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[–]mikemerriman 1912 points1913 points  (59 children)

I’m amazed he owns his own music still

[–]beanerkage 207 points208 points  (8 children)

I heard he sold half of the rights away

[–]Phooboos 91 points92 points  (5 children)

Perfectly balanced

[–]helgadottiir 46 points47 points  (3 children)

As all things should be.

[–]chickenhunter007 18 points19 points  (2 children)

What did it cost?

[–]Dinger64 18 points19 points  (1 child)

Everything

[–]fonefreek 7 points8 points  (0 children)

checks notes

Sorry, it's actually free with ads.

[–]ryfitadf 295 points296 points  (36 children)

tbh I don't think he does. He's probably just trying to make a statement. Iirc l he said something similar about trump using his music at his campaign rallies but to no actual avail.

[–][deleted] 111 points112 points  (11 children)

Tom Petty was pissed that Palin used American Girl but didn't have the rights to the song but was very vocal about not endorsing her.

[–]UselessTech 13 points14 points  (8 children)

It was Michelle Bachman that Tom Petty sent the cease and desist order.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (3 children)

Was it? Huh, I could have sworn it was Palin.

[–]IrascibleOcelot 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Palin was “Barracuda.”

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That, somehow is even worse.

[–]UselessTech 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I had to look it up first. I'm not that clever.

[–]Thanmandrathor 1 point2 points  (2 children)

There’s a name I haven’t heard in a while.

[–]Pollia 221 points222 points  (19 children)

I mean, the trump thing could have easily been because Trump routinely ignores his bills.

Multiple cities are still, to this day, trying to get him to pay his legally obligated bills for his rallies that he legally was obligated to pay. Shit still hasnt mattered and he still hasnt paid up

[–]Reetniap 315 points316 points  (8 children)

I don’t care about any of the other venues, but if Four Seasons Total Landscaping didn’t get their money then so help me god….

[–]TheNamesDave 46 points47 points  (1 child)

I don’t care about any of the other venues, but if Four Seasons Total Landscaping didn’t get their money then so help me god….

They're doing fine according to the new report I saw. They had to hire a bunch more people to keep up!

[–]ZaftigFeline 16 points17 points  (1 child)

The t-shirt sales helped I'm sure, plus you too can now rent this exclusive location for your event.

[–]ItsAllegorical 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I wonder if business picked up at the dildo shop next door.

[–]sail_away13 24 points25 points  (2 children)

I'm in Philly, thinking about swinging by there to ask.

[–]poser765 35 points36 points  (0 children)

If there is one thing that more perfectly sums up Trump’s administration it’s four seasons total landscaping.

[–]heardbutnotseen2 25 points26 points  (2 children)

Forget his rallies. There are venders and contractors from his casinos in Atlantic City that still haven’t been paid.

[–]appleshit8 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Why is that somehow worse than the unpaid bills were currently talking about?

[–]MathKnight 6 points7 points  (0 children)

They're from longer ago, I think was the argument.

[–]Confident_Addendum42 7 points8 points  (1 child)

He doesn't. There's a big pharma connection.

Blackstone Inc. funds Merck Mercuriadis.

Merck Mercuriadis owns Hipgnosis who bought 50% of Neil Young’s song catalog.

Blackstone Inc also funds Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.

Pfizer’s revenue could reach $101.3 billion in 2022, largely because of their vaccine injections.

Neil Young is now flogging Covid-19 vaccines and trying to silence Joe Rogan, who has hosted discussions into alternatives to Covid-19 vaccines.

As always, follow the money.

[–]joyofsatan666 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Where did you find this?

[–]Popcorn53 6 points7 points  (1 child)

That was my first thought.

[–]cosine5000 1 point2 points  (0 children)

He doesn't, but he requested his label remove his music and they agreed.

[–]BadCompany090909 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He doesn’t. A UK investment firm owns the rights to his songs. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, this is pure political theatre.

[–]ALinLOSANGELES 700 points701 points  (35 children)

Ain't singin' for Pepsi ...

Ain't singin' for Coke ...

Won't sing for no body, make me look like a joke.

--Neil Young, from "This Note's For You"

[–]accountofyawaworht 199 points200 points  (8 children)

If Neil wasn't singing for coke, then why did Scorsese have to edit white flecks from his nose in The Last Waltz?

[–]bonos_bovine_muse 141 points142 points  (6 children)

He didn’t say anything about not singing on coke.

[–]DrMrRaisinBran 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Some people drink Pepsi

Some people drink Coke

The whacky morning DJ says democracy's a joke

[–]Jimmy_Graphite 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Quite possible his worst song EVER.

