2025 Headliners

[Havors]

30 minutes ago, Jamm said:

Not sure where the Shakey slander comes from and how it signals the death of the festival.

 

It is undebatable he is both a legendary musician and a legendary live performer. His 2009 performance was lauded. Plus we have to consider this could potentially be his last ever tour over in Europe and thus Glastonbury could be his last big headline in Europe. He provides a great balance to the other rumoured 1975 and O Rod.

 

While Neil isn’t pumping out chart hits in 2025 like Harry Styles why does that matter? He’s backed by a legacy few artists can match. Hell every single song writer or guitarist playing next year would likely cite him as an influence.

 

Neil has back catalogue hits, and the live aptitude and stage presence to headline and it isn’t even in question. The field might not be full but how many is it full for? Someone with the musical chops, chart appeal, cultural relevance and significance of a final performance like Elton John isn’t constantly available.

 

If people just want young chart toppers topping a bill then I’m sure we can ask someone to reboot V Fest or something. I’m glad Glastonbury covers most bases with the range of music there. Any festival out there could go and book O Rod or 1975 to headline most years, Neil isn’t that case.

 

Good mix between genders, nationalities, genres and age ranges. I’m happy to slate 1975 until the cows come home but I can see why they’re headlining and they have an audience.

 

He’ll get a good crowd, not the biggest, not the smallest. But why does that even matter? It isn’t a disaster booking by any means. I certainly won’t be looking behind me to judge the crowds size when he’s on. And if he’s not for you there’ll be plenty of other counter programming - rumours suggest Charli XCX will be in against him who is very different headliner in her own right again showing the strength of the festival.

 I wonder if you're a fan? Haha 

 

I personally could only name about 2 songs of his but his voice is iconic. He's one of those that everyone says is amazing and has so many hits but I bet they couldn't name 5 songs anyone would know. 

 

None fans won't know his songs like they would Bowie, cash or dylan for example. 

 

It's definitely a contrast to the other 2 acts being touted. 

[TheSheriff]

37 minutes ago, Jamm said:

Not sure where the Shakey slander comes from and how it signals the death of the festival.

 

It is undebatable he is both a legendary musician and a legendary live performer. His 2009 performance was lauded. Plus we have to consider this could potentially be his last ever tour over in Europe and thus Glastonbury could be his last big headline in Europe. He provides a great balance to the other rumoured 1975 and O Rod.

 

While Neil isn’t pumping out chart hits in 2025 like Harry Styles why does that matter? He’s backed by a legacy few artists can match. Hell every single song writer or guitarist playing next year would likely cite him as an influence.

 

Neil has back catalogue hits, and the live aptitude and stage presence to headline and it isn’t even in question. The field might not be full but how many is it full for? Someone with the musical chops, chart appeal, cultural relevance and significance of a final performance like Elton John isn’t constantly available.

 

If people just want young chart toppers topping a bill then I’m sure we can ask someone to reboot V Fest or something. I’m glad Glastonbury covers most bases with the range of music there. Any festival out there could go and book O Rod or 1975 to headline most years, Neil isn’t that case.

 

Good mix between genders, nationalities, genres and age ranges. I’m happy to slate 1975 until the cows come home but I can see why they’re headlining and they have an audience.

 

He’ll get a good crowd, not the biggest, not the smallest. But why does that even matter? It isn’t a disaster booking by any means. I certainly won’t be looking behind me to judge the crowds size when he’s on. And if he’s not for you there’ll be plenty of other counter programming - rumours suggest Charli XCX will be in against him who is very different headliner in her own right again showing the strength of the festival.

Spot on 💯

[judyblue110]

37 minutes ago, Jamm said:

Not sure where the Shakey slander comes from and how it signals the death of the festival.

 

It is undebatable he is both a legendary musician and a legendary live performer. His 2009 performance was lauded. Plus we have to consider this could potentially be his last ever tour over in Europe and thus Glastonbury could be his last big headline in Europe. He provides a great balance to the other rumoured 1975 and O Rod.

 

While Neil isn’t pumping out chart hits in 2025 like Harry Styles why does that matter? He’s backed by a legacy few artists can match. Hell every single song writer or guitarist playing next year would likely cite him as an influence.

 

Neil has back catalogue hits, and the live aptitude and stage presence to headline and it isn’t even in question. The field might not be full but how many is it full for? Someone with the musical chops, chart appeal, cultural relevance and significance of a final performance like Elton John isn’t constantly available.

 

If people just want young chart toppers topping a bill then I’m sure we can ask someone to reboot V Fest or something. I’m glad Glastonbury covers most bases with the range of music there. Any festival out there could go and book O Rod or 1975 to headline most years, Neil isn’t that case.

 

Good mix between genders, nationalities, genres and age ranges. I’m happy to slate 1975 until the cows come home but I can see why they’re headlining and they have an audience.

