Neil Young has officially confirmed that he won’t be performing at Glastonbury 2025, citing concerns over the festival’s increasing corporate influence.
Initially rumored as a potential headliner, Young revealed on his Neil Young Archives website on December 31 that he had planned to perform with his band, the Chrome Hearts, but ultimately chose to withdraw.
“The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all-time favorite outdoor gigs,” Young wrote. “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.”
He continued, “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!”
Young concluded his statement by clarifying, “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.”
Glastonbury organizers have not yet responded to Young’s comments.
Young previously headlined Glastonbury’s Pyramid Stage in 2009, delivering a memorable performance that included a powerful rendition of “Rockin’ in the Free World” and a cover of The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.”
With the festival returning to Worthy Farm in June 2025, only Rod Stewart and Nile Rodgers & Chic have been officially confirmed so far. Other rumored headliners include Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Fender, The 1975, Taylor Swift, and Stevie Wonder.
As fans process Young’s decision, his statement highlights the ongoing conversation about balancing artistic freedom with the increasing commercial nature of major festivals.