corona pandemic
Neil Young threatens streaming giant Spotify with withdrawal
Neil Young performing at the Roskilde Festival. Canadian rock star Neil Young has threatened to boycott the audio platform Spotify for allegedly spreading misinformation about corona vaccines. Photo: Nils Meilvang/SCANPIX DENMARK/dpa
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He or I: Out of anger about false statements about Corona in a podcast by US comedian Joe Rogan, Canadian rock star Neil Young threatens the streaming platform with drastic steps.
Canadian rock star Neil Young has threatened to boycott the audio platform Spotify for allegedly spreading misinformation about corona vaccines.
As the industry journal “Variety” reported, the 76-year-old published an open letter on his website on Monday evening (local time), which was later taken offline again. The music magazine “Rolling Stone”, the music platform “Pitchfork” and the news portal “USA Today” also reported on the letter.
Accordingly, Young wrote that he no longer wanted his music on Spotify and asked his management and his record company to inform the Swedish streaming service immediately. “I’m doing this because Spotify is spreading false information about vaccines – potentially causing the deaths of those who believe the disinformation they’re spreading,” Neil Young was quoted as saying.
According to media reports, the musician’s anger is directed against the podcast by US comedian Joe Rogan, who has been criticized for downplaying the corona virus and spreading conspiracy theories: “You can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” According to Variety, Rogan’s podcast was the most-listened-to podcast worldwide in the past year.
According to a post on his website in March 2021, Neil Young has been vaccinated against the coronavirus and is calling on his fans to do the same.