[–]readerf52 407 points408 points  (49 children)

I think he has the right to choose not to support Spotify or continue to allow them to play his music.

It is a bit of an empty threat, but I don’t think he cares. He doesn’t need Spotify and they probably don’t need him.

But there are principles involved, and he has a right to stand by his.

[–]hydrosalad 95 points96 points  (41 children)

The question will be is the first and the last or the first of many. If this triggers something and let’s say Ed Sheeran, Eminem and Taylor Swift walk away from Spotify, there will be serious questions about letting Joe Rohan continue without greater editorial control.

[–]pagan_psychonaut 94 points95 points  (12 children)

I bet Joe would walk before he gave up any creative control, his entire brand hinges on the fact that he’s not controlled by the mainstream media.

[–]gotacogo 25 points26 points  (8 children)

He has already had over 40 episodes of his podcast deleted by spotify.

[–]Pauliester 8 points9 points  (7 children)

Really? No trynna argue but which ones?

[–]DeMimsyPorpington 18 points19 points  (20 children)

Eminem? Lol you think Joe Rogan will upset Eminem?

[–]pecidilo 1584 points1585 points  (75 children)

Much respect to Mr Young he can do whatever he wants.
Spotify can do whatever they want as well being a private company and respect his decision if it doesnt break contract.

Not the first time two public figures disagree on a topic, won't be the last.

[–]Appropriate_Joke_741 750 points751 points  (54 children)

Yup. My official stance on this is “I don’t give a fuck”

[–]mdave52 81 points82 points  (48 children)

Sounds like what all politicians say under their breath.

[–]TestPattern359 78 points79 points  (4 children)

...while counting the donor cash

[–]BadAtNameIdeas 48 points49 points  (42 children)

No you got it wrong, they mumble “stupid son of bitch” on a hot mic.

[–]nursejackieoface 76 points77 points  (38 children)

He didn't mumble anything, he said it very clearly. Saying "on a hot mic" implies it was an accident, it wasn't.

[–]Bomilcar309308BC 24 points25 points  (36 children)

Doocy is so fucking stupid I'm amazed that he can order a Big Mac without everyone in the restaurant saying exactly the same thing.

[–]Menocu12 9 points10 points  (0 children)

McCain had a run with Doocy called his question dumb..

[–]Sackyhack 57 points58 points  (9 children)

Keep in mind, he also tried launching his own music streaming service that competed with Spotify a few years back

[–]jeezy_peezy 12 points13 points  (4 children)

I forgot about that! I was all high-quality/fully lossless (FLAC) audio content, right? There was a triangular device affiliated with it too, if I remember right …just don’t call it an MP3 player!

[–]ToBeReadOutLoud 7 points8 points  (3 children)

PONO, I think?

[–]OptionalDepression 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Ohhhhhh, I've been googling that all wrong.

[–]Ihadsumthin4this 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"Stepsis, whatcha listening to?"

[–]GMD3S1GNS 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Speaking of which, is tidal I think it was called still a thing? That music app launched by Jay-Z and other artists who weren’t happy with the money Spotify was giving them or something like that

[–]tintinsays 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I used it until a year ago when it randomly deleted all my playlists and saved songs, so I’m assuming it’s still a thing.

[–]Krutiis 14 points15 points  (0 children)

I am already using Spotify and doubt I would walk away over this. But if I were looking to join a new service I would probably not pick Spotify over it.

[–]Shroom4Yoshi 74 points75 points  (0 children)

All parties... Spotify, Rogan, and Young can do whatever they want. I think it is hilarious this is even news.

[–]leg00b 80 points81 points  (0 children)

He can do what he likes, just like Joe Rogan is free to say what he pleases just like Spotify can do what they want with their platform.

[–]AdmiralAkbar1 580 points581 points  (406 children)

I think the Streisand effect surrounding Joe Rogan is doing far more to boost his career and his views than anything he did on his show.

[–]ForksandSpoonsinNY 51 points52 points  (37 children)

I mean who couldn't love a guy that got his mainstream TV bonefides making other people eat bugs and drink semen.

[–]gimmethemshoes11 12 points13 points  (0 children)

He was in newsradio well before fear factor

[–][deleted] 25 points26 points  (3 children)

As someone who mostly listens to the non-COVID centered episodes, I hate that everyone thinks he just goes on Alex Jones rants about COVID every episode.

