Across six decades in the music industry, Neil Young has always done things his way. First, rumors swirled that the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, 79, would headline this year’s Glastonbury Festival. Before ever publicly confirming that information, Young initially announced he was backing out due to the BBC’s involvement. He eventually reversed course and rejoined the lineup.
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However, Young apparently still has his limits. The BBC recently announced that it will not livestream the Godfather of Grunge’s Glastonbury set.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed that viewers will instead see Charli XCX while the headliner performs on the Pyramid Stage.
“At the artist’s request, we won’t be live streaming Neil Young’s set,” a spokesperson said in a statement to the Telegraph. “Our plans, including those for our TV highlights shows and on-demand coverage, continue to be finalized right up to and during the festival.”
Neil Young Has Previously Clashed With the BBC
Six months ago, Neil Young penned an open letter to fans on his website. He explained his decision to drop out of the Glastonbury Festival, blaming the BBC.
#Glastonbury Kudos to Neil Young for remaining a grumpy, contrary git. My role model.
— Arch XI (@50sonicbooms) June 27, 2025
By the way that Lorde bird was miming half her set.
“We were told the BBC was now a partner in Glastonbury and wanted us to do a lot for things we were not interested in,” he wrote. “It seems Glastonbury is now under corporate control and is not the way I remember it being. 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.”
Just days later, Neil Young walked back that decision. “Due to an error in the information I received, I had decided not to play the Glastonbury Festival, which I have always loved,” wrote the three-time Grammy Award winner. “Happily, the festival is now back on our itinerary and we look forward to playing!”
It’s still unclear exactly what issue the Canadian legend took with the BBC. However, the “Rockin’ in the Free World” singer was also noticeably absent from the Glastonbury livestream when he last played in 2009.
In a statement, the corporation detailed months of negotiation with Young’s management regarding how much of his set could be broadcast.
“Neil Young’s career has been conducted on his own terms,” the statement read. “Last night Neil’s management agreed to let TV and radio broadcast five songs as they watched and listened to his performance. They believe in the live event and retaining its mystery and that of their artist.”
Featured image by Brian Cahn/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
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