The Canadian rockstar posted on his website, Neil Young Archives, earlier this week, saying “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,” he continued. “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.”

Neither Glastonbury nor the BBC have commented. The festival has worked closely with the BBC since 1997 and is its exclusive broadcast partner. It’s unclear what requests the BBC made to Young.

Neil headlined the Pyramid Stage in 2009, but only allowed the BBC to broadcast portions of his two-hour set. The BBC, who claimed they spent months negotiating with Young’s management about how much of his set they could show, said that “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.”

Glastonbury started from humble beginnings in 1970, with £1 tickets and an audience of around 1,500. It’s since become a gigantic event with international stars and a crowd of around 200,000 music fans. Some have criticised it for becoming too expensive, corporate and middle-class. Tickets for 2025 sold out in 35 minutes – even though their prices have risen again, this year being bumped up to £373.50, with a £5 booking fee and £75 deposit.

While its ticket costs grow steeper, festival organizer Emily Eavis insists that they’ve faced “enormous rises in the costs of running this vast show, whilst still recovering from the huge financial impact of two years without a festival because of Covid.”

pic.twitter.com/NviPLDDdds

— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) October 17, 2022

Responding to backlash from rising prices a few years back, she wrote on Twitter: “In these incredibly challenging times, we want to continue to bring you the best show in the world and provide our charities with funds which are more vital than ever. We are always, hugely appreciative, of your ongoing support.’

It’s also worth noting the impact that Glastonbury brings beyond the five-day festival, bringing interest to local businesses and communities – in 2023, Somerset businesses saw an income of £32 million during the festival. The event organizers also keep charity in mind, funding infrastructure, social housing and community facilities in Pilton.

No acts have been confirmed for this year’s line-up, aside from Rod Stewart, who will play the Sunday afternoon Legends Slot. Nile Rodgers also let slip that he would be performing, accidentally announcing his involvement at the Rolling Stone Awards. Other rumoured headliners include Sam Fender, Rihanna, Madonna and more.

Stewart, who has played the festival in 2002, wrote on social media: “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be playing @glastonbury 2025!” he wrote. “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!” You can read more on his confirmation here.

The Brian Jonestown Massacre are supporting Primal Scream at On The Mount At Wasing on 30th June 2023https://t.co/fi4bZclyBU pic.twitter.com/uKaoekq2EO

— anton newcombe (@antonnewcombe) April 5, 2023

The show is the third date of the music series event On The Mount At Wasing, which is comprised of five dates through late June and early July, and it is the latest addition to the Scottish alternative rock band’s busy summer festival schedule. The band have made a habit of performing at summer festivals the past few years since the release of their last album in 2016 and this year is no different, as they will be performing live in Cornwall, Edinburgh, Dublin, Madrid among other cities.

Formed by lead singer and only ever-present member Bobby Gillespie and Jim Beattie in Glasgow in 1982, Primal Scream are the epitome of an ever-changing and experimental rock outfit. Starting out with indie pop, they soon moved on to develop a psychedelic rock sound in the late 80s before, in 1991, adding an alternative dance element with the release of their most renowned album to date, Screamadelica. Their latest album, Chaosmosis, was released in 2016 and their current line up, after the sad news of the death of Martin Duffy last December, consists of Gillespie (lead vocals), Andrew Innes (guitar, keyboards), Darrin Mooney (drums, percussion), and Simone Butler (bass guitar, keyboards, percussion).

Joining them at the music series event to create a legendary double bill is the American psychedelic rock band and music project The Brian Jonestown Massacre, fronted by Anton Newcombe. The band, much like Primal scream, has undergone several transformations in terms of the music it has produced in its history and continues to be a vehicle of experimental rock music to this day. Formed in San Francisco in 1990, The Brian Jonestown Massacre initially developed a shoegaze sound, drawing on influences from similarly ethereal groups Spacemen 3 and My Bloody Valentine, before incorporating blues, folk and psychedelic sounds into their music, drawing heavily on a 60s aesthetic. The band recently released their 20th album, The Future Is Your Past, on 10th February 2023.

Tickets for the show are available now here.

See below for Primal Scream summer tour dates:

26/05/2023 – Lews Castle – Stornoway
28/05 – Catton Hall – Derbyshire
03/06 – Scorrier House – Cornwall
30/06 – Wasing Estate – Wasing
08/07 – Espacio Mad Cool – Madrid
04/08 – Crystal Palace Park – London
05/08 – Dreamland – Margate
19/08 – Escot Park – Devon
20/08 – Weston Park – Shropshire
25/08 – Royal Highland Showgrounds – Edinburgh
26/08 – Wythenshawe Park – Manchester
27/08 – Royal Hospital Kilmainham – Dublin
01/09 – Lindisfarne – Northumberland

Ever since his first album drop he has delivered absolute crackers to the scene and has, in the meantime, released a second studio album last year (2022) called Sonder. Reaching successful levels of feedback and a great deal of critical acclaim, the Irishman continues his pop journey to a steady fame. Bringing him to headlining position at his coming festivals.