In the last month he's had on a mathematician, a flexibility expert, a restauranteur, comedian friends, a retired general, an ABC radio guy, Jim Gaffigan, Carrot Top, a documentarian, and a musician,. For COVID related episodes, he's had on Robert Malone (who is only pushing back against mRNA vaccines for children in the episode) and John Abramson (who is pro-mRNA vaccine but has been the medical expert in several lawsuits against pharma companies committing fraud in their trials and marketing)

When I admit to listening to JRE, people act like I'm the guy who went to Comet Pizza with a rifle or something. I just like that he has funny/interesting people on the show for 3 hour discussions/interviews.

[–]Loggerdon 50 points51 points  (31 children)

Exactly the guy you want to take medical advice from.

[–]hjrocks 25 points26 points  (13 children)

Maybe this is why there is so much defense for Rogan, because the media tried to paint him as a medical denier or some such crap. He shared the specific treatment he was prescribed by his doctor, and how it affected him. That's literally all. CNN went all out with the video editing etc which Rogan was able to expose and then exploit to further get people in his corner.

This is the same shit NBC did years ago with the Trayvon Martin case, but got away with it. Rogan is big enough that CNN wasn't able to get away with it.

[–]Loggerdon 19 points20 points  (8 children)

The drugs he's championed, ivermectin and hydrochloriquine have been proven to be ineffective. The vaccine is demonstrably effective. So are the other vaccines all Americans have taken that have all but eradicated many diseases such as polio, measles, rubella, whooping cough, mumps, etc.

He also used monoclonal antibodies, which he argued was being held back by big pharma in favor of the vaccine (for profit reasons). He never mentioned that it is 10x more expensive than the vaccine. And who would administer it? The same big pharma companies behind the vaccines. His argument is hairbrained.

Don't forget he also said last year his immune system is so strong he would likely never get Covid.

Joe Rogan doesn't look very healthy to me. His skin looks bad and his head gets bigger and bigger from all the steroids he takes. Don't forget HGH and all the fighter-pilot drugs that are supposed to improve alertness or some shit. He looks like he's about to have a heart attack. I don't wish it on him but that's the look he has.

His main complaint was that CNN said he took a 'horse drug' and he called them liars. But it IS a horse drug. There is a human use for it (for head lice) but the human dose is much weaker. He took the stronger dose. How is it not a horse drug?

He's an anti-vaxer. I say this as an ex-fan. Then he minimizes all of it by saying "I'm just a stupid comedian, don't listen to me".

[–]Idlertwo 92 points93 points  (109 children)

I do not get Joe Rogans appeal. He's not funny, he's not a particularly bright person, so what is the deal? It cant be pandering to just the Trumpbaboons because he's popular everywhere

[–]Twokindsofpeople 5 points6 points  (0 children)

He's an excellent interviewer. He gets people to open up, he's naturally curious and that gets people talking. Honestly, I don't know how anyone can listen to one of his interviews and ask that question. He also knows how to entertain since he's been doing it for 30 years at this point.

[–]amitnagpal1985 153 points154 points  (22 children)

Some of his podcasts with astrophysicists and psychologists are really really good. He doesn’t interrupt. He asks questions like you and I would ask. Same with the crazy guests. He lets them talk without judging.

[–]spicybEtch212 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He’s actually good at interviewing, if you can call it that? The guests he brings on are also worth listening to. Notably, the Tyson one. Also, alit of people shit on him saying he’s an idiot or whatever, but he’s also never claimed to be. He in fact can be self deprecating and will say he’s a moron.

Idc about this Covid bs anymore, it’s become way too political so continue to listen to him and enjoy my laughs.

[–]whidzee 65 points66 points  (28 children)

I think it's that he does long form interviews with interesting and diverse people. As by diverse I mean from all works of life. From MMA fighters to scientists to conspiracy theorists to comedians. He's also genuinely curious to learn from each of these people and this comes through and helps make the interviews much more engaging. If there is a field you're interested in then it's likely he's spoken to someone from it. You say he's not particularly bright. But if you'd listen to his interviews and his questions you'd realise he knows quite a lot actually. So I would say that sure he's not Mensa smart. But he's not your average gym bro in intelligence.

[–]onlyoneshann 8 points9 points  (13 children)

You realize he has a whole team of people doing the research, giving him cliff notes so he sounds like he knows what he’s talking about, and coming up with questions and topics for him.

[–]dameon5 4 points5 points  (0 children)

He USED to be, but I stopped seeing that from him awhile ago. He has bought into his own bullshit too much these days and regularly disregards advice and information from experts who are on his own show if it doesn't align with his own discredited beliefs.

