Joni Mitchell says she is standing “in solidarity” with Neil Young by removing her music from Spotify following controversy over the spread of coronavirus misinformation.
However, Barry Manilow has shut down rumours that he will be removing his music from Spotify, following the decision to do so by fellow artist Neil Young.
Mitchell said: "I’ve decided to remove all my music from Spotify,” the Grammy award-winning singer said in a statement on her website.
“Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives.
“I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.”
Manilow said he did not know where reports he will be removing his music from Spotify, had come from, but they had not come from himself or his representatives.
Speculation that Manilow would follow suit appeared on social media.
But writing on Twitter the US singer said: “I recently heard a rumor about me and Spotify.
“I don’t know where it started, but it didn’t start with me or anyone who represents me.”
Young reportedly requested his content be removed from Spotify due to its hosting of the Joe Rogan podcast, which has been known to air vaccine-sceptical views.
Mitchell said online that she stood “in solidarity” with Young and the medical communities against “irresponsible people” who were spreading lies on the platform and “costing people their lives”.
Young reportedly requested his content be removed from Spotify due to its hosting of the Joe Rogan podcast, which has been known to air vaccine-sceptical views.
The streaming giant said it “regretted” Young’s decision and hoped to welcome him back soon.
But a Twitter post from the Neil Young Archives on Friday said: “All folks looking for my music can easily head to AMAZON MUSIC…all new listeners will get four months free.
It added: “Amazon has been leading the pack in bringing Hi-Res audio to the masses, and it’s a great place to enjoy my entire catalogue in the highest quality available.
“Love earth, be well. Neil.”
Following Young’s reported concerns, Spotify said it aimed to balance “both safety for listeners and freedom for creators” and had removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to Covid since the start of the pandemic.
It acquired The Joe Rogan Experience podcast in 2020, reportedly for more than 100 million dollars (£77m).
Stand-up comedian Rogan, 54, has previously attracted controversy for suggesting the young and healthy should not get vaccinated.
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