Neil Young attacks Amazon and offers his catalog for free to Greenland residents

Neil Young is once again weaving music and political activism together, reaffirming a clean break with Amazon and turning a personal choice into a symbolic gesture with much wider reach. Back in October, the Canadian musician had already announced his intention to pull his entire catalog from Jeff Bezos's platform. Now, in a new post on the Neil Young Archives website, he confirms he has no intention of backing down. “Amazon is owned by Jeff Bezos, a billionaire supporter of President Trump,” Young writes to fans. “The president's international policies and his support for ICE make it impossible for me to ignore his actions. If you feel the same way I do, I strongly encourage you not to use Amazon.”

Young openly urges people to look for alternatives, pointing out that it's entirely possible to avoid the e-commerce giant and support independent American businesses that offer the same products. "That's what I've done with my music," he adds. "Anyone looking for it can find it in plenty of other places." His vinyl records and CDs remain available in record stores, while on the digital side there are several independent platforms through which his catalog can be purchased. "My music will never be available on Amazon as long as it's owned by Bezos. This stance hurts my label in the short term, but the message I'm sending is important and clear."

The heart of Young's musical output remains the Neil Young Archives, which houses his entire official catalog along with a vast archive of live concerts, studio outtakes and films, all in top-notch audio quality. Annual subscriptions range from $24.99 to $99.99. Surprisingly, though, Young has decided to give away full access to all residents of Greenland, as a direct response to President Donald Trump's recent threats against the country. “I hope my music and films can ease some of the stress and unwarranted threats you are experiencing from our unpopular, and hopefully temporary, government,” he writes. “My sincere wish is that you can enjoy all of my music, in the highest quality, in your beautiful homes in Greenland. This is an offer of peace and love. All the music I have made over the past 62 years is yours. You can renew it for free for as long as you remain in Greenland.” The invitation is also extended to other organizations, in the hope that they will follow suit. Greenland residents can sign up at NeilYoungArchives.com/Greenland.

In a third public letter, released over the span of just three days, Young finally broadens his focus to the US media system. "If you watch Fox, try switching the channel for just one day," he writes. "Falsehoods abound on Fox." He recounts having drifted away from the New York Times, now getting his news mainly from The Guardian, and urges readers to do the same. "Forget 'news shows': they're all about posturing and good looks. Remember when newscasts weren't a contest over who looks best? Americans need truth, not media obsessed with pleasing everyone. CNN? Mostly garbage. Dig deeper. Real journalism exists. Turn to independent journalism. Take a break from these polished 'news shows'."

Young hasn't performed since October 25, when he played his last show at the Painted Turtle Camp in Lake Hughes, California. His return to the stage is set for June 17, kicking off his European tour alongside Chrome Hearts at the Eden Project in Cornwall, England.

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