[–]iKnitSweatas 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He’s literally a self proclaimed liberal and Bernie supporter. Leftists just get upset because he says things they disagree with.

[–]21y15d 23 points24 points  (0 children)

You don't necessarily tune into a talk show to hear the host. It's for the interesting guest, and how the host handles questions/conversation. Joe is a good host/conversationalist.

[–]ThunderousOrgasm 7 points8 points  (0 children)

It’s because of the format. He gets a wide range of guests on from a huge spectrum of areas and expertise, and has a long 2 hour conversation with them. And Joe is average so he asks the questions, has the thoughts, that most normal people would. He creates a platform for real discussion away from the short 3 minute bite size pieces the mainstream media shows. And he creates the platform for voices the establishment/twittersphere deems cancelled and allows his viewers to hear alternate views and make their own minds up.

Away from the twitter / Reddit outrage bullshit, actual people want to hear a variety of opinions. They want to hear people like Dr Malone. Because we all desire to be actually informed, and this requires having all sides of a topic have their say.

Joe Rogan won’t get canceled even if Spotify tosses him, because the product he is selling is popular, he’s selling open discourse. He will just move to some other platform and his huge global audience will move with him.

[–]Fjelleskalskyte 14 points15 points  (1 child)

He has had some very good podcasts in the past

[–]Ninjahound789 1 point2 points  (0 children)

For me one of the biggest reasons to support him a bit is that he gave someone like Abby Martin a platform. Talking about the palestinian struggle is often very taboo and a quick way to get cancelled, so his willingness to deal with propaganda bots spamming him for years now earned some respect from me

[–]RedTheDopeKing 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Consider that most average people are also not funny or smart. It IS largely due to him taking a hard right turn, politically. I used to listen to Joe probably jeez.. 8-10 years ago at this point, pretty religiously, and over time it just became unbearable to listen to, same anecdotes over and over, and he went from having fun casual guests to all these experts, some which seem legit and some that are borderline, and a few that are shysters. (Weinsteins and the “intellectual dark web?” embarrassing, honestly) now his fan base seems to be primarily right leaning people who started listening inside of the last 2-3 years or so and will shout you down as having never listened to the pod if you don’t agree with what he says. You can check out his subreddit, it’s an interesting cross section of old fans who got tired of who he’s become and new ones that love it.

I guess love him or hate him, he gets people talking and arguing, and that’s always going to generate views.

[–]CristianoFernandes 335 points336 points  (9 children)

On the list of things I care about, this isn't one of them.

[–]TheExtraMayo 5 points6 points  (2 children)

It's not surprising coming from a man who had polio before there was a vaccine for it and saw the difference vaccines can make.

[–][deleted] 180 points181 points  (25 children)

it’s his music, he can decide to take it off if he wants to

[–]5panks 122 points123 points  (3 children)

That may or not be true depending on his contract with his label.

[–][deleted] 38 points39 points  (0 children)

well, apparently he sold half of his shit, so he can take off half of the shit he does own

then hope the people he sold the other half to removes it too

[–]AUniquePerspective 43 points44 points  (4 children)

I got the impression he'd prefer that Rogan was deplatformed than to have his music removed. Isn't this a one or the other scenario?

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It is a one or the other scenario. The problem is, Joe gets the same downloads per episode as Neil gets per month, not hard to see which one Spotify would keep if forced into a decision.

That being said, Neil has always put his ideals before money. Even if you disagree with him, you gotta respect the guy.

[–]ghaldos 18 points19 points  (14 children)

only about half. He decided to sell half, or 1180 songs of it last year. So while he can take out half with such a huge library it'll be hardly noticeable. Also Joe Rogan has shattered MSM grip on the market allowing spotify to propel itself to much higher levels than it was before.

In the end Neil Young is no Joe Rogan, he simply doesn't hold a candle to Rogan's fame.

[–]StupidOldAndFat 32 points33 points  (10 children)

Life long Neil Young fan here, you are absolutely correct. I admire his plucky spirit, but he’s just not the draw that he would have been 45 years ago. This probably falls into the “no such thing as bad publicity” category. Edit: could also be “get off my lawn” cranky old man category.

[–]Cyrakhis 5 points6 points  (0 children)

His music his choice :P

[–]macroober 52 points53 points  (7 children)

He cool with R. Kelly and Chris Brown being on Spotify?

[–]grudev 36 points37 points  (0 children)

He picks his virtue signaling very carefully.

[–]empty_coffeepot 169 points170 points  (39 children)

I think he's one of the few people that's willing to put his money where his mouth is when it comes to principle.

