Neil Young took to the Pyramid Stage on Saturday night at the Glastonbury Festival, closing out one of the event’s key evenings with a solo acoustic performance that left fans polarized. The 79-year-old rock icon appeared alone, armed simply with an acoustic guitar, a harmonica, and a cap that obscured much of his face, delivering a raw set far removed from typical headline spectacle.
Originally, it was reported that the BBC and the musician had agreed not to live stream the show, but the decision was reversed amid public demand. However, as the set unfolded, many viewers began to question whether this was the right choice.
Social media lit up with divided opinions. One fan acknowledged Young’s legendary status but doubted his energy suited a Saturday night headline slot. Another commenter bluntly questioned why Young was headlining at all, especially following dynamic performances from RAYE and Pulp earlier in the evening.
READ MORE: Church Clock Believed to Be 600 Years Old Restored to Former Glory
READ MORE: Bridgwater Carnival Calls for Volunteers Ahead of 2025 Spectacular
Critics of the set accused the BBC of making a mistake by broadcasting it live, describing the performance as “woeful” and even joking if the instruments had been properly plugged in. Many felt the set was painfully slow and lacked the star power expected for the festival’s high-profile Saturday night headliner.
In contrast, a passionate group of fans embraced the authenticity and simplicity of Neil Young’s set. Some praised him for eschewing flashy theatrics and delivering a pure rock and roll experience, calling it a “breath of fresh air” amid the festival’s more elaborate shows. Several tweets reflected appreciation for Young’s enduring artistry and unwavering confidence in his craft, regardless of modern trends.
At the start of the set, Young admitted he “couldn’t see s**t,” a moment that seemed to underscore the intimate and understated nature of his performance. Attendance was initially sparse due to competing acts on other stages, including Charli XCX and the packed Woodsies area featuring Scissor Sisters.
Earlier in the evening, both RAYE and Pulp received high praise for their engaging and energetic sets, leaving some wondering why Pulp wasn’t chosen to headline instead. Fans celebrated Pulp’s performance as a highlight, with some branding their set “the saving grace” of the weekend.
Ultimately, Neil Young’s headline slot ignited strong debate about expectations and the role of legacy artists in contemporary festival lineups. Whether seen as a revered icon delivering a genuine, no-frills show or as a mismatched choice for a primetime stage, his performance undoubtedly left an impression on Glastonbury 2025.