Neil Young, the iconic rock musician known for his impactful melodies and lyrics, has confirmed his participation at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, set to take place from June 25 to June 29. This announcement follows Young's initial withdrawal due to disagreements with the festival’s corporate partners, particularly the BBC. After much speculation, he clarified on his personal blog, "Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury festival, which I always have loved. Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing! Hope to see you there!"
Young, accompanied by his latest backing band, The Chrome Hearts, previously expressed his reluctance to perform at the renowned festival, calling it part of "corporate control" and contrary to the festival’s spirit as he remembered it. He stated, "The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all time favorite outdoor gigs. We were told the BBC was now a partner...It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remembered it being." Now seeming pleased with the outcome, Young looks forward to connecting with fans at the historic venue.
Adding excitement to his festival performance is the announcement of his upcoming album, "Oceanside Countryside," which is slated for release on February 14, 2025. This release will be part of his Analog Original Series (AOS) and features unreleased tracks recorded from May to December 1977. Young described the project by stating, "This analog original was recorded in 1977 and unreleased. These songs are the original mixes done at the time of the recordings."
The album consists of ten tracks, including familiar favorites such as “Goin’ Back,” “Human Highway,” and “Pocohontas.” Notably, three songs from this collection also appeared on Young's earlier album, "Comes a Time." Excitingly, this will be the first time these selections will be made available on analog vinyl, enabling fans to experience the music as intended during its original recording.
"Oceanside Countryside" allows listeners to appreciate Young's artistry through the years. The album's first side, titled "Oceanside," includes four tracks recorded in Florida and one from Malibu, California, showcasing the creative versatility and atmosphere of those locales. The second side, titled "Countryside," features four of its five songs recorded primarily in Nashville, drawing from Young’s rich musical ties to the region.
Those eager to experience Young's latest offering can pre-order "Oceanside Countryside" now, which will be available on standard black vinyl and limited-edition clear vinyl. The special clear vinyl edition can be purchased exclusively online at Young’s Greedy Hand Store or select independent retail shops. Along with the album, buyers at the Greedy Hand Store will receive a complimentary high-resolution digital version, creating even greater access to Young’s music.
For his steadfast fans and new listeners alike, this release serves as another pivotal moment for the rock veteran, who continues to innovate and share his music with the world. With the festival and album on the horizon, anticipation builds around Young's return to stage and studio. He has long occupied a revered position within the music scene, with songs echoing themes of love, loss, and environmental consciousness.
The Glastonbury Festival has remained one of the UK's most pivotal cultural events since it began back in 1970. Just as Young looks forward to his debut performance since 2009, excitement builds as more artists are to be revealed in the festival's line-up. To date, only Rod Stewart has been confirmed, sparking speculation about who will join Young on the Pyramid Stage.
Overall, Neil Young’s announcement about the Glastonbury performance bolsters his already rich legacy within the rock genre, creating waves of enthusiasm both for his unexpected global presence and his archival album. The intersection of these events paints a compelling picture of Young's artistic resilience and commitment to his craft.
With both the festival appearance and album release coming together to mark significant events for Young, 2025 is shaping up to be another vibrant chapter for this legendary musician. Fans can expect not just nostalgia but fresh material reflecting Young's artistic evolution as he steps back onto the stage and breathes life back to long-hidden tunes.