Neil Young has decided not to participate in the UK’s Glastonbury Music Festival in 2025 due to concerns that the event has become too corporate. His issues with Glastonbury are related to its association with the BBC. In a note posted on his website, Neil Young Archives, he mentioned that the BBC’s involvement meant doing things in ways that did not interest him and that the festival no longer aligns with his memories of it. Young stated, “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 encouraged fans to attend other shows on his tour instead.
Glastonbury’s partnership with the BBC has been longstanding, with the broadcaster airing festival performances on its various channels. Young’s last performance at Glastonbury in 2009 was also broadcast by the BBC. Young will tour in 2025 with his new band, The Chrome Hearts, featuring Micah Nelson, Spooner Oldham, Corey McCormick, and Anthony LoGergo. Apart from confirming Rod Stewart for a specific time slot, Glastonbury has not yet announced its full lineup for 2025. The festival is scheduled for June 25th-29th in Pilton, UK.