Glastonbury 2025 headliners: A look at Neil Young’s career and legacy
Neil Young has had one of the most influential and enduring careers in rock and folk music, spanning over six decades, and will headline Saturday night at Glastonbury 2025.
His work is known for its emotional depth, raw guitar sound, and socially conscious lyrics, so is sure to fit in well at Worthy Farm.
Doechii, Raye and Charli XCX will all step onto the stage before Young takes the microphone.
Here, Music News Blitz takes a look into his musical journey…
Early Years & Buffalo Springfield (1960s)
Young started his career in Canada before moving to Los Angeles, where he co-founded Buffalo Springfield in 1966 alongside Stephen Stills and Richie Furay.
The band blended folk, rock, and psychedelia, producing hits like For What It’s Worth, but disbanded after just three albums.
Solo Career & Classic Albums (1970s)
Young launched his solo career with his self-titled debut in 1968, but it was Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere (1969) with Crazy Horse that established his signature electric sound.
The 1970s were his most prolific era, featuring legendary albums like:
After the Gold Rush (1970) – Included Only Love Can Break Your Heart and Southern Man (a critique of racism in the U.S.).
Harvest (1972) – His most commercially successful album, featuring Heart of Gold, Old Man, and The Needle and the Damage Done.
Tonight’s the Night (1975) & On the Beach (1974) – Dark, introspective albums influenced by personal loss and disillusionment.
Rust Never Sleeps (1979) – Featuring My My, Hey Hey (Out of the Blue), this album heavily influenced the grunge movement.
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Experimentation & Rebellion (1980s)
Young refused to be boxed into a single style and experimented with new wave (Trans), rockabilly (Everybody’s Rockin’), and even electronic music.
His label, Geffen Records, sued him for making music that was "unrepresentative" of his usual style.
Revival & Influence on Grunge (1990s - 2000s)
Young returned to his folk and rock roots, releasing Freedom (1989) with the anthemic Rockin’ in the Free World.
He was dubbed the "Godfather of Grunge" for influencing bands like Nirvana and Pearl Jam, collaborating with the latter on Mirror Ball (1995).
Later Years & Activism
Young remained prolific, releasing albums like Psychedelic Pill (2012) and Barn (2021).
He has been an outspoken environmentalist, political activist, and advocate for high-quality digital music.
Legacy
Young has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame twice (once as a solo artist and once with Buffalo Springfield).
He is recognized as one of the greatest songwriters and guitarists of all time, with his raw, emotional style continuing to influence generations.
Young’s ability to reinvent himself while staying true to his core values makes him one of the most respected musicians in history.
His upcoming Glastonbury 2025 performance is sure to be a highlight in his legendary career.
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