Neil Young, the iconic singer-songwriter known for his distinct voice and poignant lyrics, has confirmed he will headline the Glastonbury Festival this year, overturning his earlier decision to withdraw from the event. Days prior, Young expressed disappointment over what he described as the corporate control exerted by the BBC, the festival's broadcasting partner, noting he felt the festival had changed from what he once loved.
Initially announcing his withdrawal on January 1, 2025, Young took to his website to share his concerns. "We were told the BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in. It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remembered it being," he stated. This stark declaration led fans to believe they might not see the beloved artist perform live at one of his favorite festivals, which he has previously described as "one of my all-time favourite outdoor gigs."
Fast forward just two days later, and to the excitement of fans, Young reversed his decision. He issued another post clarifying, "Due to an error in the information received, I had decided not to play the Glastonbury Festival, which I have always loved. Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing. Hope to see you there!" His announcement was met with joy, especially from festival organizer Emily Eavis, who shared her enthusiasm online, stating, "Neil Young is an artist who’s very close to our hearts at Glastonbury. He does things his own way and that's why we love him. We can’t wait to welcome him back here to headline the Pyramid in June!"
Though the detail of the initial error remains unclear, many speculate it could relate to the broadcasting rights as Young has previously negotiated limited coverage of his performances. During his 2009 headline gig, Young allowed only five songs to be aired, aiming to maintain the integrity and mystery of live performance. This notion—that the essence of live music should not be overly commercialized—echoes throughout his storied career.
Glastonbury Festival has been partnered with the BBC since 1997, providing extensive coverage and allowing millions of viewers access to this grand musical event. While Young's remarks hint at nostalgia for the festival's anti-commercial roots, the reality is, large-scale festivals like Glastonbury often require corporate collaboration for their operations and viability, which has inevitably altered the festival's intimate vibe.
Young's thoughts on corporate influence reflect his broader concerns within the music industry, demonstrated when he pulled his music from Spotify due to the platform's associations with controversial content. Despite these preoccupations, his return to Glastonbury signals not only his passion for performing but also his recognition of the importance of connecting with fans during live events.
The Glastonbury Festival will take place from June 25-29, 2025, and Young's return is particularly thrilling for fans, as he joins the likes of Rod Stewart, who will be performing on the famed Sunday afternoon "Legends" slot. Anticipation is building for what promises to be a memorable headline performance at the Pyramid Stage.
For those who missed out on the main ticket sales, there will be opportunities to grab returned tickets later in the year, typically announced around April. While the full lineup for this year’s festival is yet to be revealed, Neil Young’s confirmed act as the first headliner sets the stage for what can be expected as organizers curate a diverse set of performances.
This return to the festival stage also occurs as Young, now 79, is reportedly working on new music, raising hopes among fans for fresh material alongside his renowned classics. His creative spirit, undeterred by previous challenges, reflects the resilient character of both the artist and the festival.
With Glastonbury continuing to evolve and adapt, Neil Young's performance symbolizes the enduring legacy of artists who have shaped music history and continues to inspire new generations.
It remains to be seen how Young's performance will be presented by the BBC this time, but one thing is clear: his fans are more than eager to experience his magic live once again at Glastonbury.