Neil Young Withdraws from Glastonbury, Citing BBC Corporate Influence

[Social Media]

 

Legendary musician Neil Young has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Glastonbury Festival, citing concerns over the BBC's "corporate control" of the event. Young, who had planned to perform with his new band, The Chrome Hearts, expressed disappointment in a statement on his website, calling the festival a "corporate turn-off."  

 

"The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all-time favourite outdoor gigs," Young wrote. "We were told that the 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, 79, made it clear that the decision was final. "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 the tour. Love Neil. Be well."  

 

The BBC and Glastonbury organizers have yet to comment on the matter. The festival, known for its eclectic line-ups and cultural significance, has partnered with the BBC since 1997. Emily Eavis, who co-organizes the event with her father, Michael, has previously described the broadcaster’s live coverage as “an integral part of what we do at Glastonbury.”  

 

While Young did not elaborate on the specific requirements imposed by the BBC that led to his decision, his concerns highlight a broader debate about the influence of corporate partnerships on artistic freedom.  

 

This marks a significant moment for Glastonbury, a festival steeped in tradition and independence, which Young himself has celebrated in the past. He headlined the event in 2009, delivering a memorable two-hour performance that included classics such as *Heart of Gold* and *Rockin’ In The Free World.*  

 

The 2025 Glastonbury Festival is scheduled to take place from June 25-29. Thus far, the only confirmed performer is Sir Rod Stewart, who will appear in the iconic "Legend" slot. Tickets for the event, priced at £373.50, have already sold out.  

 

Young’s withdrawal has left fans disappointed but also sparked discussions about the balance between maintaining the festival’s spirit and embracing modern partnerships. As Young’s open letter suggests, his departure from Glastonbury may resonate beyond the festival grounds, serving as a reminder of the challenges artists face in navigating an increasingly corporate-dominated music industry.

 

Based on a report by Daily telegraph 2024-01-03

 

 

[roo860]

Another has been, no loss.

[theshu25]

Neil Young is a legend. If  Neil Young turned it down,must have been for a good reason.

[thaibeachlovers]

2 hours ago, roo860 said:

Another has been, no loss.

More successful as a singer than you though.

[thaibeachlovers]

I didn't know that he was still around. I loved his music in the 70s and early 80s. Still play his songs, but scary to think that I first heard him so very long ago.

 

 

 

[thaibeachlovers]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

As Young’s open letter suggests, his departure from Glastonbury may resonate beyond the festival grounds, serving as a reminder of the challenges artists face in navigating an increasingly corporate-dominated music industry.

It's all about greed now, IMO.

I'm glad I grew up when it was about the music.

[bkk6060]

His best work was 50 years ago which was very good.  Anything since makes me cringe terrible.

[roo860]

14 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

More successful as a singer than you though.

Absolutely, can't argue with that😆😆

[henryford1958]

2 minutes ago, bkk6060 said:

His best work was 50 years ago which was very good.  Anything since makes me cringe terrible.

 

Yes these guys don't know when to stop. He can't be short of money.

[jimmybcool]

I feel he owes it to any of his fans hoping =to see him there to explain WHY. 

[pegman]

Their loss. Seen him play in his hometown couple times the last few years. Has not lost it at all compared to some of his old compatriots. Good ol' Canadian Prairie boy who won't put up with any BS

[roo860]

5 minutes ago, henryford1958 said:

 

Yes these guys don't know when to stop. He can't be short of money.

Exactly, I remember Diana Ross and McCartney, neither of them could hold a tune, backing singers had to pull them out of the <deleted>, Young would be no different, embarrassing really 

[tomazbodner]

4 hours ago, Social Media said:

Thus far, the only confirmed performer is Sir Rod Stewart, who will appear in the iconic "Legend" slot. Tickets for the event, priced at £373.50, have already sold out.

Best part...

[JonnyF]

Great musician, but like many celebrities/musicians has an over inflated opinion of the value of his opinions.

 

He's right on this one though. I'd boycott anything the BBC had their dirty biased little hands on as well. 

 

Ironically one of his best live sets was on the BBC in 1971. Great performance of "Don't let it bring you down" on YouTube from that performance. 

[mokwit]

Seem to remember Glastonbury previously had a politician up on the stage giving a speech at what was supposed to be a music festival.

[blazes]

I hope it emerges that Young objected to some sort of woke demand by the BBC.   Alas, a frail hope....

[bannork]

4 hours ago, mokwit said:

Seem to remember Glastonbury previously had a politician up on the stage giving a speech at what was supposed to be a music festival.

Glastonbury was never just a music festival 

https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/diversity-statement/#:~:text=From the very beginning%2C Glastonbury,our environment and each other.

[HK MacPhooey]

5 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

His best work was 50 years ago which was very good.  Anything since makes me cringe terrible.

Rust Never Sleeps wasn’t 50 years ago

[HK MacPhooey]

8 minutes ago, blazes said:

I hope it emerges that Young objected to some sort of woke demand by the BBC.   Alas, a frail hope....

That would be amazing as Neil is the Grand Daddy of Woke

[BritManToo]

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

Tickets for the event, priced at £373.50, have already sold out.  

Holy poop ....... 400 quid for camping in the rain!

[KannikaP]

7 minutes ago, BritManToo said:

Holy poop ....... 400 quid for camping in the rain!

And many acts are on different 'stages' but at the same time, so it's impossible to see all the performers.

[blazes]

1 hour ago, HK MacPhooey said:

1 hour ago, blazes said:

I hope it emerges that Young objected to some sort of woke demand by the BBC.   Alas, a frail hope....

That would be amazing as Neil is the Grand Daddy of Woke

 

Ah, thanks.  Did not know that (well, I know nothing about the likes of Young except that he twangs on a guitar).

[giddyup]

6 hours ago, henryford1958 said:

 

Yes these guys don't know when to stop. He can't be short of money.

They don't stop because there is still a huge demand, especially for live performances. The Rolling Stones, Dylan etc still performing to sellout concerts. Wonder how many current bands will still even be remembered in 50 years?

[bannork]

Neil Young is a treasure, refusing to burn out . Respected and in many cases revered by every generation of rock musicians., the man has a host of absolutely classic songs.

 

 

[Nick Carter icp]

11 hours ago, Social Media said:

Young, 79, made it clear that the decision was final. "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 the tour. Love Neil. Be well."  

 

   Could just be a publicity stunt , free advertising for his next tour

[Andycoops]

No doubt more woke ism from the out of date, out of touch, overpaid with taxpayer's money Muppets, need to be culled and completely dismantled.

[Homburg]

3 hours ago, blazes said:

I hope it emerges that Young objected to some sort of woke demand by the BBC.   Alas, a frail hope....

Knowing the BBC I seriously doubt that it would be just one "demand".  The BBC is probably insisting that all performers must now align with the BBC's "politically educational" output.

[mikebike]

9 hours ago, henryford1958 said:

 

Yes these guys don't know when to stop. He can't be short of money.

If you took a moment to learn a tiny iota about what you are commenting on, you'd realize how stupid you sound 😉

[mikebike]

9 hours ago, jimmybcool said:

I feel he owes it to any of his fans hoping =to see him there to explain WHY. 

Uhm, he did.

[mikebike]

9 hours ago, roo860 said:

Exactly, I remember Diana Ross and McCartney, neither of them could hold a tune, backing singers had to pull them out of the <deleted>, Young would be no different, embarrassing really 

🤣🤣 Neil could never sing well, that's not what Neil has ever been about. Comparing Neil to Diana Ross is beyond insane.