Neil Young Pulls Out of Glastonbury, Citing BBC Influence
Rock legend Neil Young has unexpectedly withdrawn from the 2025 Glastonbury Festival, citing concerns about the BBC’s increasing influence over the event. The announcement, made on January 2nd, sent shockwaves through the music world, leaving fans questioning the future of the iconic British festival.
Young, known for his outspoken nature and dedication to artistic integrity, explained his decision on his website. While expressing his eagerness to perform at Glastonbury, a venue he considers one of his favorites, he stated that the BBC’s involvement had changed the festival’s character. He claimed, “The BBC wanted us to do a lot of things in a way that we were not interested in.”
He further elaborated, stating, “It seems that Glastonbury is now under corporate control and the festival is no longer what I remember it being.” This statement hints at a larger conflict between artistic vision and commercial pressures within the modern music festival landscape, a concern that resonates deeply with many American artists facing similar challenges.
A History of Artistic Control
This isn’t the first time Young has clashed with broadcasters over performance conditions. Fifteen years ago,during his 2009 Glastonbury appearance,fans criticized the BBC for not airing the entire concert. The BBC responded at the time, explaining that they had spent “past two months” negotiating with young’s team about broadcast content. They noted that the artist “believes in live concerts and in preserving its mystery.”
The current situation highlights the growing tension between the desire for widespread access to live music through streaming and the preservation of the unique, spontaneous energy of a live performance. The increasing prevalence of live-streamed concerts,while democratizing access,raises questions about the potential loss of the special atmosphere that makes a live show unforgettable. This debate mirrors similar discussions happening within the U.S. music industry.
glastonbury’s Financial Success and Charitable Giving
Despite Young’s withdrawal, Glastonbury continues to thrive. The festival, which started in 1970, is scheduled for June 25-29, 2025, before taking a year off in 2026 to allow the grounds at Worthy Farm to recover. Recent financial reports reveal that Glastonbury’s profits more than doubled in the fiscal year ending March 2024,reaching £5.9 million (approximately $7.11 million USD) before taxes. A significant portion of these profits, £5.2 million,was donated to charities including Oxfam,Greenpeace,and WaterAid,showcasing the festival’s commitment to social obligation.
Tickets for the 2025 event sold out in a mere 35 minutes, costing £373.50 (approximately $452 USD) plus a £5 booking fee. While Rod Stewart has been confirmed as a performer, the rest of the lineup remains unannounced, leaving fans eagerly anticipating further reveals. Last year’s festival drew approximately 210,000 attendees and featured headliners such as Coldplay, Dua Lipa, and SZA.
The Glastonbury organizers have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding Neil Young’s departure. this high-profile withdrawal, though, underscores the ongoing evolution of the music industry and the complex relationship between artists, festivals, and broadcasters in the digital age.
