Neil Young, photo by Marc Millman

Neil Young has never been shy about his feelings for the culture of his time, and in the past few years, he’s been a more outspoken critic of power and advocate for justice than ever before. On Talkin to the Trees, his debut album with his new Chrome Hearts band, the legendary singer-songwriter personally and unflinchingly reflected on modern crises with songs like “Big Change,” “Let’s Roll Again” and the title track. While touring to support the record last year, he doubled down with the follow-up single “Big Crime,” which channelled righteous anger into the refrain, “There’s big crime in DC at THE White House.”

Today, Young expressed his perspective again with a promising post to his Neil Young Archives website, alluding to new music in the works and the causes spurring him on. “I am so hurt for this country,” he wrote:

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 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.

Young’s must recent career update, prior to his latest post, announced the cancellation of all his 2026 tour dates. He was set to return to the road in June for a two-month European run with The Chrome Hearts, which would have kicked off from Manchester, England on June 19 and come to a close in Udine, Italy on July 26. Elvis Costello & The Attractions were confirmed as the openers for a portion of the series.

“I have decided to take a break and will not be touring Europe this time,” Young wrote. “Thanks to everyone who bought tickets. I’m sorry to let you down, but this is not the time. I do love playing LIVE and being with you and the Chrome Hearts. LOVE Neil be well.”

Stay updated on Young’s plans at neilyoungarchives.com.