Legendary musician Neil Young has reversed his decision to boycott this year’s Glastonbury Festival, confirming he will perform at the iconic event after resolving concerns over its organization and broadcast arrangements.
Earlier in the week, Young announced he would not be participating, citing dissatisfaction with the BBC, Glastonbury’s longtime broadcast partner. According to Young, the network had requested “a lot of things in a way we were not interested in,” which led him to label the event a “corporate turn-off.” His stance initially seemed definitive, a surprising move given his history with the festival, where he headlined in 2009.
A Change of Heart
On Friday, Young updated fans via his website, explaining that his earlier decision was based on inaccurate information. “Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury Festival, which I always have loved,” he wrote. “Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary, and we look forward to playing! Hope to see you there!”
Glastonbury’s Reaction
Emily Eavis, the festival’s co-organizer, expressed her enthusiasm for Young’s return. “What a start to the year! Neil Young is an artist who’s very close to our hearts at Glastonbury,” she wrote on Instagram. “He does things his own way, and that’s why we love him. We can’t wait to welcome him back here to headline the Pyramid in June.”
Eavis’s statement also confirmed Young as the second major act on this year’s lineup, following Rod Stewart, who will perform in the coveted “teatime legend” slot. Young’s return to the Pyramid Stage is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the festival.
About Glastonbury Festival
The Glastonbury Festival, one of the world’s largest and most beloved music events, will take place in the U.K. from June 25 to 29. Since partnering with the BBC in 1997, the festival has benefited from extensive media coverage, including television, radio, streaming, and web broadcasts. Each year, the BBC deploys over 500 staff members to capture the five-day celebration, offering audiences worldwide an immersive experience of the festival’s diverse performances and atmosphere.
Looking Ahead
Neil Young’s participation underscores Glastonbury’s enduring appeal to iconic artists and its ability to reconcile differences in the name of music. Fans are eagerly awaiting the full lineup announcement, which promises another stellar year for the storied festival. With Young and Stewart confirmed, 2025’s edition is shaping up to be an unforgettable experience.
