Neil Young, the legendary musician and environmentalist, needs no introduction. Up until recently, he has met with overwhelming resistance in his efforts to gain access to the United States. The British punk band associated with Young had a different experience entirely. These same talents faltered when he was arrested and barred from entering the country. Over the details of this incident, the artist is ____ concerned. He is preparing for his first European tour scheduled for June and July of this year.
Young’s detention has been justified by ambiguous or undefined reasons related to her visa. This move comes despite Young’s months long history of vocal criticism in the form of a harsh rebuke against the Trump administration. He has criticized Donald Trump in person and on social media publicly several times. In his last open letter, he had condemned Trump as “a disgrace to my country.” In 2015, Young filed a lawsuit when Trump used his song “Rockin’ In the Free World” without permission. Most notably, he told Trump that he was “not authorized” to use the song at his campaign rallies. This caused Young to file a lawsuit to try and stop the former president from using Young’s music.
The musician officially became an American citizen in late 2020. Now, he’s fearing that when he finishes his tour in Europe, he won’t be permitted to come back into the United States.
“Imagining what it feels like to hear Rockin’ in the Free World after this president speaks, like it is his theme song,”
- Neil Young
The dual Canadian-American citizen is preparing for his first full run of shows across Europe in six years. Given what has transpired in the wake of that inaugural tour, this tour is even more important for his career. After finishing up his European shows, Young expects to be back to the U.S. in time for August.
Neil Young’s ongoing critique of the Trump administration has remained consistent throughout the years, further solidifying his status as a prominent voice against political issues he deems problematic. As he navigates this latest challenge with entry into the United States, fans and observers await the outcome of his situation with keen interest.