When U2 started playing, the stock price tanked below $100 ...

Giving away their new album on iTunes.

I don't think I'll bother.

It's bound to sound like all the others.

www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-29132508

Can it still chart if it's free?

K wrote:
Can it still chart if it's free?

No. At least not in the sales charts. But maybe some songs can chart based on airplay.

And because the sale starts in mid-october, the album isn't eligible for the grammys either. But Interscope / UMG are powerful enough to change the rules (if needed).

Ten Years ago (iPod) Apple needed U2. Now U2 needs Apple. The Times They Are A-Changin'

Free but paid for.

www.rollingstone.com/music/news/bono-rev...ter-to-fans-20140910

Everyone is mad at Apple for U2 stunt

"It's true that Apple's wine-drinking, plane-flying user base probably overlaps with U2's cool-dad core audience more than most bands. Still, 500 million people can't all be expected to delight in the arrival of a rock album, no matter how bland and inoffensive it is."

100 million?!

www.spin.com/articles/u2-100-million-app...ence-itunes-free-red

Rock'n'Roll as dystopian junk mail

"In this brave new farrago of medium and message, U2 seem to have transmitted all of rock-and-roll’s misguided egotism into one ridiculous statement: Our music is technically worthless and everyone in the world should hear it. That’s what this band is “all about,” and Apple is happy to do its part, making you the owner of these songs without asking your permission. Which is disgusting."

I remember TiVo users being very upset when their boxes automatically recorded Caroline Aherne's new comedy based on the fact that they'd watched The Royle Family. In fact there was quite a backlash with people refusing to watch it out of principle.

That was just a TV programme. Music is a whole different ball-game, music reflects peoples personalities and lifestyle choices. How can Apple and U2 have thought that forcing music on individuals was ever going to be a good idea?

Now it's possible to delete the spam.