"Could not connect to the iTunes Store" persistent error

[J.D.]

Since iTunes 12.5.4.42 on my Mac, if I am offline then every time I try to play any song I get the error message:"Could not connect to the iTunes Store" and asks me to check my network connection.

 

What else is possible? I don't wish to connect (or don't have internet where I am listening), so how can I make this error message stop, any ideas?

[J.D.]

This is still occurring with Sierra