Twitter reacts to #CancelSpotify trend over Rogan, Young turmoil

UFC commentator and podcast host Joe Rogan and streaming platform Spotify were targeted in a trending hashtag, #CancelSpotify, on Twitter. This comes following recording artist Neil Young's decision to have his catalogue removed from the music streaming service Spotify.

Joe Rogan has received plenty of criticism over his controversial and divisive comments; however, he is currently under fire for spreading misinformation on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. While many have called out the host over his polarising comments, Grammy Award recording artist Neil Young has been particularly outspoken over Rogan's claims.

Spotify chose Rogan over Young

In a deleted letter on his website, Young addressed his management team, record label and Spotify to have his entire catalogue taken down on Spotify. While the streaming platform respected Young's wishes, the recording artist stated that his reasoning was founded on Rogan's agenda of propelling "life-threatening COVID misinformation" on his show.

"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," Young wrote. "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."

Young's motivations were backed by an open letter sent to the platform, signed by medical and scientific community members. While Young received support from his record label, he also saw support from thousands of fans who had promptly cancelled their Spotify subscriptions.

Can you imagine picking Joe Rogan over Neil Young for anything? Btw, you’re supposed to be a MUSIC service. Talk about selling out. #cancelspotify

— Gregory Horowitz (@GregoryHorowit5) January 26, 2022

"Spotify's stock dropped 9.25 pts today (-5.03%). It'll be interesting to watch the consequence to this company for supporting anti-vaxxer conspiracy theorist Rogan over music legend, environmentalist, humanitarian Neil Young. Spotify chose Joe Rogan over Science," one Twitter user posted.

Many Twitter users were left shocked over Spotify's decision to choose Rogan over Young, prompting criticism over the streaming service support "spreading misinformation". Others have promptly mocked Young's supporters using the same hashtag, #CancelSpotify, stating that they'll continue to stream music from the platform.

While Neil Young's catalogue may no longer be available on the music streaming platform, another streaming platform, Apple Music, supported the recording artist.

The streaming service promoted several of Young's works and curated playlists that music fans can stream on Apple Music in a single post on Twitter.

The home of Neil Young.

Listen to his entire catalog on Apple Music: https://t.co/sUGtz4JbB9pic.twitter.com/YgRMygUqhi

— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) January 28, 2022

This recent Spotify debate has divided its listeners as many remain with the platform, while others have found alternatives. As Spotify continue to lose subscribers, it remains to be seen whether other artists will follow suit or until Spotify clarifies the issue.

• Read more: Daequan blames himself for NRG Thoom House failure

Featured image courtesy of Spotify & YouTube / PowerfulJRE.