Neil Young’s Unyielding Journey: New Music, Touring, and Activism Define a Legacy
TORONTO, January 27, 2026 – At 80 years old, Neil Young remains a formidable force in music and culture. The Canadian-born artist, a dual citizen since 2020, is navigating his seventh decade in the spotlight with the same principled, often combative, spirit that has defined his career. Recent years have seen the release of new albums, evolving tour plans with his latest band The Chrome Hearts, and a series of pointed political commentaries that reaffirm his status as rock’s conscience.
A Career in Constant Motion
Born in Toronto on November 12, 1945, Neil Young’s journey from Winnipeg coffeehouses to global rock legend is the stuff of music history. A founding member of Buffalo Springfield and a pivotal figure in Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Young’s solo career launched a string of era-defining albums like After the Gold Rush, Harvest, and Rust Never Sleeps. His influence, particularly his raw, distorted guitar work with Crazy Horse, earned him the nickname “Godfather of Grunge,” inspiring generations from Nirvana to Pearl Jam.
His output has never slowed. In June 2025, he released his 49th studio album, Talkin’ to the Trees, with his band The Chrome Hearts. The album, receiving generally favourable reviews, mixes personal reflection with political barbs, featuring tracks like “Big Change” and “Let’s Roll Again” that take aim at figures including Donald Trump and Elon Musk.
The Love Earth Tour and Evolving Live Shows
Young’s relationship with the road is perennial. His most recent major touring initiative, the Love Earth Tour, has undergone several iterations. Initially launched in 2024 with his long-time collaborators Crazy Horse, the tour was expanded due to “incredible fan demand” to include additional Canadian dates in Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and a second show in Toronto, concluding in Burnaby, B.C.
Following that run, Young introduced a new backing group, The Chrome Hearts—featuring guitarist Micah Nelson, bassist Corey McCormick, drummer Anthony Logerfo, and organist Spooner Oldham—and continued the Love Earth Tour internationally through 2025. These performances have been described by attendees as “spiritual garage explosions,” balancing fragile acoustic moments with walls of feedback, a testament to Young’s enduring live power.
| Recent Album | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Talkin’ to the Trees (2025) | 49th studio album. Features The Chrome Hearts. Includes protest tracks and personal songwriting. Metacritic score: 71/100. |
| FU##IN’ UP (2024) | Album with Crazy Horse featuring live recordings of Ragged Glory material, recorded at Toronto’s Rivoli club in 2023. |
| Archival Work | Continued expansion of the Neil Young Archives, with Volume III (1976–1987) released in September 2024. |
The Unflinching Political Voice
Young has leveraged his platform for activism since the 1970s, penning anthems like “Ohio” and “Rockin’ in the Free World.” His engagement with contemporary American politics has intensified. In early 2026, he published a fiery editorial on his Neil Young Archives site, stating “The USA is a disaster” and accusing former President Donald Trump of “destroying America bit by bit.”
This follows a long, contentious history between the two. Young previously sued Trump’s campaign for unauthorized use of his music and called him “a disgrace to my country.” In a surprising 2025 gesture, Young publicly invited Trump to attend his Love Earth Tour concerts, framing it as an offer to listen to music away from politics, though many interpreted it as a challenge to engage with the critical messages within his songs.
He has also publicly supported fellow artists like Bruce Springsteen, who has faced criticism from Trump, stating “I am not scared of you. Neither are the rest of us.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neil Young still touring?
Yes, Neil Young continues to perform regularly, though his tours are often announced in waves and sometimes as special, limited engagements. His most recent major tours have been under the Love Earth Tour banner, first with Crazy Horse and later with his new band, The Chrome Hearts. Fans are advised to monitor his official Neil Young Archives website for the most accurate and timely announcements.
What is Neil Young’s most recent album?
His most recent studio album is Talkin’ to the Trees, released on June 13, 2025. He also released the album FU##IN’ UP with Crazy Horse in 2024 and frequently issues archival material through his extensive Archives project.
Why is Neil Young so politically outspoken?
Young has consistently viewed his songwriting and public voice as intertwined with the social and political currents of his time. From anti-war protests in the 1970s to environmental advocacy and critiques of presidential administrations, he rejects the idea that musicians should “stay out of politics,” arguing it is a fundamental part of his freedom of expression and connection to his audience.