Van Morrison’s New Single Won’t Appear on Spotify: CEO Explains Why

In a surprising move that has sparked discussion among fans and industry insiders alike, Spotify has confirmed that Van Morrison’s latest single will not be available on its platform. The announcement was accompanied by a rare statement from Spotify CEO Daniel Ek, who addressed the situation directly.

According to Ek, the decision came after extended negotiations between Spotify and Morrison’s team failed to produce an agreement on distribution terms. “We respect Van Morrison as a legendary artist,” Ek said. “However, we have to maintain a consistent standard for content and partnership policies that ensure both creative freedom and mutual respect between artist and platform.”

While Ek did not elaborate on the specific issues, sources close to the matter suggest that Morrison’s lyrical content and independent release strategy may have clashed with Spotify’s content guidelines and revenue-sharing model. Morrison, known for his strong opinions on artistic control and streaming practices, has previously voiced criticism of how digital platforms handle artist compensation.

This is not the first time Morrison has found himself at odds with major streaming services. In recent years, the artist has been vocal about his preference for physical formats and direct-to-fan distribution, often releasing music through limited platforms.

Fans hoping to stream the new single will need to look elsewhere. Morrison’s team has hinted that the track will be available via select independent platforms and possibly as a digital download from his official website.

Despite the absence of the new release on Spotify, the platform will continue to host Morrison’s extensive back catalog, which remains a staple for millions of classic rock and blues enthusiasts around the world.

As the digital music landscape continues to evolve, this episode underscores ongoing tensions between legacy artists