After much consideration, Neil Young finally agreed to allow the BBC to broadcast his headlining act at the Glastonbury Festival, and he certainly delivered for fans watching at home. His stunning performance of “Throw Your Hatred Down” captivated viewers.
The urgency of the song’s message about overcoming hate and violence struck a chord in today’s world, making it a highlight of the 79-year-old folk icon’s set. Young used his platform to address pressing social issues, creating one of the many significant moments of the evening.
For a time, it appeared that his impactful messages would only reach those at Worthy Farm. The announcement regarding the filming of Young’s show came just this morning after protracted negotiations between him and the BBC.
Young has a history of expressing his discomfort with extensive filming at concerts. In a conversation with Charlie Rose, he recalled how the large camera presence during Woodstock in 1969 detracted from the experience. “I thought those guys with their cameras were interfering with the music,” he stated, adding that he felt the need to warn them to keep their distance due to his heavy guitar.
He reflected on the authenticity of the Woodstock experience, remarking on how special it was to be part of such a momentous gathering. “When it happened for the first time,” he noted, “it was something special because there you were, surrounded by half a million people, realizing that we were making a difference together.”
With conflicting sentiments prior to his Glastonbury appearance, Young nevertheless electrified the crowd, delivering a set filled with beloved classics and thought-provoking statements.
You can catch a clip of his performance of “Throw Your Hatred Down” below and watch the full set on BBC iPlayer.
