Neil Young Says He's 'Not Ready' to Perform at Farm Aid, Doesn't Think It's 'Safe' amid COVID

Mar. 15, 2025

Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty ImagesNeil Youngis prioritizing his health — even if that means extending his hiatus from live performances.The legendary Canadian-American singer-songwriter, 76, has announced he will not be performing in this year’sFarm Aid— the annual benefit concert for American family farmers, which he co-founded in 1985 with folk legendWillie Nelsonand Indiana rockstarJohn Mellencamp— due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.This year’s Farm Aid will be held in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 24. Though the festival’s website encourages — but does not require — attendees to wear masks, audience members do not have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews.Paul Natkin Photo Reserve IncOn July 14, the “Heart of Gold” singerposted a letterhe received from a fan to his website with his response underneath.“I heard you are playing at Farm Aid this year, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to go!” wrote Tyler, a 21-year-old from San Francisco.“I will not be at Farm Aid this year,” Young responded. “I am not ready for that yet. I don’t think it is safe in the pandemic.“Young ended his note sentimentally, writing, “I miss it very much.“The same day, he replied toanother letter on his websitefrom a fan wondering if he’d begin touring again soon. “Not ready to tour. COVID is a real danger,” wrote Young. “Long Covid? No thanks. Expose my son to big crowds. No.“Though Young performed in the virtual Farm Aid concert in 2020, he did not perform atlast year’s in-person festival, also citing COVID-related concerns.This year, Farm Aid lives on without one of its three original founders. The concert features a lineup including founders Nelson and Mellencamp, board membersDave Matthews& Tim Reynolds andMargo Price, as well asChris Stapleton,Sheryl Crowand others.This is not the first time Young has voiced his seriousness about staying safe in the pandemic. Whilespeaking to Howard Sternfor a 2021 interview, the musician claimed he wouldn’t perform live again until the pandemic is fully over. “I don’t care if I’m the only one who doesn’t do it,” he told the radio host.In January, the Grammy winner made headlines for having hismusic removed from Spotifyafter calling out the platform for housing Joe Rogan’s podcast, which infamously spread disinformation about the COVID pandemic and vaccine.

Photo: Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Neil Youngis prioritizing his health — even if that means extending his hiatus from live performances.The legendary Canadian-American singer-songwriter, 76, has announced he will not be performing in this year’sFarm Aid— the annual benefit concert for American family farmers, which he co-founded in 1985 with folk legendWillie Nelsonand Indiana rockstarJohn Mellencamp— due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.This year’s Farm Aid will be held in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 24. Though the festival’s website encourages — but does not require — attendees to wear masks, audience members do not have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews.Paul Natkin Photo Reserve IncOn July 14, the “Heart of Gold” singerposted a letterhe received from a fan to his website with his response underneath.“I heard you are playing at Farm Aid this year, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to go!” wrote Tyler, a 21-year-old from San Francisco.“I will not be at Farm Aid this year,” Young responded. “I am not ready for that yet. I don’t think it is safe in the pandemic.“Young ended his note sentimentally, writing, “I miss it very much.“The same day, he replied toanother letter on his websitefrom a fan wondering if he’d begin touring again soon. “Not ready to tour. COVID is a real danger,” wrote Young. “Long Covid? No thanks. Expose my son to big crowds. No.“Though Young performed in the virtual Farm Aid concert in 2020, he did not perform atlast year’s in-person festival, also citing COVID-related concerns.This year, Farm Aid lives on without one of its three original founders. The concert features a lineup including founders Nelson and Mellencamp, board membersDave Matthews& Tim Reynolds andMargo Price, as well asChris Stapleton,Sheryl Crowand others.This is not the first time Young has voiced his seriousness about staying safe in the pandemic. Whilespeaking to Howard Sternfor a 2021 interview, the musician claimed he wouldn’t perform live again until the pandemic is fully over. “I don’t care if I’m the only one who doesn’t do it,” he told the radio host.In January, the Grammy winner made headlines for having hismusic removed from Spotifyafter calling out the platform for housing Joe Rogan’s podcast, which infamously spread disinformation about the COVID pandemic and vaccine.

Neil Youngis prioritizing his health — even if that means extending his hiatus from live performances.

The legendary Canadian-American singer-songwriter, 76, has announced he will not be performing in this year’sFarm Aid— the annual benefit concert for American family farmers, which he co-founded in 1985 with folk legendWillie Nelsonand Indiana rockstarJohn Mellencamp— due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

This year’s Farm Aid will be held in Raleigh, N.C., on Sept. 24. Though the festival’s website encourages — but does not require — attendees to wear masks, audience members do not have to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to enter.

Neil Young, Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews.Paul Natkin Photo Reserve Inc

On July 14, the “Heart of Gold” singerposted a letterhe received from a fan to his website with his response underneath.

“I heard you are playing at Farm Aid this year, and I’m hoping I’ll be able to go!” wrote Tyler, a 21-year-old from San Francisco.

“I will not be at Farm Aid this year,” Young responded. “I am not ready for that yet. I don’t think it is safe in the pandemic.”

Young ended his note sentimentally, writing, “I miss it very much.”

The same day, he replied toanother letter on his websitefrom a fan wondering if he’d begin touring again soon. “Not ready to tour. COVID is a real danger,” wrote Young. “Long Covid? No thanks. Expose my son to big crowds. No.”

Though Young performed in the virtual Farm Aid concert in 2020, he did not perform atlast year’s in-person festival, also citing COVID-related concerns.

This year, Farm Aid lives on without one of its three original founders. The concert features a lineup including founders Nelson and Mellencamp, board membersDave Matthews& Tim Reynolds andMargo Price, as well asChris Stapleton,Sheryl Crowand others.

This is not the first time Young has voiced his seriousness about staying safe in the pandemic. Whilespeaking to Howard Sternfor a 2021 interview, the musician claimed he wouldn’t perform live again until the pandemic is fully over. “I don’t care if I’m the only one who doesn’t do it,” he told the radio host.

In January, the Grammy winner made headlines for having hismusic removed from Spotifyafter calling out the platform for housing Joe Rogan’s podcast, which infamously spread disinformation about the COVID pandemic and vaccine.

source: people.com