Neil Young feels Glastonbury has become a “corporate turn-off”.
The 79-year-old star has confirmed that he’s declined the chance to perform at the world-famous festival in 2025, claiming that the event is “now under corporate control”.
In a note on his website, Neil explained: “The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all time favorite outdoor gigs. 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. Thanks for coming to see us the last time!
“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. Hope to see you at one of the other venues on tour.
“LOVE Neil
“Be well (sic)”
The veteran star last performed at Glastonbury back in 2009, when he was a headline act on the Pyramid stage, and Neil was never actually confirmed for the festival in 2025.
The BBC has partnered with the festival since 1997, but only portions of his two-hour set were broadcast on the BBC in 2009.
The move prompted criticism from fans and the broadcaster ultimately released a statement to explain its decision.
The BBC said at the time: “Neil Young’s career has been conducted on his own terms. Neil’s management agreed to let TV and radio broadcast five songs as they watched and listened to his performance. They believe in the live event and retaining its mystery and that of their artist.”