Spotify to remove Neil Young's music after complaint over Joe Rogan

Neil Young's music is being removed fromSpotify's streaming service after the singer-songwriterobjected to his songs playing on the same platform that offersJoe Rogan's podcast, the company and the musician said onWednesday.

Earlier this week, Young had released a letter addressed to his manager and record label, Warner Music Group, demanding that Spotify no longer carry his musicbecause he said Rogan spreads misinformation about COVID-19vaccines.

On Wednesday, the Canadian-born singer, known for iconic anthems such asHeart of Goldand Rockin' In the FreeWorld,thanked his record label for "standing with me inmy decision to pull all my music from Spotify," and heencouraged other musicians to do the same.

"Spotify has become the home of life-threatening COVIDmisinformation," he said on his website. "Lies being sold formoney."

WATCH | Neil Young gives Spotify an ultimatum my music or Joe Rogan:

Neil Young gives Spotify an ultimatum: my music or Joe Rogan

3 years ago

Duration 2:03

Outspoken singer-songwriter Neil Young has given Spotify an ultimatum between streaming his music or continuing to distribute the Joe Rogan Experience podcast, known for featuring COVID-19 contrarians with confusing and dangerous views.

The Swedish company said it worksto balance "both safetyfor listeners and freedom for creators" and that it hasremoved morethan 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic.

"We regret Neil's decision to remove his music from Spotifybut hope to welcome him back soon," Spotify said in a statement.

Rogan, 54, is the host of The Joe Rogan Experience,thetop-rated podcast on Spotify, which holds exclusive rights tothe program.

He has stirred controversy with his views on the pandemic,government mandates and vaccines to control the spread of COVID-19.

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

Young, 76, said Spotify accounted for 60 per centof the streamingof his music to listeners around the world. The removal is "ahuge loss for my record company to absorb," he said.