Spotify ‘regrets’ Neil Young’s decision to remove tracks over COVID misinformation on Joe Rogan’s podcast | Ents & Arts News

Spotify has said it “regrets” a decision by Neil Young to remove his tracks from the platform over the spread of COVID misinformation.

The “Heart of Gold” singer made the decision after objecting to his songs being played on the same platform that offers Joe Rogan’s podcast, which has been known to air vaccine-sceptical views.

“Spotify has become the home of life-threatening COVID misinformation,” Young said on his website. “Lies being sold for money.”

The streaming giant said it tried to achieve balance and had removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID since the start of the pandemic.

“We want all the world’s music and audio content to be available to Spotify users,” the company said in a statement.

“With that comes great responsibility in balancing both safety for listeners and freedom for creators.”

It added: “We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon.”

The Joe Rogan Experience podcast was acquired by Spotify in 2020, reportedly for more than $100 million (£77m).

Since then, it has grown to be the top-rated podcast on the platform.

The stand-up comedian has stirred controversy with his views on the pandemic, government mandates and COVID-19 vaccines.

Earlier this month, 270 scientists and medical professionals signed a letter urging Spotify to take action against Rogan,
accusing him of spreading falsehoods on the podcast.