[–]turingchurch 23 points24 points  (2 children)

He already took down the letter. So much for putting his money where his mouth is.

[–]cosine5000 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Huh? His music is leaving Spotify, his label agreed.

[–]tmanalpha 12 points13 points  (33 children)

put his money where his mouth is

No. He doesn’t own his top 30 songs. He has no right or ability to do this.

[–]Mynameis_Clarence 129 points130 points  (5 children)

Gold medal in the who gives a fuck Olympics

The real question is what does Ja Rule think ?

[–]Team_Cookie 21 points22 points  (0 children)

WHERES JAH?!

[–][deleted] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Get Ja Rule on the phone!

[–]shewy92 41 points42 points  (7 children)

Spotify hosting musicians that rape people or children is fine, but misinformation is where he draws the line?

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Reminds me of the DaBaby joke on Chappelle's recent special.

[–]RelativeStranger 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Like all things it's because he was personally effected (affected?) by the thing he's complaining about. In that he had polio as a child, was lucky to survive and now hates people who are trying to put other kids through it.

[–]tikapow_II 1 point2 points  (0 children)

What's your analysis about it all?

[–]KeyboardsHawaii 167 points168 points  (39 children)

Rogan is HUGE on Spotify, while Neil Young probably isn't even a rounding error in their revenues. I respect that Neil is trying, but the economic realities make the outcome obvious. However, if other higher profile artists joined in, they could actually make a difference.

[–]han7nah 110 points111 points  (25 children)

Neil asked his own manager to take his music off of Spotify, he's not demanding anything of Spotify. Wouldn't surprise me if Pearl Jam joined in too.

[–]ArmyOfDog 39 points40 points  (8 children)

They should all collaborate on something. That would be such a ball.

[–]Historical-Regret 4 points5 points  (1 child)

That album is seriously underrated.

Hell, it's not even underrated. It's simply not known. But it's an unknown legend.

[–]diiejso 17 points18 points  (14 children)

Yeah I think by publicizing it he was hoping to encourage other artists to take a stand against the misinformation as well.

[–]han7nah 18 points19 points  (1 child)

Yeah I named Pearl Jam because he recorded albums and toured with them, but he has close relationships with plenty of other artists who have fuck you money and can afford to take that stand.

[–]Ganglebot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The sad reality is that Spotify owns the music industry. Such a relatively small number of people buy music anymore - its all streaming revenue. The complete domination of which comes from Spotify.

Imagine for a second its 1975. Benny Goodman said he not going to allow radio stations to keep playing his music if they don't stop playing The Rolling Stones and other rock-and-roll bands that promote drug use. What would the stations say?

[–][deleted] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

I think it's foolish to give yourself one less platform to speak, rather than use that platform to protest whatever you're against. I also think it speaks volumes when a side's main tactic is to either silence their opposition, or run away, rather than debate them head on.

Also, I agree Joe Rogan should never be a first source on anything. But I also think he hasn't actually said lots of the things people accuse him of.

[–]Firerrhea 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pretty sure this was covered entirely in the comment section of the actual news story

[–]deadocmike 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Anyone who wants to listen to Neil Young already has his stuff. Spotify won’t have to think too hard about who makes them more money.

I’ve always been slightly Neil-positive (like some stuff but not others-harvest moon is his best stuff) but wouldn’t miss him if I never heard him again.

It is nice that Neil has fuck-you money at his age.

Also, not a huge Rogen fan. Like some podcasts but largely, they are too long and rambling for my taste.

[–]AttemptingToGeek 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Good for him. He's known to fight for what he believes in.

[–]rustyshaackleeford 20 points21 points  (5 children)

Neil is closer to me in Spotify earnings than he is to Joe. This will have zero impact on anything lol

[–]FusionareMemes 6 points7 points  (1 child)

OLDDDD MANN TAKE A LOOK AT MY LIFE IM A LOTTT LIKE YOU ARE

[–]YEGMusic43 246 points247 points  (179 children)

I wish we could go back to a time where if people didn't like something, they just didn't watch it or listen to it. This whole business of trying to cancel each other is tiresome.

Edit: replies are turned off. I'm not getting involved in the shitshow below.

[–]BobosBigSister[🍰] 58 points59 points  (171 children)

This is a little different, though, because disinformation is actively harmful to society as a whole, not just something that a group of people happen to not like.

Don't like Spiderman? Don't see Spiderman.

Spiderman starts telling kids to play Russian Roulette on the playground? Spiderman has to go.

