Neil Young Pulls Out of Glastonbury Festival
Neil Young has decided not to perform at England’s iconic Glastonbury Festival this summer, citing concerns about the event’s corporate involvement. In an open letter on the Neil Young Archives, he expressed his disappointment at the changes he observed in the festival’s organization. Young and his band, The Chrome Hearts, were initially excited about the opportunity to play at Glastonbury, which he described as one of his favorite outdoor gigs.
Corporate Turn-Off
However, Young revealed that the BBC, a new partner in Glastonbury, presented requests that did not align with his artistic vision. This led him to withdraw from the festival, stating, “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.” Despite his decision, he expressed hope to connect with fans at other venues on the tour.
Unclear Requests
The specifics of the requests made by Glastonbury and the BBC remain unclear, prompting speculation about the nature of these demands. The BBC’s increasing involvement in broadcasting and streaming festival content globally may have contributed to Young’s decision to opt-out. Efforts to seek clarification from Glastonbury representatives have not yielded a response.
Glastonbury’s Lineup and Speculation
Although Glastonbury has yet to announce its full lineup for the summer, rumors circulated in late 2024 suggesting Neil Young’s participation. Reports indicated that Young and The Chrome Hearts were considering European tour dates, with Glastonbury potentially being one of the stops. The festival’s shift towards its rock roots was seen as a positive development, with Young’s inclusion anticipated to enhance the lineup.
Tour Announcements
Young’s hints at upcoming tour announcements further fueled speculation about his involvement in Glastonbury. In a message to a fan shared on New Year’s Day, he teased, “tour announcements for the summer are coming very soon,” keeping fans eager for updates on his musical plans.
Previous Glastonbury Performance
Reflecting on his past experiences, Young last performed at Glastonbury on June 26, 2009, with portions of the show broadcast by the BBC. The setlist included iconic tracks like “The Needle and the Damage Done,” “Words,” “Rockin’ in the Free World,” and a cover of The Beatles’ “A Day In The Life.”
The Chrome Hearts
Young’s current band, The Chrome Hearts, comprises talented musicians such as Micah Nelson, Spooner Oldham, Corey McCormick, and Anthony LoGergo. Their debut performance at Farm Aid in September 2024 marked the beginning of a promising musical journey. The group recently collaborated with producer Lou Adler on a new album titled “Talking to the Trees.”
Creative Resurgence
Young’s creative spark reignited after a period of writer’s block, leading to the production of new music. In a conversation with Dan Hesse on Mentors Radio, he expressed gratitude for the collaborative process with Lou Adler and The Chrome Hearts, which unearthed hidden musical treasures within him.
Conclusion
Neil Young’s decision to forego Glastonbury Festival highlights the importance of artistic integrity and alignment with personal values. While fans may miss his presence at the event, Young’s dedication to staying true to his artistic vision is commendable. As he embarks on new musical endeavors with The Chrome Hearts, his creativity continues to inspire audiences worldwide.
FAQs
Why did Neil Young decide not to perform at Glastonbury?
Neil Young cited concerns about Glastonbury’s corporate involvement and requests made by the BBC as reasons for withdrawing from the festival.
Will Neil Young be touring in Europe?
Neil Young hinted at upcoming tour announcements for the summer, indicating a potential European tour with The Chrome Hearts.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
