Neil Young has taken action. After threatening Spotify to remove his music from the streaming platform, which he accuses of Covid misinformation by hosting Joe Rogan’s controversial podcast, the American-Canadian singer has confirmed his decision.
“They can have Rogan or Young. Not both, “said the artist, who therefore carried out his threat, as he announced on Wednesday evening.
Neil Young supported by his record company
“I want to thank my very large and supportive record company Warner Brothers-Reprise Records who supports me in my decision to remove all my music from Spotify,” wrote the 76-year-old musician on his website, noting that the platform form accounts for 60% of its streaming revenue.
Through this punchy action, the interpreter of “Heart of Gold” opposes the broadcast by Spotify of the podcast of Joe Rogan, accused of having discouraged vaccination among young people and of having pushed for the use of an unauthorized treatment, ivermectin, against the virus.
“Spotify has become a place for potentially deadly Covid misinformation. Lies sold for money,” explains Neil Young in his message, also citing a letter from more than 200 doctors and scientists. The latter recently asked the platform to act after a “very controversial” episode of The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), broadcast on December 31. “This episode is criticized for promoting baseless conspiracy theories and the JRE has a disturbing history of spreading false information, particularly regarding the Covid-19 pandemic,” they wrote.
As of 11 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, Neil Young’s music was still available on the platform, but it should be taken down in the coming hours, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Spotify says it regrets this decision
For its part, Spotify explains that it has “deleted more than 20,000 episodes of Covid-related podcasts since the start of the pandemic”.
Quoted by several American media, a spokesperson for the platform also confirms the artist’s decision. “We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon,” he explained.
The folk-rock singer, whose latest album “Barn” was released at the end of 2021, hopes that other artists and record companies will follow in this process.