Neil Young has pulled out of Farm Aid’s 2021 edition because of COVID-19 concerns, Consequence of Sound points out. The musician, who is a board member and co-founder of Farm Aid, posted the news today (Aug. 18) on his Neil Young Archives website. “I wonder if Farmaid will be safe for everyone with the increasing Covid pandemic,” wrote Young. “That’s what I’m worried about. I don’t want to let anyone down, but still can’t get rid of the feeling that it might not be safe for everyone. ”He added,“ I don’t want to play until you feel safe and it is indeed safe ”. Young also mentioned that the festival is sold out. You can find his full announcement here.
At this point in time, Young is not listed on Farm Aid’s official roster. The list currently includes Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews. “While I respect Willie, John’s, and Dave’s choices to stick with it and play, I disagree,” wrote Young. “It’s a tough decision.”
Young also spoke of his concerns about vaccinated participants who could potentially transmit the virus to children. “There are already too many children in hospitals,” he wrote. “My soul tells me that it would be wrong to risk someone’s death because they wanted to listen to music and be with friends.”
Rethink “What does a music festival look like during a pandemic? We’re about to find out ”on the field.
