Lorde’s Music Disappears from Apple Music in Israel: Popular NZ Singer-Songwriter Missing from Platform

Renowned New Zealand singer-songwriter Lorde has experienced a notable absence from Apple Music and Spotify in Israel. This follows her previous cancellation of a concert in Tel Aviv in 2017. The cancellation was due to her concerns over the treatment of Palestinians, reflecting her political stance.
Recent Performance Highlights Support for Palestine
During a recent performance in New York, Lorde showcased her solidarity with Palestine. The stage was illuminated with the colors of the Palestinian flag. At this event, she passionately called out for Palestinian freedom, reportedly stating, “Free f—king Palestine.”
Disappearance of Music from Streaming Platforms
Shortly after her New York performance, her music disappeared from the Israeli versions of popular streaming services, including Apple Music and Spotify. The artist has yet to publicly comment on this disappearance.
Speculation on Geo-blocking
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding her music’s availability. Some suggest Lorde may have voluntarily geo-blocked her tracks in Israel. This action aligns with the No Music for Genocide movement, which aims to oppose genocide and encourage artists to remove their music from platforms accessible in Israel.
Support for the No Music for Genocide Movement
- The No Music for Genocide movement claims to have over 400 participating artists.
- It remains unclear if Lorde officially joined this campaign.
Past Actions Reflect Political Awareness
Lorde has previously shown her commitment to Palestinian rights. In 2017, after receiving feedback from fans, she decided to cancel her Tel Aviv concert. At that time, she expressed regret for her initial booking decision on social media, highlighting her desire to be an informed young citizen.
Legal Repercussions of the Cancellation
The aftermath of her cancellation included a court ruling in Israel. An Israeli court ordered the authors of an article from The Spinoff to pay damages to fans who claimed emotional distress from her decision. In their defense, the article’s authors stated that the ruling was a tactic to intimidate critics of Israel. Furthermore, they committed to raising funds for a mental health organization in Gaza, reaffirming their stance against the court’s decision.
As the situation develops, the implications of Lorde’s departure from major streaming platforms will be closely monitored by both her fans and critics.