He did not want to be present on a platform that spreads misinformation about the corona virus: With this demand, the folk rock star Neil Young put Spotify under pressure. The company has now responded and announced that it will remove the Canadian’s music from its program. The musician’s albums are now removed; some songs like “Heart of Gold” and “Rockin’ in the free world”, which were also released on compilations and other albums, can still be heard on the platform.
“We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon,” the streaming service said in a statement, quoted by the Wall Street Journal and other US media. Young had previously accused the Swedish company of spreading misinformation about coronavirus vaccines in podcasts, for example.
He hopes other artists and record labels will follow his example to stop the spread of “life-threatening misinformation” about the virus, wrote the 76-year-old musician on his website. Spotify accounts for about 60 percent of his music streamed worldwide, so the decision means a big loss for his record company. “In the name of truth” he took this step. In addition, his pieces can still be heard on other platforms. Young is listed on Spotify with around six million monthly listeners.
“You can have Rogan or Young”
In an open letter that later disappeared from the website, Young directed his criticism at the extremely popular podcast by US comedian Joe Rogan. “You can have Rogan or Young. Not both,” wrote the legendary singer-guitarist, who says he’s self-vaccinated. In another open letter to Spotify, a group of 270 scientists and health experts accused comedian Rogan of downplaying the corona virus and spreading conspiracy theories. Rogan’s podcast was according to “Variety” the most-listened-to podcast worldwide last year, Spotify secured exclusive distribution rights to it in May 2020 for $100 million.
Spotify wants to make all music and audio content accessible to its users, the streaming giant said in a statement. “That brings with it a great responsibility in striking a balance between security for listeners and freedom for creators.” The company has a comprehensive content policy and has removed more than 20,000 Corona-related podcast episodes since the pandemic began.
[UPDATE, 27.01.2022, 12:00]
Added information that some of Young’s songs are still on Spotify.
(axk)
–