 

He’ll get a good crowd, not the biggest, not the smallest. But why does that even matter? It isn’t a disaster booking by any means. I certainly won’t be looking behind me to judge the crowds size when he’s on. And if he’s not for you there’ll be plenty of other counter programming - rumours suggest Charli XCX will be in against him who is very different headliner in her own right again showing the strength of the festival.

 

There hasn't been any real slander so far has there? Did someone say Neil was bringing the apocalypse? I've only really seen mild indifference and doubt in this thread.

 

2 minutes ago, Havors said:

 I wonder if you're a fan? Haha 

 

I personally could only name about 2 songs of his but his voice is iconic. He's one of those that everyone says is amazing and has so many hits but I bet they couldn't name 5 songs anyone would know. 

 

None fans won't know his songs like they would Bowie, cash or dylan for example. 

 

It's definitely a contrast to the other 2 acts being touted. 

 

I'd argue that while they are undoubtedly more well known, most people couldn't name 5 Dylan or Cash songs. 

[Jamm]

5 minutes ago, Havors said:

 I wonder if you're a fan? Haha 

 

I personally could only name about 2 songs of his but his voice is iconic. He's one of those that everyone says is amazing and has so many hits but I bet they couldn't name 5 songs anyone would know. 

 

None fans won't know his songs like they would Bowie, cash or dylan for example. 

 

It's definitely a contrast to the other 2 acts being touted. 

I think Bowie is different - again with the UK cultural relevance like Macca or Elton. You can outright dislike those three but still name plenty of their songs.

 

Like the other person mentioned; I think many would struggle to name 5 Cash or Dylan songs despite how legendary their names are. And to be fair to Neil he can put on a much “bigger” performance than those 2, he isn’t just a sing songwriter with an acoustic he has some of the best Rock n’ Roll chops around. 

 

I think it’s fair for people to acknowledge some bookings outside of their taste can still be good bookings! I’ve missed a good chunk of Pyramid headliners, but still get they should definitely be headlining other whomever I’m seeing on West Holts or whatever. I’ve even given some a chance like Sheeran before departing for greener pastures.

[Superscally]

5 hours ago, Someoni said:

100% noel will be playing acoustic in a small little tent somewhere 

Has he EVER done that? 

[incident]

4 minutes ago, Superscally said:

Has he EVER done that? 

 

Reportedly a few years back (before the stage was relocated) he used to have a motorhome parked up in the John Peel Stage crew area every year, where he'd hold court with all of the upcoming indie acts of the day who would come to pay their respects. Stories suggested that an acoustic guitar would come out from time to time. No idea whether that still happens, I assume not.

 

Nothing public though.

[Superscally]

5 minutes ago, incident said:

 

Reportedly a few years back (before the stage was relocated) he used to have a motorhome parked up in the John Peel Stage crew area every year, where he'd hold court with all of the upcoming indie acts of the day who would come to pay their respects. Stories suggested that an acoustic guitar would come out from time to time. No idea whether that still happens, I assume not.

 

Nothing public though.

Ah that doesn't count if it ain't public

[mufcok]

Could still be pissed, but, after seeing Fontaines for the fourth time in 8 days last night in Dublin - 2027/28 headliners, as far as I'm concerned (pending another big record and potential burnout).

 

On another level right now.

[Suprefan]

11 hours ago, kalifire said:

They’re OK. Short term bangers for sure, and I can see why people would consider them absolute belters - they’ve been quickly successful. But I’m doubtful that as songs, they’ll match her level of short term success.

 

songs that have been around for 4+ years and she slowly built things up while nobody was paying attention. Nobody realizes Chappell had been on tour for 18 months when the issues of cancelling and such even started. Prior to the O Rod support slot her tour last fall had sold out in a couple days. She had been putting in the work and fine tuning it all. So thats why when people finally noticed they were like "why is this so good?" Its cause it had been getting perfected for quite a while. Not the first act to be this way. You know, if you want to look way back, Madonna didnt blow up until the same age Chappell was last year and that was 26. These werent teenagers who were on Disney  shows and had that going for them. If you eant to be on the wrong end of the "why did I miss Chappell Roan when I had the chance" be my guest. Plenty of people did that back in April and they regret that dearly.

Edited December 9, 2024 by Suprefan

[Someoni]

6 hours ago, Superscally said:

Has he EVER done that? 

No.😅😅

[nikkic]

7 hours ago, incident said:

 

Reportedly a few years back (before the stage was relocated) he used to have a motorhome parked up in the John Peel Stage crew area every year, where he'd hold court with all of the upcoming indie acts of the day who would come to pay their respects. Stories suggested that an acoustic guitar would come out from time to time. No idea whether that still happens, I assume not.

 

Nothing public though.

Just goes to show, every party you go to, there’s always one twat with a guitar singing Wonderwall. 

[Ayrshire Chris]

5 minutes ago, nikkic said:

Just goes to show, every party you go to, there’s always one twat with a guitar singing Wonderwall. 

