Today's Music News

U2 album exclusive

No freebies to come with the new U2 release

09 June 2008 - Coldplay and Radiohead have been distributing their music in new ways by giving fans their music for free, but do not expect the same from rock giants U2.

Their new album is due out this year and U2's manager Paul McGuinness explained to 6 Music why they would not follow in Radiohead's footsteps.

He said: "There will be events around the release of the album but for U2 physical sales are still an enormous part of our business and we still sell a lot of actual CDs.

"We will obviously work with whatever technology is available to make the release of the new record as interesting as possible."

"For U2, physical sales are still an enormous part of our business and we still sell a lot of actual CDs."
U2's Manager - Paul McGuinness

Mc Guinness feels Radiohead's free giveaway and pay-what-you-like scheme was not a very business-savvy move.

Speaking to 6 Music, he said: "We should all be aware that Radiohead's honesty box release of their album to some extent backfired."

Continuing: "Even though it was available on their own website for no money at all, if that was what you preferred to pay - 60 to 70 per cent of the people who downloaded the record stole it anyway even though it was available for free."

With regards to an actual release date McGuinness revealed they are hoping to put the record out in Autumn 2008.

"The exact date is not clear yet but I would think towards the end of October," McGuinness said.

Georgie Rogers

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Comments so far

Herndon VA 20171
U2 is the greatest Rock and Roll man yes, they work very hard I do not thinking it’s Right for people to download free music there is not a chouse thing called free lunch. I ‘m worried now I do not know where do I buy the U2’s CD? I can not wait until the CD comes out if you know or anyone knows where I can buy it please let me know. I do not know much about inter net. Help me Kelly

Patrick, Worthing,
Paul McGuinness always comes accross as arrogant. As good as U2 are, they do always come accross as a very efficient money making machine. Whereas Radiohead appear to have less corporate aims and values. I downloaded Radiohead's album for free and they brought a hard copy. I'd do the same for a U2 album.

Karunesh Talwar, Mumbai, India
Look, while Radiohead's move was commendable, McGuinness isn't wrong in saying that it is a bit too generous considering the fact that the music industry is already in a bit of a crisis due to illegal downloading. Add to that, if bands like U2 start giving off their albums for free, how the hell will they earn out of all the work they've been putting in for the last 4 years on this album?

Peter Chrisp
Sounds interesting

C.Miles, Hampshire
McGuinness is talking rubbish when he says that Radiohead's In Rainbows gimmick backfired.Just because many people preferred higher quality audio files and their own, most likely faster forms of distribution, doesn't mean that Radiohead missed out in any way. By not fully embracing new routes of distribution, be it free or for a nominal charge, I'm pretty sure it will backfire for U2 more than it "backfired" for Radiohead.

Charles, Newcastle Upon Tyne
U2 should embrace the technology and follow in the footsteps of Radiohead. U2 are a Huge band with a huge following of fans. Yes, they will buy the CD's but there should be a sneak peak of a free download of one of their new singles from the Album to gain further interest in the New Album. I am a huge follower of U2 and very much looking forward to this Album.