Neil Young, the legendary singer-songwriter known for his distinctive blend of country rock and folk, has recently made headlines not only for his musical prowess but also for his upcoming performances and album release scheduled for 2025. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee will be taking the stage at Glastonbury, one of the most iconic music festivals, this June after initially announcing he would withdraw from the event.
The entire saga about Young's participation at Glastonbury sparked interest when he expressed his concerns on his official website, Neil Young Archives. He cited corporate influences as his primary reason for reconsidering his involvement. "The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all time favorite outdoor gigs. We were told... it's not the way I remembered it being," Young wrote, reflecting his disillusionment with the festival's current direction.
Despite his initial decision, Young reversed course after clarifying the situation surrounding his planned absences. He stated, "Due to an error... 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!" This announcement brought relief and excitement to fans eager to see the artist perform.
Festival organizer Emily Eavis also celebrated Young's return, expressing the importance of his presence at Glastonbury. On Instagram, she posted, "What a start to the year! Neil Young is... very close to our hearts at Glastonbury... We can’t wait to welcome him back here to headline the Pyramid in June." This synergy between Young and the festival reinforces the enduring legacy of his music and its connection to generations of fans.
Adding to the excitement, Young revealed the upcoming release of one of his long-lost albums titled Oceanside Countryside, set to drop on February 14, 2025. Recorded originally back in 1977, this album is part of Young's Analog Original Series (AOS) and is presented with the original mixes intended for its initial release.
Young recalled the recording process, stating, "I sang the vocals and played the instruments on Oceanside in Florida at Triad studios and Malibu at Indigo studio," and mentioned how he collaborated with notable musicians, including Ben Keith and Joe Osborn. This album brings to light the nostalgia associated with the era as it includes some of the same collaborators who worked on his earlier renowned album Comes a Time.
Fans can look forward to the vinyl version of Oceanside Countryside, which includes carefully curated tracks reflecting Young’s original vision for the project. Songs such as “Goin’ Back,” “Human Highway,” and “Field of Opportunity” are expected to resonate with both longtime enthusiasts and newer listeners alike.
Young noted, "Listening to it now, I think I should have put it out back then," highlighting his view of the album as a treasure from his illustrious career. The release is not only significant for its musical content but also serves as another chapter in Young's extensive discography.
Overall, 2025 is shaping up to be an exhilarating year for Neil Young, with his anticipated appearance at Glastonbury and the launch of Oceanside Countryside. Fans have much to look forward to as he brings his unique sound to the festival stage. With both local and international interest, Young’s performance promises to be one of the highlights of the year, re-establishing his influence and connection with audiences.
With so much buzz surrounding his musical activities, it's clear Neil Young remains as relevant and cherished as ever, proving his timeless appeal one concert and album at a time.