Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Rogan
“Young’s challenge to Spotify has become a high-profile, if unexpected, flash point in the battle over misinformation and free speech online. It also raised questions about the power of performing artists to control where their work is heard. In a statement posted to his website on Wednesday, Young called Spotify ‘the home of life threatening Covid misinformation.’ He added: ‘Lies being sold for money.'” NYT (Gift Article): Spotify Is Removing Neil Young Songs After He Complains of ‘Misinformation.’ (It’s anyone’s guess why the word misinformation needs to be in quotes. Yes, Young used the word, but it’s not as if there’s some question as to whether Rogan peddles in dangerous misinformation.) Of course, Neil Young’s move wasn’t going to change Spotify’s mind about its $100m investment in Rogan. But what if a few big names, for whom the streaming revenue is a rounding error, also took a stand? You know, like rock and roll style.
+ Young’s statement: “These young people believe Spotify would never present grossly unfactual information. They unfortunately are wrong. I knew I had to try to point that out.” (And of course, he mentioned their weak sound quality because he is, after all, Neil Fu–in’ Young.)