THE Glastonbury Festival has been labelled a “corporate turn-off” by iconic rock star Neil Young.

Rockin’ in the Free World star Mr Young – known to be a favourite of festival founder Michael Eavis – has revealed he and his Chrome Hearts band were ‘looking forward’ to playing the 2025 festival, but had decided against it.

It comes after the musician last graced the Pyramid Stage in 2009, with a triumphant headline set.

But, writing on his website, the rocker said things had changed in the intervening years – namely the increased role of the BBC in festival planning – something pondered by this writer’s review of the 2024 festival.

“The Chrome Hearts and I were looking forward to playing Glastonbury, one of my all-time favourite outdoor gigs,” Mr Young wrote.

“We were told that (the) 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 last time!”

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Speculation had been mounting over the announcement of Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts as headliners at the 2025 festival, which will run at Worthy Farm, Pilton, from June 25 to 29.

Although the full details are unknown, when Mr Young topped the bill in 2009, fans watching on TV were left disappointed when only around 30 minutes of his set was shown, as the Harvest star is understood to be reluctant to have his performances screened.

But whatever the precise reason, he said the band would now not be playing.

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,” he added.

“Hope to see you at one of the other venues on the tour. Love Neil.”

The only act currently confirmed for Glastonbury 2025 is veteran rocker Rod Stewart, who is set to fill the Sunday afternoon ‘legends’ slot.

Glastonbury Festival has been contacted for comment.