Neil Young sues Trump for $10M over unauthorized use of 'Rockin' in the Free World'; ABA Journal, October 27, 2026

AMANDA ROBERT , ABA Journal; Neil Young sues Trump for $10M over unauthorized use of 'Rockin' in the Free World'

"Legendary musician Neil Young is suing President Donald Trump for $10 million over his use of song “Rockin’ in the Free World” at a midterm election rally in Ohio in early October.

In an Oct. 26 complaint, which was filed in the Eastern District of Virginia, Young alleges that the PAC Trump 47 Committee played his song before Trump took the stage at the rally in Youngstown, Ohio, despite promising not to do so in a settlement six years ago...

“‘Rockin’ in the Free World’ is a blistering anthem that contrasts the hollow promises of American political rhetoric with the harsh realities faced by the poor, homeless and forgotten,” Young said in his complaint, which seeks relief for copyright infringement. “The lyrics paint vivid street-level portraits—a mother discarding her baby, addicts lost in despair, garbage piling in the shadows of prosperity—while the repeated chorus delivers a savage irony, celebrating freedom that clearly isn’t shared by all.”

“In short, the song is the opposite of everything that Donald J. Trump stands for,” Young added."

Joni Mitchell Removes Her Songs From Spotify Over Joe Rogan’s Vaccine Disinfo; The Daily Beast, January 28, 2022

Blake Montgomery, The Daily Beast; Joni Mitchell Removes Her Songs From Spotify Over Joe Rogan’s Vaccine Disinfo

"The move comes after Neil Young, who shares a manager with Mitchell, removed all his music from Spotify for the same reason. Both Young and Mitchell cited an open letter from over 200 doctors decrying disinformation and vaccine hesitancy peddled on The Joe Rogan Experience, the most popular podcast in the world. Spotify inked a $100 million deal with Rogan for exclusive distribution rights to his show.

“They can either have Rogan or Young. Not both,” the “Heart of Gold” singer said. He added that the move would likely be a financially damaging one for both himself and his record label.

Both Young and Mitchell are survivors of polio and staunch proponents of vaccination science."

Joni Mitchell joins Neil Young, ditches Spotify: 'Irresponsible people are spreading lies; Fox Business, January 29, 2022

Melissa Roberto , Fox Business; Joni Mitchell joins Neil Young, ditches Spotify: 'Irresponsible people are spreading lies

"Joni Mitchell is joining Neil Young in his protest against Spotify, declaring on Friday that she is seeking to remove all of her music from the streaming service.

Young this week railed against Spotify for airing Joe Rogan's podcast. He claimed Rogan is spreading misinformation about the coronavirus...

"Irresponsible people are spreading lies that are costing people their lives," Mitchell said Friday in a message posted on her website. "I stand in solidarity with Neil Young and the global scientific and medical communities on this issue.""