Two years after pulling his music from Spotify, Neil Young is returning to the popular streaming platform.
What You Need To Know
- Two years after pulling his music from Spotify, Neil Young is returning to the popular streaming platform
- The folk-rock legend announced his plans in a message on his website Tuesday
- Young began his boycott of Spotify in January 2022 over his concerns about the platform allowing the podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” to spread COVID-19 vaccine misinformation
- On Tuesday, Young, 78, wrote that his decision to bring his music back to Spotify “comes as music services Apple and Amazon have started serving the same disinformation podcast features I had opposed at SPOTIFY"
The folk-rock legend announced his plans in a message on his website Tuesday.
Young began his boycott of Spotify in January 2022 over his concerns about the platform allowing the podcast “The Joe Rogan Experience” to spread COVID-19 vaccine misinformation.
“I am doing this because SPOTIFY is spreading false information about vaccines - potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them,” Young wrote in a letter to his management company and Warner Music Group at the time.
But the “Heart of Gold” singer has now had a change of heart.
On Tuesday, Young, 78, wrote that his decision to bring his music back to Spotify “comes as music services Apple and Amazon have started serving the same disinformation podcast features I had opposed at SPOTIFY. I cannot just leave Apple and Amazon, like I did Spotify, because my music would have very little streaming outlet to music lovers at all, so I have returned to Spotify.”
Spotify announced last month it reached a new multiyear agreement with Rogan that ends the streaming service’s exclusive rights to the podcast. The Wall Street Journal reported the deal is worth up to $250 million.
After Young withdrew his music from Spotify, Rogan apologized to anyone who was offended by his podcast’s coverage of COVID-19 vaccines, including Young. Rogan defended having guests on his podcast who “have an opinion that is different from the mainstream narrative” but promised to conduct more research before shows and invite guests who offer a counterview to his more controversial guests.
Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash and India Arie followed Young in boycotting Spotify, and 270 doctors, health care workers and public health experts sent a letter to the company calling on it to set a misinformation policy, citing “misleading and false claims” made on Rogan’s podcast. The company responded to the criticism by adding content advisories to podcasts that discussed COVID-19.
Spotify did not immediately respond to an email Wednesday from Spectrum News seeking comment about Young’s return.
As of Wednesday morning, Young’s albums did not yet appear on Spotify.
Young announced last month his band Crazy Horse will release a new album in April and go on a national tour.
FAQs
Neil Young Ends 2-Year Boycott With Spotify Over Joe Rogan Podcast. Neil Young's music catalog has returned to Spotify, marking the end of the musician's two-year feud with the streaming service.
Who are the artists boycotting Spotify? ›
Neil Young and Joni Mitchell had pulled their extensive back catalogues from Spotify after the influential podcaster Joe Rogan spread vaccine misinformation on the streaming platform.
When did Neil Young put his stuff back on Spotify? ›
More Stories by Chris. Neil Young is bringing his music back to Spotify more than two years after requesting its removal from the platform, the singer-songwriter announced Tuesday (March 12).
Why is Joni Mitchell back on Spotify? ›
The return of Mitchell's music to Spotify follows the iconic artist's performance of Both Sides Now at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards with musicians Brandi Carlile, Allison Russell, Lucius, Jacob Collier, Blake Mills and SistaStrings. Mitchell also won a Grammy for Best Folk Album for Joni Mitchell At Newport [Live].
What did Neil Young make on Spotify? ›
The 78-year-old musician, who maintains nearly 6.9 million monthly listeners on Spotify, is raking in roughly $170,000 each month on streaming profits alone, we're told.
Why did Taylor Swift leave Spotify? ›
In November 2014, Taylor Swift spoke out about the affair. She explained that she had decided to do without Spotify to protest against a streaming system that doesn't pay artists what they're worth and almost makes art seem like something that can be systematically consumed for free.
Why is Spotify getting boycotted? ›
Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash and India Arie followed Young in boycotting Spotify, and 270 doctors, health care workers and public health experts sent a letter to the company calling on it to set a misinformation policy, citing “misleading and false claims” made on Rogan's podcast.
Will Neil Young ever return to Spotify? ›
Musician Neil Young has said his music will return to streaming giant Spotify, more than two years after pulling his catalogue over alleged vaccine disinformation.
Will Garth Brooks ever be on Spotify? ›
Garth Brooks' decision to forego Spotify and Apple Music is a testament to his commitment to musical integrity and a quality-first approach. In an industry often criticized for commodifying art, Brooks stands out as a beacon for those who prioritize the essence of their creative output.
Is Neil Young going to tour in 2024? ›
Neil Young and Crazy Horse have announced their 2024 “Love Earth Tour” taking place beginning in April with dates across the US and Canada.
In 2021, Mitchell's recording catalog earned $373,000 from Spotify revenues, Billboard estimates. That's 12% of her total $3.23 million in label revenue for sales and streams.
What is Joni Mitchell's net worth? ›
As per reports, Joni Mitchell has a net worth of $150 million.
Who returned to Spotify? ›
The singer's return came days after Neil Young, who previously pulled his music in 2022, returned to the audio giant as well.
How rich is Neil Young? ›
Neil Young Net Worth
| Neil Young Net Worth | $200 Million |
|---|
| Date of Birth | Nov 12, 1945 |
| Place of Birth | Toronto |
| Nationality | Canadian |
| Profession | Musician, Songwriter, Film director, Actor, Film Producer, Film Score Composer, Screenwriter, Record producer, Activist |
Mar 24, 2024
Who are the last major artists not on Spotify?
- Garth Brooks (he had an exclusive deal with Amazon)
- De La Soul (sample clearance issues) UPDATE: De La Soul's early albums premiered on Spotify on March 3, 2023.
- Joni Mitchell.
- Joanna Newsom.
- Lostprophets (the UK has their first three albums)
TIDAL HiFi Plus offers high-fidelity audio, whereas Spotify does not, or at least won't until Spotify HiFi comes to fruition. Still, TIDAL HiFi Plus is more expensive than Spotify Premium. TIDAL HiFi, on the other hand, costs just as much as Spotify and offers lossless playback, making it a strong alternative.
Who is protesting Spotify? ›
Joni Mitchell subsequently removed her music in support of Young. Other artists and podcasters, such as Nils Lofgren, Brené Brown and Crosby, Stills, & Nash, also announced a boycott of Spotify.
Who is boycotting Spotify because of Joe Rogan? ›
Young said Spotify "will now be home of my music again." Lara Spencer reports the buzziest stories of the day in “GMA” Pop News.
What artist took their music off Spotify? ›
Every artist that has withdrawn or protested Spotify:
Joni Mitchell - the "River" singer was one of the first to pull her music in solidarity with Young. Crosby, Stills & Nash: David Crosby and Stephen Stills both asked that all music by iterations of their supergroup be removed in support of Young.
Who is pulling from Spotify? ›
Musicians Vs. Spotify: Artists Who Have Joined Neil Young in Removing Their Music. Joni Mitchell, Graham Nash, Failure and Nils Lofgren are among those who've left.