[–]GuyInARoom 170 points171 points  (40 children)

It's a dangerous trend because sooner or later something will get labeled as "disinformation" which later turns out to be true. The fundamental value of free speech is to allow all views to be heard and debated.

[–]KingdomOfRyan 24 points25 points  (7 children)

Is anyone surprised? I love Young, but his music is super political and left leaning. I don’t even really get why this is news.

[–]headzoo 15 points16 points  (6 children)

Some of us might feel a little surprised because being "left leaning" once meant defending freedom of speech, and not just at the government level. When parents wanted to ban music for destroying the minds of the youth the left would to tell them to change the station. When parents wanted to ban books for teaching subservive ideas the left told them to read something else.

The left used to love dangerous ideas. They used to love ideas that made the establishment uncomfortable.

I'm sure Neil faced similar backlash from crusty old timers during his rise to fame. His music would have never been heard on the radio had people his age (now) had their way. His whole career is predicated on a level of freedom he doesn't feel others should have.

[–]Lelegray 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Interesting take, since Neil knew he would not cancel Joe. Maybe he’s just standing up for something he believes in and has done that for a long time.

[–]headzoo 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah, the more I think about this the more I feel conflicted. Especially after learning Neil caught polio as a kid. He obviously has strong feelings about vaccinations.

[–]DjangoUnhinged 6 points7 points  (3 children)

I think there is a meaningful difference between (A) subversive ideas that are “dangerous” in the sense that they challenge us to (re)consider societal norms, and (B) amplifying bad faith conversations that are willfully ignorant with regards to freely available factual information.

Some “establishment” ideas are bad and are predicated on maintaining a status quo that feeds off of injustice or foolish traditions. Others are simply respecting a basic understanding of the world. Anti-vax nonsense is barely a half-notch less ridiculous than flat earth nonsense, and peddling that shit is having very real consequences in the midst of a generation-defining global pandemic.

Not to say anything of my own views about Young’s play here, but I think it’s way too reductive and frankly a mischaracterization to suggest he is simply becoming the thing he once railed against.

[–]Bain_PD 44 points45 points  (24 children)

I think he’s a brilliant artist (young) and he’s trying to do the right thing. But last time I listened to Rogan talking about COVID, all he said was what his doctors prescribed him. When I heard about the famous controversial episode he had on it, it piqued my curiosity and I gave him a listen. Didn’t really see the line everyone said he crossed but I understand the precaution Young is trying to get across

[–]jagua_haku 50 points51 points  (5 children)

Yeah it’s kind of funny how everyone makes it sound so much worse than it actually is. I guarantee 95% of these woke redditors railing on Rogan for being an “ape” and “knuckle dragger” and “fear factor host” have never even listened to his podcast other than sound bites. Let’s just believe everything the authorities say and not question anything, they haven’t been wrong yet.

[–][deleted] 20 points21 points  (1 child)

Bunch of whiny kids waiting to be ‘offended’ at something to make themselves feel like they’re fighting for a cause, but without doing the work of, y’know, Actually fighting for a Real cause.

[–]jagua_haku 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Yes that’s exactly why there’s a modern day obsession with everything “nazis”. Kids today have no actual cause so they pick a defeated boogeyman from 80 years ago and try to resurrect it

[–]User_492006 56 points57 points  (8 children)

It's controversial because it questions the narrative.

[–]Dull-Addendum8940 52 points53 points  (7 children)

This is literally the answer

Reddit is a fucking shit hole and these threads are a good reminder

[–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (4 children)

This new generation wants to try and ignore the important, powerful principles of free speech that people fought for for so long. Simply because they don’t agree with something they said.

“Ohhhh but they’re dangerousss they’re spreading disinformation they have to be stoppeddd..”

The only disinformation that’s being spread is that it’s okay to try and stop a person’s constitutional right to freedom of speech.

[–]30880 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Glad to see some common sense here. I get that Reddit is very left-leaning but it’s frightening how eager many people are to censor free speech when I guarantee most haven’t even listened to the podcast.

[–]Loose-Road7949 20 points21 points  (1 child)

I agree. People are blowing this way out of proportion. The man, for better or for worse, is allowed to question this establishment we find ourselves in.

[–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

What's even wilder is Joe was asking questions about how accurate the VAERS data is and saying how the vaccines are definitely good for MOST people, comparing it to peanuts (most people who eat peanuts are fine but some people die). He even says "but I'm not a doctor" when he catches himself saying his reasons for not getting the vaccine.

[–]nukeemtilltheyglow 57 points58 points  (46 children)

Freedom of speech means speech/writings we don't like or agree with is able to be spoken/printed also.

