Singer Neil Young has decided not to perform at the Glastonbury Festival this year, citing concerns that the festival is now “controlled by a corporation.” Young pointed to the British broadcaster BBC as being involved. Glastonbury is one of the largest outdoor festivals in Europe, attracting major acts annually.
Young expressed disappointment at not performing at what he calls “one of my favorite outdoor shows of all time,” due to the festival being “not as I remember it.” Young, who became a U.S. citizen in 2020, was a headliner at Glastonbury in 2009. He stated that the BBC, a festival partner since 1997, wanted them to do things that did not interest him.
Although he provided no further details, the BBC declined to comment. Young thanked fans who previously saw him at the festival and hopes to see them elsewhere during his tour, describing the experience as a “commercial disappointment” that no longer feels the same to him.
The festival will take place from June 27 to 29, with no official lineup announced yet, though names like Olivia Rodrigo and Eminem are suggested.
Source: NOS