After snubbing Glastonbury, Neil Young says he will, in fact, headline the festival
Neil Young has made a surprising announcement, revealing that he and his band the Chrome Hearts will indeed be headlining this year’s Glastonbury festival. This news comes after Young initially pulled out of the festival earlier this week, citing an “error in the information” that led to his decision.
In a statement on his website, the Neil Young Archives, the Canadian artist expressed his excitement about returning to Glastonbury. He did not provide specifics about the error that caused the initial confusion but stated, “Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing!”
Glastonbury Festival co-organizer Emily Eavis also shared the updated decision on Instagram, expressing her delight at having Young back on the lineup. She described Young as an artist who does things his own way, which is why he is so beloved by the Glastonbury community. Eavis eagerly anticipated Young headlining the Pyramid Stage in June.
Young’s initial decision to withdraw from the festival was linked to his concerns about the BBC’s involvement in Glastonbury, which he perceived as a form of “corporate control.” The BBC has been a partner of the festival since 1997, taking over broadcasting duties from Channel 4.
Despite his reservations, Young has a history of performing at Glastonbury, having headlined the Pyramid Stage in 2009 alongside Bruce Springsteen and Blur. However, only parts of his set were broadcast by the BBC, leading to criticism and negotiations with his management.
This year’s Glastonbury Festival, scheduled for June 25-29, has already sold out in just 32 minutes. Alongside Neil Young, the only other confirmed performer is Rod Stewart, who will be playing the coveted Glastonbury legends slot. The full lineup for the festival is yet to be unveiled, but last year’s headliners included Dua Lipa, Coldplay, and SZA.
As fans eagerly await the complete lineup announcement, Neil Young’s return to Glastonbury promises to be a highlight of the event. His decision to headline the festival once again showcases his enduring appeal and unique musical style that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.