Beatles heading online?

Sir Paul drops hint

11 May 07  - Sir Paul McCartney has given the broadest hint yet that the Beatles back catalogue will be made available for sale online.

In an interview with music trade magazine Billboard, Sir Paul described a deal to secure the move as 'virtually settled'.

Mark Sutherland, London Bureau editor of the publication, went into more detail:

"We asked him whether the deal is imminent and he told us that its 'virtually settled'. Precisely what that means isn't clear, but he does say there could be an announcement coming soon to that effect, which has been long-awaited by the music industry."

"His new record is going to be the first McCartney release that's been available for download. I
think that's significant."
Mark Sutherland, Billboard Magazine

Mark concedes that the online sale of McCartney's forthcoming album, Memory Almost Full, illustrates a softening in the music-maker's stance towards the digital sale of his material.

"His new record is going to the be the first Paul McCartney release that's been available for download. I think that's significant. It signals a willingness for his back catalogue to be available."

Mark also pointed out that the settlement of the long-term Apple logo dispute between the computer firm and the Beatles record label was just one element that points towards a possible deal.

But fans shouldn't get their hopes up. Mark doesn't think the forthcoming 40th anniversary of the release of the Sgt Pepper Lonely Hearts Club Band album in June is a date to their hang hopes upon.

"I don't know if its that imminent, but I'm sure when The Beatles catalogue does go online it will be tied into some kind of event or anniversary. There will be a big noise made about it, just because it is something Beatles fans and online buyers have been waiting and asking for."

Jacqueline Springer