Honestly, trying to pin down a Neil Young tour schedule is a bit like trying to catch a ghost in a flannel shirt. One minute he’s retiring to his ranch to tinker with LincVolt, and the next, he’s announcing a massive string of dates that make you wonder if the man actually sleeps.
He's 80 now.
👉 See also: Why Buena Vista Social Club Chan Chan Is Still The Ultimate Cuban Anthem
Most people figured the days of seeing Neil rip through a twenty-minute "Down by the River" solo were behind us, especially after the health scares that derailed the 2024 run with Crazy Horse. But here we are in 2026, and the "Shakey" machine is humming again. He isn't just playing; he’s taking The Chrome Hearts across the Atlantic for a summer run that looks surprisingly rigorous for a guy who has earned the right to just sit on a porch and watch the sunset.
The Love Earth 2026 UK and European Dates
The big news—the stuff people are actually scouring the internet for—is the 2026 leg of the Love Earth World Tour. It isn't a "greatest hits" cash grab. If you know Neil, you know he hates those. It’s a continuation of the vibe he started with the Talkin’ to the Trees era.
He kicks things off on June 19, 2026, at Heaton Park in Manchester.
If you've ever been to a rainy Manchester gig, you know the atmosphere is basically built for Neil's brand of moody, electric folk. From there, he’s jumping over to France, then hitting Glasgow, Ireland, and Wales before winding through the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland.
The tour wraps up on July 16 at Villa Manin in Codroipo, Italy.
Why the Chrome Hearts?
A lot of fans were gutted when Crazy Horse had to step back. But The Chrome Hearts aren't just a backup band; they’re a powerhouse. You’ve got Spooner Oldham on keys—the man is a living legend who played on the original Harvest sessions. Then there’s Micah Nelson (aka Particle Kid), who brings this weird, youthful energy that clearly feeds Neil’s own creativity.
📖 Related: The 3 Stooges in Orbit: Why This Weird Sci-Fi Mashup Actually Worked
Corey McCormick is on bass and Anthony LoGerfo is on drums.
They’ve got this tight, soulful pocket that allows Neil to stray from the path without the whole thing falling apart. It’s less of a "garage rock" sound than the Horse, and more of a "distorted country-soul" vibe.
Getting Tickets Without Losing Your Mind
Look, buying tickets for a Neil Young tour schedule in 2026 is a bloodsport.
The Neil Young Archives (NYA) is still the only way to go if you want to avoid the secondary market sharks. Annual members got a 48-hour head start back in November, but there are always a few tickets that trickle back into the system closer to the dates.
Elvis Costello & The Imposters are opening the first nine shows.
That’s a heavy-duty double bill. It also means tickets for the Manchester, Glasgow, and Cardiff shows vanished almost instantly. If you’re looking now, you’re likely looking at resale sites like StubHub or SeatPick. Prices are hovering anywhere from £85 to over £200 depending on the venue. Blenheim Palace is particularly pricey because, well, it’s a palace.
The 2026 European Schedule at a Glance
- June 19: Manchester, UK – Heaton Park
- June 22: Nimes, France – Festival de Nimes
- June 24: Nancy, France – Nancy Open Air
- June 27: Chelmsford, UK – Hylands Park (State Fayre)
- June 29: Glasgow, Scotland – Bellahouston Park
- July 1: Cork, Ireland – Virgin Media Park
- July 3: Oxfordshire, UK – Blenheim Palace
- July 5: Cardiff, Wales – Blackweir Fields
- July 8: Weert, Netherlands – Evenemententerrein Weert-Noord
- July 10: Zottegem, Belgium – Rock Zottegem
- July 12: Locarno, Switzerland – Piazza Grande
- July 14: Lucca, Italy – Lucca Summer Festival
- July 16: Codroipo, Italy – Villa Manin
What About North America?
This is the part that drives US and Canadian fans crazy.
Right now, the confirmed Neil Young tour schedule is heavily weighted toward Europe. However, the rumor mill at Thrasher’s Wheat—which is basically the "Wall Street Journal" of Neil Young fans—is pointing toward a "Gulf of Mexico" or general US run later in the year.
Neil has been vocal about "ICE cold" weather in America lately on his archives.
He usually follows the sun. If a North American leg happens, expect it to hit the sheds and amphitheaters in late August or September. He’s also been hinting at some "Timeline Concerts" and potential archival releases like Mirror Ball Live with Pearl Jam, which might influence where and when he decides to play live.
Why You Should Actually Go
It’s easy to say, "I'll catch him next time."
Don't.
At 80, every show is a gift. Neil doesn't do "fine." He either plays with every ounce of his soul or he doesn't play at all. He’s known for changing the setlist ten minutes before he walks out. You might get an acoustic set that breaks your heart, or you might get a wall of feedback that vibrates your teeth.
The 2026 shows are leaning into the Love Earth theme.
Expect a mix of the new environmental anthems and the "unplugged" classics. If you’re lucky, you’ll hear "Heart of Gold," but don't be annoyed if he skips it for a deep cut from On the Beach. That’s just the tax you pay for seeing a real artist.
📖 Related: Why A Christmas Kiss II Is Actually The Best Of The ION Holiday Sequels
Check the Neil Young Archives daily. Presale codes and "unplanned" shows often pop up there first with zero fanfare. If you are planning to travel for the UK or Italian dates, book your lodging now; these festival-style venues like Blenheim Palace and Villa Manin have very limited local capacity. Stick to the official Greedy Hand store for merch to ensure the money actually goes to the artist and his environmental causes.