Neil Young Pulls Out of Glastonbury 2025
Neil Young has announced he will not be performing at the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, citing concerns over the festival’s partnership with the BBC. In a statement on his website, the 79-year-old Canadian rock legend explained that both he and his band, the Chrome Hearts, were excited to play but ultimately decided to withdraw due to what he called a "corporate turn-off."
“The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all-time favorite outdoor gigs,” Young wrote. “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. It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being.”
Young, who last headlined the festival in 2009, made it clear this decision was not taken lightly. “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,” he added. “Hope to see you at one of the other venues on the tour.”
Neither the BBC nor Glastonbury Festival has commented on Young’s statement. The BBC has been the exclusive broadcast partner of the festival since 1997, streaming performances globally and airing highlights on television and radio.
The Chrome Hearts, Young’s new band, debuted live in September 2024 and are set to accompany him on a European tour this summer. The tour will focus on outdoor venues, with full details expected to be announced soon.
Young’s withdrawal comes as speculation swirls about the 2025 Glastonbury lineup. Sir Rod Stewart has been confirmed for the festival's iconic Sunday "legends" slot, while names like Harry Styles, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sam Fender are rumored for headlining roles.
Young has a storied history with Glastonbury. His 2009 Pyramid Stage set, which included hits like “Rockin’ in the Free World” and a cover of The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life,” remains a fan favorite. However, even then, his collaboration with the BBC faced challenges. The corporation was only permitted to broadcast a limited portion of his performance, something Young’s management attributed to their desire to preserve the "mystery" of live events.
Fans eager to see Young on his upcoming tour can look forward to performances with the Chrome Hearts, whose members include Micah Nelson and Spooner Oldham. The band’s latest album, Talking to the Trees, is expected later this year.
