Singer-songwriter Neil Young announced on Tuesday that he will not perform at Britain’s Glastonbury Festival in 2025, citing the BBC’s “corporate control” over the festival.
The 79-year-old announced: letter He announced on his website that he had withdrawn from the British music festival due to his partnership with the BBC. He did not specify what aspects of the broadcaster’s involvement led to its withdrawal from the event.
“The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my favorite outdoor gigs,” Young wrote. “We’ve been told that the BBC is now a partner in Glastonbury and they want us to do a lot of things in a way that we’re not interested in.”
Los Angeles, California – February 6: Singer Neil Young performs at the 25th Anniversary Music Cares 2015 Person of Bob Dylan Honoring Bob Dylan held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on February 6, 2015 in Los Angeles, California. Standing on stage at The Year Gala. This annual stipend raises critical funds for MusiCares’ emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs. (Photo by Fraser Harrison/Getty Images)
“Glastonbury seems to be under corporate control now and is not what I remember,” the rock legend wrote, adding: “Thank you for coming to see me one last time!” added the message.
Young said he would not perform at the Glastonbury Festival, saying: “Because it’s a company event and it’s not for me like it used to be.” He assured fans that he has no intention of changing his mind about canceling his appearance.
“Looking forward to seeing you at other venues on the tour,” he wrote.
LONDON, UK – JULY 12: Neil Young performs on stage at Barclaycard Presents British Summer Time at Hyde Park on July 12, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Hale/Redferns) Getty Images
Although the festival had not officially announced Young as part of its 2025 lineup, he is known to have performed at Glastonbury in the past.
The BBC has been Glastonbury’s official partner since 1997, when it took over broadcasting of the festival from Channel 4. According to To CBC.
Tickets for the 2025 festival reportedly sold out in 32 minutes. Glastonbury Festival is scheduled to take place from June 25th to 29th. (Related: Neil Young cancels tour after band member gets sick)
CBC reports that the festival has remained largely silent about its 2025 lineup, aside from confirmation that Rod Stewart will perform.