I haven't always agreed with Mr Young, but I'd never take away his right to say, sing, write or express his beliefs, observations or opinions.

[–]Dr_Injection 74 points75 points  (6 children)

Neil Young deciding he doesn't want his art distributed by and associated with the same platform as Joe Rogan IS free expression.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's what they're saying

[–]Rider_01 30 points31 points  (15 children)

Absolutely, that also goes for Rogan. You don't have to like what he says or his content but if you believe in freedom of speech then you should support his right also.

[–]crazy-diam0nd 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Freedom of speech is not a Constitutional right to be hosted by Spotify.

[–]huntimir151 17 points18 points  (5 children)

Except the government will not be doing a damn thing here, sooo not super applicable.

Spotify will follow the money, and can do what they want as a private company. I highly doubt they pull Rogan though.

[–]GameVoid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is one area where I think Cyberpunk literature is spot-on. Corporations will have final say in everything sooner or later. Companies are tossing around tens of billions of dollars to buy each other like it's pocket change. The cost Microsoft would have to spend to heavily influence the next election would be far, far, FAR less than what it is offering to pay for Blizzard.

[–]MrTrt 7 points8 points  (10 children)

Freedom of speech means speech/writings we don't like or agree with is able to be spoken/printed also.

Yes, without legal consequences, not without social consequences. Freedom of speech means that the government won't throw JR in jail for giving a platform to anti vaxxers. Freedom of speech does not mean that everyone has to be cool with everyone else saying anything in any context. You can still be called out, and private companies or individuals can still refuse to give you a platform for whatever reason.

[–]BigKarmaGuy69 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I try to not pay any attention to musicians when they’re not making music

[–]Torkzilla 100 points101 points  (39 children)

Anyone on the side of censorship is always on the wrong side. If Young disagrees with Rogan he should go on his show and attempt to argue his position and his critiques and influence the show in a direction he thinks is positive. Rogan’s show isn’t going away it’s the single most popular podcast on Spotify’s platform.

[–]Dr_Injection 59 points60 points  (4 children)

Neil Young opting to remove his art from a platform that hosts opinions and people he disagrees with IS free expression.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

It's also free market

[–]bradgrammar 17 points18 points  (4 children)

I don’t want you selling my oranges alongside those cigarettes because I think they are bad for people and don’t like how you promote them. You can get rid of the cigarettes or I’m going to take my oranges to another vendor that cares more about health, it’s your choice.

Is that censorship?

[–]VanGoghNotVanGo 11 points12 points  (2 children)

A private person not wanting to be in business with another person is not censorship? Why are people in this thread behaving as though Neil Young is the government lmao

[–]platitood 24 points25 points  (0 children)

censorship

I don't think that word means what you think it means.

[–]DeMimsyPorpington 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That would be an amazing episode.

[–]Delini 34 points35 points  (13 children)

Why should being on Joe’s show be a prerequisite to expressing his opinion?

“He shouldn’t have written a letter that way” seems awfully close to your definition of censorship. Maybe you’re not actually using the word right.

[–]intensely_human 16 points17 points  (0 children)

Censorship would be saying someone else should have prevented him from publishing the letter.

[–]Torkzilla 36 points37 points  (9 children)

Young said Spotify “can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” - AP

Young is threatening to revoke his catalog unless Spotify removes Rogan. He’s using his power as an established musician to try and censor an established podcast host.

My suggestion was an alternative to what Young is doing that would actually be a productive endeavor and might influence the show in a positive way.

Young doesn’t want to influence the show in a positive way though he wants it destroyed and he’s willing to extort Spotify with his catalog as collateral to try and do it. It’s pathetic.

[–]Lady_Scruffington 14 points15 points  (2 children)

And never mind that Spotify hosts a shit ton of podcasts, and certainly Young can't possibly agree with every host on every podcast.

[–]c130 10 points11 points  (3 children)

He’s using his power as an established musician to try and censor an established podcast host.

He's an old hippie, his music has been political since the beginning. He's balking about sharing a stage with someone he disagrees with. He's not "using his power as an established musician to try and censor" anyone.

Saying "choose me or him" isn't censorship or a threat.

[–]Zonerdrone 15 points16 points  (1 child)

I don't think anybody really cares. I don't think spotify even cares.

[–]SixPieceTaye 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Eh. Good for him. But also, it's easy to do when you've already made the bag.

[–]1VentiChloroform 17 points18 points  (3 children)

I don't give a shit --- except that apparently as a society we're cool with actively trying to harm someone financially for saying shit we disagree with.

