It came off like he was shouting his irrelevancy from the rooftops. I hope he gained some sense of satisfaction or peace from his, because he won't be gaining much else.
I don't think he expected Spotify to cancel Rogan, I do think he expected to raise awareness of Rogan's dangerous and anti-scientific medical nonsense, and he quite succesfully did that, at his own expense.
The embarrassment is with Spotify, who'd have very likely have cancelled Rogan right away had he been a nobody, an insignificant part of their business, spouting anti-scientific nonsense on their platform. Spotify chose the money. I'd probably have doen the same in Spotify's shoes, but they may at least be embarrassed about it, and Niel Young certainly doesn't. It was a matter of principles that you're downplaying to it ostensibly being a matter of it being a popularity contest.
Spotify did exactly the right thing, not giving into to arbitrary censorship is a principled stance. They should be applauded for that (Though lets not pretend there isn't also a financial motive as well)
I certainly thing Neil Young should be embarrassed. My person opinion of him is now very low.
That's not commendable in my book.
This is absolutely Young pulling an authoritarian "You're not allowed to hear things I don't like" move. There's really no other way to spin it. Disagreement with people is great, to then take the next step and say that others should not get access to the things I do not like.... well that's just a step another rung up the authoritarian/fascist ladder. It's a elitist control freak mindset.
It's so opposite of what his music is supposedly about you have wonder whether he's just been a sellout this whole time.
> When I left Spotify, I felt better. I support free speech. I have never been in favor of censorship. Private companies have the right to choose what they profit from, just as I can choose not to have my music support a platform that disseminates harmful information. I am happy and proud to stand in solidarity with the front line health care workers who risk their lives every day to help others.