Neil Young pulls out of Glastonbury over BBC ‘corporate control’

Neil Young has announced he will not be performing at this year’s Glastonbury, saying he believes the BBC’s involvement in the popular festival means it is “now under corporate control”.

The 79-year-old musician wrote on his website that both he and his band, The Chrome Hearts, were pulling out because it was a “corporate turn-off”.

Glastonbury, which takes place at Worthy Farm in Somerset in summer, has worked closely with the BBC since 1997.

The BBC is the festival’s exclusive broadcast partner.

Canadian-born Young had yet to be announced as an act at this year’s event.

Posting on Neil Young Archives, the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer wrote: “The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all-time favourite 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.”

Young, who headlined the famous Pyramid Stage in 2009, thanked fans for supporting both him and his band the last time they were at the festival.

He added: “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.”

Young, who is married to US actress Daryl Hannah, was booked to play Glastonbury in 1997 but pulled out after cutting his left index finger while making a ham sandwich.

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Following his headline performance in 2009, viewers were left disappointed when only a portion of his set was broadcast on the BBC.

In a statement at the time, the corporation said it had “spent the last couple of months” negotiating with Young’s management over what it could show on TV, radio and online.

The broadcaster added: “Neil Young’s career has been conducted on his own terms.

“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.

“They have decided to make one song available online over the weekend to give a flavour of his set. That’s Rockin’ In The Free World and that’s their decision.”

Glastonbury is one of the UK’s largest music festivals.

It is set to take place between 25 and 29 June, with Sir Rod Stewart booked for the Sunday teatime legend slot.

The BBC and Glastonbury Festival were contacted for comment.