Neil Young’s Glastonbury 2025 Withdrawal: ‘A Corporate Turn-Off’
Neil Young Withdraws from Performing at Glastonbury 2025 Festival
On Tuesday, December 31, the iconic Canadian rock musician, Neil Young, aged 79, announced his decision to withdraw from the Glastonbury Festival 2025. This major music event, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere, takes place annually at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England, attracting thousands of music enthusiasts from around the world. Young shared his sentiments with fans through the Neil Young Archives, expressing his disappointment over not being able to take part in what he considers one of his favorite outdoor performances.
In his letter, Young reflected on his excitement to perform, stating, “The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all-time favorite outdoor gigs.” However, he expressed his discontent regarding recent changes, revealing that the event’s partnership with the BBC introduced elements that did not align with his vision. Young emphasized that he feels Glastonbury has shifted towards a more corporate structure, stating, “It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being,” which indicates a significant change in the festival’s ethos.
Young further mentioned, “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. I hope to see you at one of the other venues on the tour.” This statement highlights his discontent with the evolving nature of the festival, which he once cherished. His commitment to authentic performances reflects his dedication to maintaining artistic integrity in an industry increasingly influenced by commercial interests.
Although the specific requests from Glastonbury and the BBC that prompted Young’s withdrawal remain undisclosed, the festival’s longstanding relationship with the BBC is notable. The BBC has historically been a key broadcaster for Glastonbury, airing live segments and performances. Last year marked a significant moment as the festival was streamed globally for the first time, expanding its reach and audience engagement, as reported by Rolling Stone.
Billboard has reached out to representatives of Glastonbury for further clarification on this development and to understand how it might affect the festival’s overall programming and artist lineup for the upcoming year.
In November 2024, Glastonbury made headlines by announcing that the legendary Rod Stewart would be the first artist confirmed for the 2025 festival. This early announcement set the stage for a lineup that is expected to be both diverse and exciting, as the festival is scheduled to take place from June 27-29. Tickets for this highly anticipated event have already sold out, illustrating the immense demand and popularity of the festival.
While the complete lineup for Glastonbury 2025 has yet to be revealed, speculation is mounting around potential headliners. Artists such as Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Fender, Harry Styles, and Lady Gaga have emerged as frontrunners in public discussions, adding to the excitement of what is to come. Neil Young was also rumored to be part of this esteemed lineup, making his withdrawal all the more significant.
Although a timeline for the announcement of headliners has not been established, it is customary for the full lineup to be unveiled in the spring, generating considerable anticipation among fans and festival-goers alike.
In late November 2024, Neil Young revealed exciting plans for a European tour, predominantly featuring outdoor venues. This announcement has captivated fans, and he followed up with another message on January 1, informing Neil Young Archives readers that “tour announcements for the summer are coming very soon.” This hints at a busy summer for Young and his band.
The last time Young graced the Glastonbury stage was in June 2009, where he delivered a memorable performance that included beloved tracks such as “The Needle and the Damage Done,” “Words,” “Rockin’ in the Free World,” and a poignant cover of The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life,” as noted by Rolling Stone. This historic performance is fondly remembered by fans and serves as a reminder of Young’s significant impact on the festival’s legacy.
Neil Young’s new band, the Chrome Hearts, features an impressive lineup of musicians, including Micah Nelson on guitar, Spooner Oldham on organ, Corey McCormick on bass, and Anthony LoGergo on drums. The group made a captivating live debut at Farm Aid in September 2024 and has since been working on a new album titled Talking to the Trees, which showcases Young’s enduring creativity and passion for music.
