When it was announced that Neil Young would headline the 2009 Big Day Out tour it was met with a somewhat varied response by festival fans. “Neil who?” many under the age of 30 were left asking when looking over the bill. It seems they weren’t the only ones incredulous at his position atop the Big Day Out lineup, with Boiler Room headliners and certified rave legends The Prodigy weighing into the debate.

Talking with inthemix for a video interview that will appear online in a few weeks time (stay tuned!), the trio spoke at length about their history with the Big Day Out festival and their hotly anticipated new album Invaders Must Die. When the topic of Neil Young came up their iconic frontman Keith Flint was the first to offer his 2 cents.

“We’ve heard that he’s doing good things, and he’s a legend [so] you’ve got to respect him for where he’s been and where he’s come from,” Keith remarked somewhat diplomatically, before opening the flood gates. “Although he’s a legend he doesn’t stir me up to wanna go and see him. There’s nothing he’s gonna be doing on that stage that I can’t achieve by putting his album on my iPod.”

Keith’s comments were met with laughter, before fellow vocalist Maxim stepped in to defend the rock legend. “I mean, respect to him, y’know what I mean? But I don’t know a great deal about him…” Then it was on for young and – pardon the pun – old, with Liam Howlett offering his perspective. “Basically, he’s too old.”

It didn’t end there, though, with Keith happy to lay the boot in once again. “I’d say his name is definitely Neil, and that’s as far as it goes…” Before Maxim added with a laugh; “...[And] he’s no longer young.” Composure regained, it was left to Liam to ponder the biggest question of all. “Do you think he’s heard of us?” Humble as always, Keith was quick to answer. “Everyone’s heard of us.”

Be sure to keep your eyes glued to inthemix for the full video interview in a few weeks time, and don’t forget to check The Prodigy out at one of their remaining sideshows or at the Big Day Out closing the Boiler Room!