70s Rock Legend Neil Young Withdraws from Glastonbury over Corporate Control Issues

Neil Young, the iconic rock musician from the 70s, has announced that he will not be participating in the upcoming Glastonbury Festival. The legendary artist expressed his concerns regarding the festival's partnership with the BBC, claiming it has shifted the festival's essence.

Young shared his decision with fans via an open letter on his website, stating that he and his band, the Chrome Hearts, were eager to perform at Glastonbury, a festival he described as one of his favorite outdoor gigs. He mentioned that the new direction set by the BBC made him uncomfortable, saying, 'We were told that BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in.'

He further clarified his feelings about the festival's evolution, stating that it seems to have become 'under corporate control' and that it is no longer like the festival he remembers. His letter concluded with, 'We will not be playing Glastonbury on this tour because it is a corporate turn-off.'

Young's withdrawal has sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders about the 2025 festival lineup, which is still under wraps. Notably, Sir Rod Stewart has been confirmed for the Sunday afternoon legend slot, making his return to the Pyramid Stage after 22 years.

Although Neil Young has a rich history with Glastonbury—having headlined in 2009—the BBC's partnership with the festival dates back to 1997. Festival co-organizer Emily Eavis has acknowledged that the BBC collaboration is an essential element of Glastonbury.

As fans await the official line-up announcement for the 2025 festival, which is set to take place from June 25-29, Young's decision has led to increased speculation about other acts who might perform.

In a reflective note, Young reminisced about his past experiences at the festival, where he delivered memorable performances. Back in 2009, he shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen and Blur, receiving mixed reactions from fans regarding the coverage of his set by the BBC.

Young's commitment to authenticity in his performances has been a consistent theme throughout his career, making his withdrawal from Glastonbury a significant statement about the changing landscape of music festivals today.

Neil, Young, Glastonbury