Legendary musician Neil Young has officially withdrawn from his scheduled performance at the renowned Glastonbury Music Festival slated for June 25-29, 2025. Young, known for hits like 'Harvest Moon' and 'Rockin' in the Free World,' cited significant concerns about the festival's changing nature, characterizing it as having taken a "corporate turn."
Revealed through a message on his Neil Young Archives website, Young expressed his disappointment, stating, "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." His statement reflects grievances about how the festival has shifted from its roots, which he adored.
Despite being one of his all-time favorite venues, Young declared, "We will not be playing Glastonbury on this tour because it is a corporate turn-off, and not for me like it used to be. Hope to see you at one of the other venues on the tour." This decision has undoubtedly disappointed fans who were eager to see him return, especially considering his last performance at Glastonbury was back in 2009, where he played iconic songs alongside beloved acts like Bruce Springsteen.
Interestingly, Young's issues with the festival arise from its long-standing relationship with the BBC. The British public service broadcaster has been associated with Glastonbury since 1997, when it took over coverage from Channel 4. This partnership has allowed the BBC to broadcast major parts of the festival, shaping its accessibility and exposure to audiences worldwide. Young's frequent reflections on maintaining artistic integrity appear to clash with the perceived corporate direction.
His feelings about Glastonbury echo broader discussions around the commercialization of music festivals, where artists often wrestle with the balance between artistic authenticity and corporate influence. Young previously expressed his desire to control how his music is presented, which was the case during his 2009 Glastonbury performance when the BBC negotiated limited broadcasts of his set.
At this year's Glastonbury, legendary singer Rod Stewart is confirmed to perform during the Sunday teatime legends slot, but the festival's full lineup remains under wraps. Other rumored acts for 2025 include big names such as Harry Styles and Lady Gaga, generating excitement for what is expected to be another stellar event at Worthy Farm.
Looking forward, Young and his new band, The Chrome Hearts, continue to plan their 2025 European tour, which aims to largely showcase outdoor venues. This approach suggests Young's desire to connect with fans without the compromises he perceives at larger corporate events. He emphasized health precautions in his touring plans, highlighting the importance of safety amid concerns about potentially risky indoor concerts.
Young's withdrawal from Glastonbury signifies more than just one artist's decision; it highlights the tension musicians face as they navigate the industry's shifting dynamics. With concerns about corporate partnership becoming increasingly prevalent, many artists are reevaluated their relationship with major music festivals and broadcast partners.
The excitement surrounding Glastonbury is palpable, with tickets having sold out within hours. Attendees and fans alike await the festival's full lineup, hoping for more iconic performances like Young's past appearances. Meanwhile, Young remains focused on his artistic direction, hinting at forthcoming announcements about his European tour and performances at alternative venues.
Neil Young's decision sends ripples through the festival scene, prompting discussions about authenticity and integrity within the music industry. His commitment to pursuing his vision for live music resonates with many fans and artists who value the original essence of events like Glastonbury. Young may have stepped back from one of his favorite performances, but his artistic spirit continues to inspire audiences and fellow musicians alike.