As artists remove tracks from Spotify to fight Covid-19 misinformation, James Blunt is getting involved too. But in his own way.
James Blunt is illustrated by a new burst of self-mockery. While several artists decide to withdraw their catalogs from Spotify, which they accuse of spreading false information about Covid-19, the British singer is getting involved in another way. In a humorous tweet, he takes the opposite view and threatens to unveil new songs if Joe Rogan’s podcast, at the heart of the controversy, is not withdrawn.
“If Spotify doesn’t get rid of Joe Rogan immediately, I will release new music on the platform,” the singer wrote on Twitter. You’re Beautiful.
Joe Rogan is a popular American personality whose podcast The Joe Rogan Experience, Spotify exclusive content, racks up millions of plays – it was number 1 on Spotify last year. It is this show that is accused of spreading false information about the coronavirus and vaccines. In mid-January, 270 scientists challenged Spotify in an open letter by asking the Swedish giant to take action against misinformation, specifically referring to this podcast.
A nod to Neil Young
James Blunt’s dash of humor comes as Neil Young has just announced his decision to remove his tracks from Spotify. The singer believes that “Spotify has become a place for life-threatening Covid misinformation”, and said:
“They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” A gesture applauded by the boss of the World Health Organization (WHO) Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Her initiative was followed by Joni Mitchell: “Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people’s lives. I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue,” she said.
This isn’t the first time James Blunt has laughed at himself. In March 2020, when the containment measures were spreading across the world and many artists were giving concerts via streaming, he had announced his decision to refrain from doing so out of a desire to “help everyone”.
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