The BBC have confirmed that they won’t be streaming Neil Young‘s headline set at Glastonbury 2025, “at the artist’s request”.
Young and his band The Chrome Hearts are set to top the bill on the Pyramid Stage on Saturday (June 28), with speculation surrounding the broadcast of his performance ever since he first pulled out of the Worthy Farm festival when he called it a “corporate turn-off” over the BBC’s involvement.
He then appeared to be omitted from the BBC’s coverage plans, with a Beeb spokesperson telling NME that their “schedules and plans continue to be finalised, right up to and during the festival”. Glasto boss Emily Eavis then added that she “didn’t believe” that his set would be shown.
Now, the BBC have put the matter to rest, with a spokesperson revealing: “On Saturday on BBC iPlayer, our Glastonbury Channel and five streams for the main stages will bring a range of live performances to audiences. At the artist’s request, we won’t be live streaming Neil Young’s set. Our plans, including those for our TV highlights shows and on-demand coverage, continue to be finalised right up to and during the festival.”
Fans still hope that the set or at least highlights might be televised. He warmed up for the festival last week with a setlist of live rarities as he kicked off his European tour.
Speaking back in Glastonbury when he first said that he had pulled out of the Pilton bash, Young wrote: “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!
“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.”
Headliners performing at the same time as Young on Saturday include Charli XCX on The Other Stage and Doechii on West Holts. Check out the full line-up and schedule here.
Despite his “corporate turn-off” comments, Young and The Chrome Hearts will be headlining London’s BST Hyde Park on Friday July 11, which is presented by American Express.
Michael and Emily Eavis opened the gates the the iconic Worthy Farm event early yesterday morning (Wednesday June 25), with many fans having camped outside overnight and travelled from across the world to be greeted by the festival bosses and their family accompanied by a brass band.
Last night saw early arrivals treated to a circus and acrobatics show on the Pyramid Stage, followed by the traditional fireworks from The Park.
Music at Glastonbury kicks off in earnest tonight with the likes of Heartworms, Maruja and Fat Dog set to perform across the site, before tomorrow’s first day sees headline sets from The 1975 and Loyle Carner alongside the likes of Biffy Clyro, Franz Ferdinand, Wet Leg, Supergrass, Self Esteem and two highly anticipated ‘TBA’ secret sets – with the one on Woodsies set to be Lorde after she appeared to confirm the news, and the Pyramid slot rumoured to be Lewis Capaldi. ‘Patchwork’ is largely believed to be Pulp, while Haim have suggested they’ll be playing Saturday’s TBA slot on The Park.
The weekend continues with Charli XCX, Deftones, Neil Young, Olivia Rodrigo, The Prodigy, Rod Stewart and many more. Check out the full line-up and schedule here.
Check back at NME here for the latest news, reviews, interviews, photos and more from Glastonbury 2025.