Will Neil Young or Joni Mitchell Appear on the Joe Rogan Podcast?

Legendary musicians Neil Young and Joni Mitchell took a stand against Spotify back in 2022 by removing their catalogs from the platform. They accused Spotify of enabling the spread of COVID-19 misinformation via Joe Rogan’s popular yet controversial podcast. However, given their public condemnation of Rogan, what are the actual odds of either icon ever appearing as a guest on his show?

The Genesis of the Protest

This saga began in 2020 when Spotify paid over $100 million for exclusive rights to The Joe Rogan Experience podcast. Rogan’s history of inappropriate comments immediately drew backlash. But Spotify pressed on, eager to lock down Rogan’s immense audience.

As the pandemic emerged, Rogan increasingly used his show to promote unproven COVID cures like ivermectin and give airtime to anti-vaxxer guests. His December interview with Dr. Robert Malone, who compared pandemic policies to the Holocaust, became a flashpoint.

While social media platforms added warning labels to COVID misinformation, Spotify clung to a vague policy. They claimed to be just a hosting service, despite paying Rogan’s salary.

Doctors Demand Action

By January 2022, over 200 healthcare professionals had signed an open letter urging Spotify to moderate misinformation. Rogan’s content had likely contributed to avoidable deaths, they argued.

This letter spurred Neil Young to action. He posted an ultimatum: either remove his music or drop Rogan. Young accused Spotify of “spreading fake information about vaccines.”

Spotify chose Rogan. So, Young pulled his catalog, forfeiting 60% of his streaming revenue. “Misinformation about COVID is over the line,” he stated.

Joni Mitchell soon followed, linking to the doctors’ letter. She stood in “solidarity” with Young and the scientific community.

What Are the Odds?

Rogan reaches millions, so Spotify was loath to let him go. But the boycott did have an impact. Other musicians like Nils Lofgren exited, while Prince Harry and Meghan Markle expressed “concerns.”

Still, despite accusing Rogan of life-threatening disinformation, might profit or publicity tempt Mitchell or Young onto his show? Stranger things have transpired between feuding celebrities.

Given their uncompromising positions, Mitchell and Young appearing on Rogan by 2024 seems improbable. Betentodds.com at 6 are predicting odds of 16.67%.

Arguments For Appearing

• Opportunity to directly counter Rogan’s narratives
• Chance to promote their music to new demographics
• Curiosity around high-profile feud

Arguments Against

• Granting legitimacy to Rogan’s views
• Abandoning principled stand against misinformation
• Rewarding Spotify’s actions by generating buzz

A Predictable Outcome

In truth, neither icon ever appearing on The Joe Rogan Experience seems the likely outcome. They have directly implicated Rogan in spreading health misinformation during a deadly pandemic.

Sharing his platform would signal acceptance and approval of practices they find unethical. It would also undermine the sacrifice of leaving Spotify behind.

Finally, their musical legacies need no boost from Rogan’s audience. They have taken a stand based on ideals rather than commercial incentives.

The Final Verdict

While surprises can always happen, the odds remain low.

Neil Young and Joni Mitchell have drawn their line in the sand. They have denounced Spotify’s role in propagating COVID falsehoods that cost lives.

Therefore, expect them to stand firm rather than become podcast guests. Their convictions outweigh any potential upside of engaging with Rogan.

This principled rebellion has highlighted important debates about tech platforms’ accountability. And the odds suggest Mitchell and Young will stick resolutely to their beliefs over podcast publicity.