When a performer cancels a concert, fans worry. Was it their health? A creative issue? Are they okay? Neil Young, 79, bowed out of a gig, and it sounded like it was a matter of conscience and artistic principle for him. Per People, Young canceled his upcoming appearance at a music festival in the United Kingdom evidently because of the role that the BBC was playing. Then he changed his mind.
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Neil Young Issued A Statement
He Was Not Explicit About Why He Initially Chose Not To Perform At The Event
He shared a statement on Neil Young Archives on December 31 that read, "The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all time favorite outdoor gigs. We were told that BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot of things in a way we were not interested in. it seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being. Thanks for coming to see us the last time!"
Young continued, "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. Hope to see you at one of the other venues on the tour."
He did not specify precisely what the sticking point was that caused him to pull out of the event. According to People via Rolling Stone, "...[T]he network has been a broadcaster of the festival for years, even hosting global broadcast for the first time last year." If the BBC made any stipulations that Young felt uncomfortable with, he did not mention them.
Young Apparently Rethought His Decision
Now He Says He Will Play At Glastonbury
His latest communication on January 3 on Neil Young Archives reversed his earlier one. Young posted, "Due to an error in the information received, I had decided to not play the Glastonbury Festival, which I always have loved. Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing. Hope to see you there!"
Fans of Young's must have been glad to hear that!
Rod Stewart Plans To Play Glastonbury In June Of This Year
He Has Not Performed There In 23 Years
On X via People, Stewart declared, "I'm absolutely thrilled to announce that I'll be playing@glastonbury 2025! After all these years, I'm proud and ready and more than able to take the stage again to pleasure and titillate my friends at Glastonbury in June. I'll see you there!"