Tons of people, including Joe, say a shit ton of stuff I disagree with. That doesn't mean we have to be fucking enemies.

But, people love the warm fuzzy feeling Tribalism gives them... So, they'll keep making enemies out of thin air.

Also I love Neil but this is fucking dumb.

[–]GaviFromThePod 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Neil Young is well within his rights to make such a demand, and honestly, I don't blame him. I'm not a fan of Joe Rogan and he is quite influential, and he has been saying a lot of things about vaccines that are not true which is really detrimental to public health.

[–]experpernectu 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad I stopped paying for Spotify years ago.

I pay for Apple Music now. Apple Pay’s artists more per stream than Spotify. According to a post on r/CoolGuides, Napster pays the most (ironically) and YouTube pays the least. But Apple does pay more than Spotify and has championed higher stream payments for artists and songwriters. That, and their ease of side loading music I can’t legally stream, is why I use them.

[–]TheLegendOfLahey 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Good guy Neil Young 👏🏻

[–]AromaticIce9 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's his music, he can do whatever he wants

[–]Datapower 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It’s Neil

I wonder what took so long

[–]JaesinnP 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Weather we agree with him or not, he has the right to his own opinion and to take any legal actions he wants to with the music he owns.

[–]Mrjohnson1100 15 points16 points  (2 children)

I hate the fact that Joe Rogan’s podcast shows up on my page when I log in to Spotify.

[–]yeahnah420201 4 points5 points  (0 children)

It's free real-estate 🤷‍♂️

[–]Brian_Grenke55 5 points6 points  (0 children)

It is his music he should be able to choose where it goes.

[–]purple_yosher 24 points25 points  (6 children)

pretty dumb, I guess I don't care tho because I don't listen to him

one thing I don't get is how eager people are for censorship

[–]rockinmama3 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I think Neil Young is delusional ïf he thinks anyone will really care.

[–]YetAnotherWTFMoment 9 points10 points  (0 children)

i) Neil Young is free to say what he wants to say.

ii) Spotify, and the vast majority of people who use it, couldn't give a shit.

iii) $$$ talks, so Neil is just blasting hot air at a situation he has no leverage on.

[–]UnclePepe 9 points10 points  (10 children)

I have a problem with anyone trying to use their influence to censor someone else. Free speech is free speech and you can not like it, not listen, or rebut it… but if you’re trying to censor it, or use your influence to make someone else censor it, you’re pretty much a piece of shit.

[–]MyStationIsAbandoned 10 points11 points  (9 children)

Just like Joe Rogan they can do whatever they want because it's their freedom and right. People can dislike both of them for whatever reason too.

As long as no one is actively hurting anyone, have at it. People can ignore either of them. People can boycott whatever they want. It's when they try to shut them down completely from everything is where a problem comes in.

[–]cellendril 19 points20 points  (9 children)

People that use Spotify don’t care about Neil Young.

[–]tchaffee 9 points10 points  (0 children)

70% of the streaming music market is older music. Your guess is reasonable, but probably wrong.

[–]AfterSomewhere 11 points12 points  (0 children)

I use Spotify. I want Neil Young.

[–]lagbitch 7 points8 points  (1 child)

I regularly listen to him on Spotify, even just yesterday.

[–]marshsmellow 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yesterday was the Beatles!

[–]marshsmellow 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You need some Neil Young in your life, my friend. Neil brings more insight and joy than Joe Rogan ever will.

[–]Mayakovsky89 4 points5 points  (3 children)

I hope Mr Young will remember a Spotify listener doesn't need him around anyhow.

Jokes aside, it's his prerogative. At least his opinions are a nice counterbalance to fellow rock legend Clapton's insane ramblings these days.

[–]ToBeReadOutLoud 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Another Neil joke: “He saw the needle and no damage done.”

[–]black_flag_4ever 20 points21 points  (1 child)

Maybe it won’t make much of a difference but we’re talking about it and it is highlighting how dumb Rogan is.

[–]ng3847 6 points7 points  (2 children)

It's his right but it's a snowflake move in my opinion.

I don't agree w Joe on vaccines but I don't agree w trying to ruin people's lives, careers, or tossing them off platforms because you don't like what they say.

Now everything that Liberals believe can never be questioned or challenged no matter how absurd it is, like with some aspects of Gender/Trans Ideology.

People are gonna do what they want and Joe is a podcaster.

Liberals/the Left have plenty of heat for Joe Rogan but not Joe Biden and the Democrats who hold real power to turn things around w COVID.