[NorthernSoul52]

8 hours ago, mufcok said:

Could still be pissed, but, after seeing Fontaines for the fourth time in 8 days last night in Dublin - 2027/28 headliners, as far as I'm concerned (pending another big record and potential burnout).

 

 

On another level right now.

You know, i was having this discussion the other day. I think, commercially, they might top out unless they can keep the hype rolling into 2026 and a new record. 

 

But the slickness of their stagecraft and the commercial access of their tunes has come on in leaps and bounds. 

[Superscally]

2 hours ago, Someoni said:

No.😅😅

🤣

[Havors]

10 hours ago, Jamm said:

I think Bowie is different - again with the UK cultural relevance like Macca or Elton. You can outright dislike those three but still name plenty of their songs.

 

Like the other person mentioned; I think many would struggle to name 5 Cash or Dylan songs despite how legendary their names are. And to be fair to Neil he can put on a much “bigger” performance than those 2, he isn’t just a sing songwriter with an acoustic he has some of the best Rock n’ Roll chops around. 

 

I think it’s fair for people to acknowledge some bookings outside of their taste can still be good bookings! I’ve missed a good chunk of Pyramid headliners, but still get they should definitely be headlining other whomever I’m seeing on West Holts or whatever. I’ve even given some a chance like Sheeran before departing for greener pastures.

There is massive difference. Anyone at the festival would know... ring of fire, blowing in the wind, rolling stone, walk the line etc.. they are songs that transcend the artist. 

 

Show me a song like that of Youngs? Don't get me wrong I think he's great but I don't really know his stuff and he is an artist that would pull a big crowd if that crowd had specifically bought tickets to see him. But they haven't. 

 

Taken it from someone not bias one way or the other it's very underwhelming to the lay person. 

 

I'm not saying he shouldn't headline by the way just that he's not going to be a big draw for anyone under 50ish? Haha 

 

 

 

 

 

[Avalon_Fields]

36 minutes ago, Havors said:

 

Show me a song like that of Youngs?

 

 

Ohio (Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, written by Neil), a massively important political song written about the police killing 4 in a Vietnam war protest, easily one of the most influential songs of that era and I’m guessing every American would have known of the song. 

[NorthernSoul52]

Speaking of former headliners unlikely to get the call to come back anytime soon, Jay Z is not taking being named as a co-defendant lying down.

[Justcalledtosay]

49 minutes ago, Havors said:

There is massive difference. Anyone at the festival would know... ring of fire, blowing in the wind, rolling stone, walk the line etc.. they are songs that transcend the artist. 

 

Show me a song like that of Youngs? Don't get me wrong I think he's great but I don't really know his stuff and he is an artist that would pull a big crowd if that crowd had specifically bought tickets to see him. But they haven't. 

 

Taken it from someone not bias one way or the other it's very underwhelming to the lay person. 

 

I'm not saying he shouldn't headline by the way just that he's not going to be a big draw for anyone under 50ish? Haha 

 

I wouldn't argue that he isn't a legend. I just don't think he's a mainstream legend that will pull the crowds for a Glastonbury headline slot. He's not in the same category as Elton John or Paul McCartney. I'd place him in a category with the like of Cat Stevens. I think he is perfect for the legends slot but no more.

[NorthernSoul52]

Young in that weird bracket where I think he appeals very much to the older Glastonbury goer - and by that, I mean the demographics of a decade-and-a-half ago, when he last played.

 

He doesn't seem to have broadly cut through to a younger generation, at least on British shores, in the way your McCartneys and your Johns have done so - likely in no small part because he isn't that homegrown superstar.

[Justcalledtosay]

I think its more so the case that he just doesn't have the mainstream commercial hits that the other two do..

[CaledonianGonzo]

He doesn't have the pop hits, but tracks like Cinnamon Girl, Heart of Gold, Hey Hey My My, Needle & The Damage Done etc are still classic rock staples.

[Punksnotdead]

Imagine living in a world where Neil Young is considered unworthy of a headline slot but The 1975 are!

 

It's like living in a world where Trump and Farage get voted in! 😲

[NorthernSoul52]

Heart of Gold an all-timer, but it does depress me how many people younger than me seem to have no clue about it.

[CaledonianGonzo]

5 minutes ago, NorthernSoul52 said:

Heart of Gold an all-timer, but it does depress me how many people younger than me seem to have no clue about it.

 

NY is more of an album act than a hitmaker.  Harvest, After The Goldrush etc aren't far below the likes of Rumours, Hotel California etc in terms of ubiquitous seventies classics.

[NorthernSoul52]

2 minutes ago, CaledonianGonzo said:

 

NY is more of an album act than a hitmaker.  Harvest, After The Goldrush etc aren't far below the likes of Rumours, Hotel California etc in terms of ubiquitous seventies classics.

Fully concur, but in the digital consumption age, I feel less and less folk are inclined to seek out the full record rather than the greatest hits - and despite his catalogue, you don't tend to see Young's work in the conversation with the way people know Dreams or Hotel California itself.

 

That could just be me, of course.