James Blunt jokes about Spotify protest, threatens to release new music

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James Blunt has jokingly threatened to release new music if Spotify doesn’t remove Joe Rogan’s controversial podcast.

After Neil Young and Joni Mitchell demanded their tracks are taken off the streaming service due to their objections to podcaster Rogan spreading false information regarding the coronavirus vaccine, James, 47, quipped he will do the opposite and release more music in protest.

He tweeted: “‘If @Spotify doesn’t immediately remove @JoeRogan, I will release new music onto the platform. #youwerebeautiful.”

This comes after Neil had his music removed from Spotify as he expressed frustration that the service was “spreading fake information about vaccines.”

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In a request to the company, the 76-year-old singer said: “I want you to let Spotify know immediately TODAY that I want all my music off their platform. They can have (Joe) Rogan or Young. Not both.

“I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about vaccines – potentially causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them. Please act on this immediately today and keep me informed of the time schedule.”

The streaming service later responded: “We want all the world’s music and audio content to be available to Spotify users. With that comes great responsibility in balancing both safety for listeners and freedom for creators. We have detailed content policies in place and we’ve removed over 20,000 podcast episodes related to COVID since the start of the pandemic. We regret Neil’s decision to remove his music from Spotify, but hope to welcome him back soon.”

In a note on her official website titled I Stand With Neil Young!, Joni, 78, added: “I’ve decided to remove all my music from Spotify. 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.”