Neil Young says he is returning to Spotify after removing his music from the streaming platform to boycott podcaster Joe Rogan. Young voluntarily removed his music from Spotify in 2022 after Rogan, whose podcast was exclusively on Spotify, had a controversial infectious disease expert on as a guest during the COVID-19 pandemic.
"Spotify, the #1 streamer of low res music in the world - Spotify, where you get less quality than we made, will now be home of my music again," a post on the Neil Young Archives website reads, taking a dig at the service.
In 2022, Rogan interviewed Dr. Robert Malone, who was banned from Twitter for spreading misinformation on COVID-19. Malone had an anti-vaccine and a group of health experts penned a letter to Spotify calling on the platform to remove Rogan after his "highly controversial episode" with the doctor.
The group said Rogan and Malone made claims on the show that have been discredited. Young also spoke up, saying Spotify was complicit in spreading misinformation.
The artist, known for hits like "Harvest Moon" and "Heart of Gold," told the company that it could have his music or Rogan's podcast — "not both."
Neil Young's music was removed from Spotify after he expressed concerns about misinformation on the platform. However, following Joe Rogan's new deal with Spotify, Young has decided to return to the streaming service. Despite Rogan's presence, Young believes in the importance of having his music available on multiple platforms like Apple and Amazon. He hopes Spotify will work on improving sound quality for listeners.
Neil Young's decision to remove his music from Spotify received support from fellow artist Joni Mitchell, who also took a similar stance. Additionally, WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus commended Young for standing against vaccine misinformation, emphasizing the role of individuals and platforms in combating the COVID-19 infodemic.
Following the departure of Young and Mitchell from the platform, Spotify announced that it will include a disclaimer on podcasts discussing COVID-19.
In response, Rogan expressed his approval of the disclaimer, stating, "I'm not seeking to spread misinformation, I'm not looking to stir controversy. I've always approached this podcast as a platform for open conversations."
Rogan also mentioned that he holds no ill will towards Young or Mitchell.
