thank you N&D!
All together
p&l,
the t's
ps - Keep Calm, No Fear, Shut It Down, and Keep on Rockin'

Neil Young's Fireside Sessions #3 | NYA
See https://t.co/wh2Pi5yKiF
☮️♥️ +++@NeilYoungNYA
@dhlovelife
#AllTogether pic.twitter.com/ndCvuDb51L

— ThrashersWheat (@ThrashersWheat) April 11, 2020

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