SINGER NEIL YOUNG has unexpectedly cancelled his entire upcoming European tour, which was due to start in June. 

The 80-year-old singer-songwriter was due to play a number of gigs across Europe, including one date in Cork, with his backing band The Chrome Hearts.

The Cork concert was due to take place in Virgin Media Park on 1 July with Elvis Costello and the Imposters as the support act. The gig has now been marked as ‘cancelled’ on Ticketmaster Ireland’s site. 

In a message published on his website on Friday night, Young apologised to fans for letting them down, saying “but this is not the time”. 

“I have decided to take a break and will not be touring Europe this time,” the message says. 

“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.” 

He signed the note: “LOVE Neil” and “be well”. 

The tour was due to begin in Cornwall in the UK in June, and end in Lucca, Italy at the end of July, taking in Cork, France, Belgium and the Netherlands along the way. 

Young has performed in Ireland multiple times across his six-decade career, during which he has won multiple awards and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

MCD has been contacted about what ticket-holders for the Cork gig should do to get their money back.