As the 2014 installment of Glastonbury comes to a close, founder Michael Eavis is reflecting on its future, telling The Guardian that the legendary UK festival could come to an end in 2020. “I think I can run on another six years, which would take me up to 50 years,” he said. Then [I’ll] see what happens after that.”
Eavis said the festival has “still got a few years in it,” though, and went on to say that 2017 would be the fest’s next fallow year (a half-decade habit of hiatus to give the grounds, local residence, and organizers a chance to rejuvenate). Eavis also revealed that all three headliners are already in place for next year, and one non-British act was booked during Metallica’s headlining performance on Saturday. Hint: It’s not Prince. “We’re always having a go at Prince”, Eavis said, adding, “Most of the people in the world want to play here, so I did ask him to hop on the train and come down to Castle Cary station and I’ll show him around the farm some time. It hasn’t been taken up yet though.”
Eavis went on to praise Metallica’s performance, particularly their personalities on stage. “The great thing about them is the generosity of appreciation of the show. We’ve never seen a band so keen on coming before, they’re fantastic people.” He also revealed that he’d approached the band, who faced vocal critics prior to their festival appearance, two decades ago. “I promised them the chance to come about 20 years ago, and so the time was now. We could give them the slot this time for the first time. I think they filled it very, very well.”
As for his own departure from the festival, Eavis didn’t appear to directly comment on if the event might continue on without him. Still, it’s not the first time he’s spoken pessimistically about the future of Glastonbury despite being quite aware the crowds are still more than willing. “Every single person there last night wanted to shake my hand and say it’s the best thing in their life,” he told The Guardian. “It really is quite phenomenal that appreciation of the event – 44 years and people love it more than ever.”
