Neil Young slams Glastonbury for becoming a corporate turn-off
- Neil Young and his band, The Chrome Hearts, have decided to withdraw from performing at this year's Glastonbury Festival.
- His decision was prompted by disagreements over the festival's corporate partnership with the BBC and changes they requested.
- Young expresses disappointment that Glastonbury has shifted from its original ethos to what he sees as a corporate framework.
In January 2025, Neil Young announced his decision to pull out of performing at the upcoming Glastonbury Festival, which is scheduled to take place between June 25-29, 2025, at Worthy Farm in Somerset, England. Young cited concerns about the festival being under what he describes as 'corporate control' due to its partnership with the BBC. In an open letter on his official website, the iconic musician expressed disappointment, stating that the BBC had requested significant changes to their performance setup that the band was unwilling to accept. He mentioned that this shift towards corporate governance is not reflective of his previous experiences with Glastonbury, which he cherished as one of his favorite outdoor gigs. The letter conveyed his nostalgia for the festival, highlighting a disconnect between what it has become and what he hoped it would remain, marking it as a 'corporate turn-off.' Young previously graced the Glastonbury stage in 2009, where his set received mixed reviews due to limited coverage by the BBC, highlighting past tensions between the artist and the broadcaster regarding how performances are showcased. The BBC, while not commenting on this latest withdrawal, has previously stated that they have attempted to work within the parameters set by artists like Young, who value the integrity of live performances. The festival organizers, particularly Emily Eavis, have acknowledged the BBC's role in the festival's evolution and coverage since the partnership began in 1997. Meanwhile, Sir Rod Stewart has been confirmed as the only artist for the 2025 event thus far, leaving many to speculate on the full lineup yet to be announced as Glastonbury continues its long-standing tradition of hosting diverse musical performances that resonate with audiences globally. Young's withdrawal raises questions about the ongoing relationship between artists and corporate partners, especially in the cultural sphere where artistic vision and commercial interests often clash.