Legendary Northern Irish singer-songwriter Van Morrison has officially confirmed that his upcoming 2025 world tour will not include any performances in the United States. Known for timeless classics such as Brown Eyed Girl, Moondance, and Into the Mystic, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee announced his international tour schedule earlier this week, sparking widespread discussion among fans—particularly those in the U.S., where he has long enjoyed a devoted following.
In a concise but direct statement, Morrison attributed the decision to avoid the U.S. to what he described as “onerous and ever-changing touring regulations,” as well as a growing number of operational obstacles that complicate the logistics of performing in the country. He pointed to increasingly unpredictable protocols and requirements that have made it financially and administratively burdensome for international acts to organize U.S. tours.
These remarks highlight a broader issue facing global artists: the increasing complexity and cost of touring in the United States. In recent years, performers from overseas have voiced concerns about shifting visa rules, customs regulations, tax implications, and unpredictable costs associated with travel and transportation. For Morrison, who has toured extensively in the U.S. for decades, the current environment appears to have reached a tipping point.
Although the decision is a significant shift for the 78-year-old artist—whose U.S. performances have historically been met with enthusiastic audiences and sold-out shows—he emphasized that the move does not reflect a permanent withdrawal from the American concert scene. Rather, it signals a strategic pivot in response to the current touring climate, with hopes that more favorable conditions may allow for future engagements.
Morrison’s 2025 tour will instead concentrate on Europe, with confirmed dates across the United Kingdom, Ireland, and other key markets on the continent. His management team has indicated that more shows may be added, depending on venue availability and fan demand, suggesting that the artist remains fully committed to engaging with his international audience.
Despite the absence of U.S. tour stops, the upcoming shows promise to celebrate Morrison’s rich and varied discography. Fans attending his European concerts can expect a wide-ranging setlist that spans his early soul-influenced work to his more recent jazz and blues explorations. For those unable to attend in person, live recordings or digital releases may offer a glimpse into the performances.
While American fans will undoubtedly be disappointed by Morrison’s absence in 2025, many remain hopeful that future conditions will pave the way for his return. As one of music’s most enduring voices, Van Morrison’s connection with the U.S. audience runs deep—and both he and his fans appear optimistic that this touring pause is temporary rather than final.
