Neil Young Cancels TIFF Appearance

09/10/09 11:59am

by Kate Harper (CHARTattack)

Neil Young has pulled out of his appearance at the Toronto International Film Festival.

Young, who was to make an appearance at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square on Sept. 14 for the screening of Jonathan Demme's new documentary, The Neil Young Trunk Show, withdrew from the festival on Thursday morning, according to CBC News. It had been rumoured Young would also give a free performance at the event.

No reason was given for his cancellation, but a TIFF spokesperson told CBC News a "spectacular" performer will replace Young. An announcement will be made in the next few days.

Joan Baez is still scheduled to appear at Yonge-Dundas Square as part of TIFF. She'll be on hand on Sept. 18 for the world premiere of American Masters — Joan Baez, a new documentary which will be shown on PBS later this year.

Pilot Speed have announced a free show at Yonge-Dundas Square that will take place at 10 p.m. the same day. They'll play in support of this year's Wooden Bones.

If you have to get your groove on at some point before cold(er) weather descends on Toronto, you can take in a free DJ Champion set at Yonge-Dundas Square on Thursday as part of TIFF's opening night.

A complete list of all TIFF-related events happening at Yonge-Dundas Square can be found here.

Young has these dates scheduled:

Sept. 12 Vancouver, BC @ Ambleside Park (Summer Sessions At Ambleside)
Oct. 4 St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre (Farm Aid)
Oct. 24-25 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre (Bridge School Benefit)