The festival All Points East is an annual event prepared to, over the course of 10 days, show the public how to put on a show. Based in London’s Victoria Park it allows the audience to indulge in an alternative rock affair with a beautiful combination of other popular music artists.

As Dermot Kennedy joins the club we can officially accept that the lineup has been rounded up. This includes Stormzy, Kehlani, Sampha, Knucks and more on the first day (18th August). The second day (25th August) consists on a different approach to the stage with bands such as The Strokes, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Girl In Red, Amyl And The Sniffers, Black Midi and many, many more good acts.

The third day (26th August) is where our friend Kennedy steps in who will be playing alongside Olivia Dean, AURORA, SG Lewis, Novo Amor and more to be announced. Finally the final day (28th August) will be showcasing Haim, Girl In Red (again apparently), Tove Lo, Confidence Man, Snail Mail, Tamino, Romy and too many more to continue. It is quite a freely directed festival and the layout of the acts seems to work perfectly amongst each other.

Dermot Kennedy will make his appearance in London as a grand finale to finish off his mammoth tour around the globe. Having already commenced, today (4th April) he will be playing at the International Centre in Bournemouth, he will be making his way through several cities in the UK before crossing the pond to the US all the way through May and June. Once his American tour comes to an end in the Big Apple his trip returns to Ireland, Scotland and finally, the Big Smoke.

Tickets are already available to buy for all his shows, including All Points East.

Click here for tickets.

UK Tour Dates: 

04/04/2023 – International Centre – Bournemouth
05/04 – Plymouth Pavilions – Plymouth
07/04 – AO Arena – Manchester
08/04 – International Arena – Cardiff
10/04 – First Direct – Leeds
11/04 – Motorpoint Arena – Nottingham
13/04 – Resorts World Arena – Birmingham
14/04 – The O2 – London
15/04 – Royal Albert Hall – London
23/06 – Marlay Park – Rathfarnham
24/06 – Marlay Park – South Dublin
07/07 – Thomond Park Stadium – Limerick City
08/07 – Thomond Park Stadium – Limerick City
09/07 – Thomond Park Stadium – Limerick City
13/07 – Esplanade Castle – Edinburgh
14/07 – Scarborough Open Air Theatre – Scarborough
27/08 – All Points East – London

The festival comes back after their very successful debut edition last year, announcing two big headlines who are ready to rock the festival off the boat. The event is going to be lead by one of the most influential and celebrated electronic musicians of all time, Aphex Twin, known for his innovative and experimental approach to the making of his music. Backing up, expect to see the eclectic Erykah Badu. She is amongst the biggest neo-soul idols of the industry and she definitely knows how to put on a show.

A selection of other unmissable artists also have a spot in the lineup. These include Bonobo, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks, Raye, Leftfield, Amyl and The Sniffers, Viagra Boys and many more. Hosted at Clifton Downs in Bristol from the 1st September to the 2nd.

The reason why the festival adopted such a name like FORWARDS, is because it’s ideology toward a greater cause is particularly prominent within their handbook. Not only do they put their head down to put on the best live acts and musical experiences for the Bristol audience, but they take into account the particular discrepancies found amongst the public’s possible unfortunate dysfunctionalities and impairments.

As part of their schedule they include a section named The Information. An offered opportunity for fans to get involved in a space dedicated to hosting debates and discussions alongside experts, creatives, disruptors, writers and thinkers. It is a challenge to create an interactive dynamic in the affair to get people to speak their opinion. After last years success with Jack Monroe and Jay Rayner they return with further announcements down the line.

As well as the latter they have adapted a number of other improvements such as host a Social Initiative programme to create awareness towards positive change. A Capture Forwards programme which invites photographer startups to get first hand experience in shooting a live event to kick start their career.

Claimed “a progressive-minded festival” - a statement made by The Guardian. A fair affirmation after finding out that NHS workers get a discounted ticket, as a thank you for the hard work they put in for the country. As well as balanced discounts for residents and low-income customers. It is safe to say the festival has been named quite accurately.

Tickets go on sale on the 24th March at 10am. The pre sale, however, is on the 23rd March at 10am.

Click here for tickets.