Ian Brown claims Spotify removed anti-lockdown song ‘Little Seed Big Tree’ in act of ‘censorship’
Stone Roses frontman released track, which refers to masks as “muzzles”, in September
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ian Brown has claimed that his controversial anti-lockdown song has been removed from Spotify in an act of “censorship”.
The Stone Roses frontman is a vocal critic of lockdowns, mask wearing and the coronavirus vaccine, and in September released a song titled “Little Seed Big Tree” documenting his stance.
The track features lines such as: “A sonic lockdown, state shakedown, a mass breakdown / Put your muzzle on, get back in your basket / Get behind your doors cos living here is drastic.”
On Friday (12 March) night, Brown took to Twitter again, alleging that Spotify had taken the song down from his artist profile.
“SPOTiFY stream the streams and censor artists like they have with my last song TOOK IT DOWN just put it down the memory hole!” he tweeted.
“FREE EXPRESSiON AS REVOLUTiON.”
Read more: It used to be fans spreading bonkers conspiracies – now it’s Madonna
A Spotify spokesperson told The Independent: “Spotify prohibits content on the platform which promotes dangerous false, deceptive, or misleading content about Covid-19 that may cause offline harm and/or pose a direct threat to public health. When content that violates this standard is identified it is removed from the platform.”
Last month, Brown claimed that the rolling out of the vaccine was encouraging a “new nazi normal” and begged festival promoters not to require ticket-holders be vaccinated to attend.
He later pulled out of headlining Neighbourhood Weekender festival in Warrington, tweeting: “My Saturday night headline show at NHBD Weekender Festival will now not happen! I refuse to accept vaccination proof as condition of entry. Refunds are available!”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments