Singer Neil Young demands Spotify spreading vaccine misinformation remove his music

Singer Neil Young (left) and famous podcast host Joe Rogan [Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Famous folk rock singer-songwriter Neil Young (76) has expressed his intention to remove all his music from the world's largest music streaming site, Spotify. He has taken a stand against Spotify, accusing the platform of spreading false information related to the COVID-19 vaccine.

According to CNN and other outlets on the 24th (local time), Young posted on his website that he told his manager and record label, "Please inform them today that I want all my music removed from Spotify immediately." Young initially posted this message on his website but later deleted it; however, it became public after media outlets such as Rolling Stone and CNN reported on it.

In the original post, Young wrote, "Spotify is spreading false information about vaccines. People who believe this misinformation they spread have the potential to die," adding, "They (Spotify) can have either Logan or Young. Not both."

The "Logan" Young referred to is comedian-turned-popular podcast host Joe Rogan. Rogan's podcast, "The Joe Rogan Experience," has topped Apple's podcast charts and gained immense popularity. In 2020, he signed a deal with Spotify reportedly worth $100 million (approximately 119.7 billion KRW), and since January last year, he has been exclusively hosting his podcast on Spotify.

Young's objection appears to be related to Rogan's controversial statements on his show, which have included false claims and inaccurate remarks about COVID-19 and its vaccines. Recently, over 270 scientists, doctors, and nurses sent a letter of protest to Spotify urging action regarding Rogan's content.

Young's manager, Francis Gironde, stated that Young is very upset about the misinformation and is trying to resolve the issue.