Music Icons Neil Young and Joni Mitchell Return to Spotify After Protest
Legendary musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have returned their catalogs to Spotify after a notable absence. The duo had previously pulled their music from the streaming giant in early 2022, citing concerns over misinformation related to COVID-19 being spread on the platform.
Neil Young, known for his influential music and activism, initially removed his music in protest against the platform’s hosting of Joe Rogan’s podcast, “The Joe Rogan Experience.” Young accused the podcast of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines and demanded Spotify to make a choice—his music or Rogan’s podcast. His bold move was a statement against what he perceived as life-threatening misinformation reaching the music-loving public. Young’s initial stance was clear: "Spotify, the home of life-threatening Covid misinformation. Selling lies for money … They can have Rogan or Young. Not Both”
Joni Mitchell, another towering figure in the music world, joined Young’s protest shortly after, removing her catalog from Spotify. She expressed her stance clearly, stating, “Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives.” Mitchell’s solidarity with Young and the global scientific and medical communities underscored the seriousness of the issue.
The return of both artists to Spotify comes after the platform’s exclusivity deal with Rogan’s podcast ended, allowing it to be streamed on multiple platforms. While there has been no official statement from Mitchell regarding her return, Young clarified that his decision to bring his music back was not an endorsement of Spotify’s policies but a recognition that other major streaming services had also begun presenting Rogan’s podcast.
Despite their return, the underlying issues that prompted their initial departure remain a topic of discussion. Young has continued to advocate for improved sound quality on Spotify, suggesting the addition of a limited Hi Res option to enhance the listening experience for audiophiles.
While facing criticism for various controversial statements, some of Joe Rogan’s assertions have garnered consideration over time. A notable trend is the hesitancy among young individuals to receive the vaccine amid increasing reports of myocarditis, particularly in younger populations. Concurrently, the CDC has shifted its approach to managing COVID-19, now advocating for strategies akin to those used for influenza. Additionally, a surge in legal actions seeking redress for vaccine-related injuries has sparked debate, highlighting concerns over the adequacy of testing for long-term effects. These developments reflect a subset of the broader discourse that has emerged in the pandemic’s wake.