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Neil Young Had ‘No Idea’ About British Summer Time’s Dylan Co-Headline Announcement
– Neil Young
Called BST’s premature lineup announcement “a massive fuck up”
“Somebody jumped the gun. Tickets were put on sale and the announcement was made, all without my knowledge,” Neil Young wrote in a statement regarding the recent lineup announcement by AEG’s British Summer Time Hyde Park (BST).
Two weeks ago, BST announced its first headliners for 2019, and it was none other than Bob Dylan and Neil Young. However, it now seems the announcement was made prematurely, at least without the consent of Neil Young himself.
In a post on his website Neil Young Archives (NYA), he explains that he “was still finessing the art for the poster and trying to make sure that all the details of the show were agreeable to me,” when the announcement was made.
The announcement angered Young in particular, because he had promised subscribers to neilyoungarchives.com that they would learn about the artist’s activities on NYA frist.
“Like you, I had no idea the announcement was coming that day,” he writes.
He then went on to criticize the festival’s sponsor, Barclaycard, a “fossil fuel funding entity,” according to the iconic singer and songwriter.
“That doesn’t work for me. I believe in Science. I worry about the Climate Crisis and am deeply concerned about its massive global ramifications and my beautiful grandchildren’s future.”
He went to quoting his lyrics to “This Note’s For You”, where he sings: “Ain’t singin’ for Pepsi, ain’t singin’ for Coke, I don’t sing for nobody, makes me look like a joke.”
In conclusion, Young writes: “There’s no doubt about it – it’s been a massive fuck up!”
He assured fans that his team was working on rectifying the situation and would update NYA subscribers on the status of the Hyde Park show. “We have been talking about requiring a different sponsor as one option.”
“All of us here at NYA are continuing to work to provide you with the best, no bullshit, immersive quality experience, exactly what you deserve, without compromising our integrity. It’s on the line,” the statement concludes, signed off by “ny”.
Pollstar has reached out to AEG/British Summer Time and Neil Young’s UK agent Barry Dickins for comment.