American-Canadian singer Neil Young is carrying out his threat: after accusing Spotify of disinformation on the Covid by hosting the podcast of the popular and controversial Joe Rogan, he confirmed on Wednesday January 26, 2022 his spectacular decision to withdraw his music from the platform streaming.
“I want to thank my very large and supportive record label Warner Brothers-Reprise Records for supporting me in my decision to remove all my music from Spotify,” wrote the 76-year-old musician on his website, noting that the platform represents 60% of his income generated by streaming.
Neil Young has 2.4 million subscribers and more than six million listeners per month on Spotify, the world leader in music streaming. But Joe Rogan’s podcast, exclusive content from the Swedish platform, which has accumulated millions of plays, was number 1 on Spotify in 2021.
“Spotify has become a place for potentially deadly Covid disinformation. Lies sold for money”, strikes Neil Young in his message.
The prolific singer, known for his titles heart of gold and Harvest Moonalso cites a letter from more than 200 doctors and scientists, who recently asked the platform to act after an episode “very controversial” from The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), airing December 31, 2021.
“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.
On Wednesday January 26, 2022 at 11 p.m., his music was still available on the platform, but it should be removed in the coming hours, according to The Wall Street Journal.
“We have deleted more than 20,000 Covid-related podcast episodes since the start of the pandemic. We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon.” also confirmed a spokesperson for the platform, quoted by several American media.
The popular Joe Rogan, whose contract signed with Spotify last year is estimated at $100 million, is accused of discouraging young people from vaccination and pushing the use of an unauthorized treatment, ivermectin, against the virus.
“They can have Rogan or Young. Not both,” said Neil Young, whose latest album, “Barn,” was released in late 2021. The long-lived folk-rock singer said he hoped other artists and record labels would follow suit.