Gidget’s Weblog

News of legendary rock band AC/DC’s new album is not the only thing causing a stir in the music industry. The band’s refusal to make their music available on iTunes has angered fans, Apple enthusiasts, and music critics alike.

Guitarist Angus Young told the U.K. “Telegraph” that, “If we were on iTunes, we know a certain percentage of people would only download two or three songs from the album – and we don’t think that represents us musically.” ITunes refuses to “lock” any album sold through them making it only available in it’s entire form. AC/DC is not the only band who takes pride in creating a full album. Kid Rock also refused to make his music available on iTunes because of the same factor. The question is, are they doing it because of possibly losing money on full album sales, or because of the art of an album itself?

Prior to their decision the band was advised by their management and label that sales could decrease if they boycott. They are finding that this shouldn’t have been the only warning given heed. Backlash from bloggers and media are surfacing about the band’s decision and Columbia Records does not know how to react. Yesterday, music writer Bob Lefsetz ranted about the band’s decision using plenty of choice words. He feels the band is screwing young fans who mainly buy music through iTunes and forcing them to pay full price for the music. Most importantly, Lefsetz believes that fans will choose to just download what they wish illegally instead of paying full price.

AC/DC’s label is doing a terrible job of backing up the band and clearing up this crisis. When asked by Lefsetz about the “Telegraph” interview, the head of Columbia claims he doesn’t even believe the quotes are real. Yea right. Lefsetz was then cycled through two publicists who couldn’t get it straight first claiming the interview never even happened then that it did happen, but in Germany. Like that really even matters.

AC/DC’s publicist needs to be on damage control immediately. Lefsetz should have his story set straight. Fans need to know that the band is in no way trying to make more money by not using iTunes, they were even warned that sales could be hurt by this move. They are doing it purely from an artistic standpoint; a defense on the role modern technology has played in killing album rock ‘n’ roll. The label definitely should be behind the band in their decision as well, at least to the public.

Right now iTunes is the biggest music distributor in America and number two in the UK. What is more rock ‘n’ roll then boycotting this company? All artists should take a look at the integrity of their music just as AC/DC is. Are they simply cranking out singles in hopes of hitting number one? Or are they really putting blood and sweat into creating a fabulous album to be enjoyed in its entirety?

Libertines Reunion?

Babyshambles frontman Pete Doherty was scheduled for a solo performance after the Gio-Gio fashion show Wednesday night. To the crowd’s surprise, Pete was joined by Carl Barat, Dirty Pretty Things’ frontman, as if every Libertines fans’ prayer had been answered.

The duo played a set of Libertines hits and executed the entire performance beautifully. The show could not have attracted more press! It was staged in their hometown and in the midst of London Fashion Week. If a publicist was not involved in this surprise show then maybe these musicians should be given a little more credit for their public relations work!

The two ex-Libertines have come a long way from 2004 when Pete was ousted by bandmates because of extreme drug habits and criminal offenses. Pete and Carl had been the best of friends, but after Pete’s life began spiraling downward they could hardly be in the same room together. The two began focusing on other projects and went without speaking for almost two years.

More recently, clues have popped up that the two have put the past behind, and could be leaning towards a full Libertines reunion. This past summer Carl expressed to NME that the band has “unfinished business.” Even more encouraging was his admittance that a reform is a “big MAYBE,” which is a huge step away from what Libertines fans have heard for the past four years.

If this is the beginning of a reunion, the guys are doing are lovely job of easing into the endeavor and building up momentum. This is not the first onstage reunion we have seen from the pair and it does not seem to be the last. Both Babyshambles and Dirty Pretty Things are losing energy and never reached the fame that the beloved Libertines achieved during their short reign. Keep an eye out fans, a new era of Libertines music could be upon us.

Check out the only footage I could find of the performance below.

It was announced on Rollingstone.com that Chicago punk band Rise Against will be featured in the new “Guitar Hero World Tour” video game. This was a heroic move from the people working for Rise Against.

Their new album will drop October 7, and the first single “Re-Education (Through Labor)” was scooped up by Guitar Hero’s creators. This is such a brilliant move because the game is so popular with today’s younger consumers. It is as trendy at the Tri Delt house as it is with junior high gamers and band geeks.

Now for Rise Against, a new multitude of listeners will be introduced to their punk tunes. So great job Geffen, you got their music into the hands of the masses. Even more props for the interview with front-man Tim McIlrath about the game and roots of the band. ‘“We have songs that can sound good on the radio and can sound good in a video game, but we have lyrics that are still very much derivative from the hardcore and punk world that we came from.”’ A beautiful defense to backlash they might receive about “selling out.” Tim points out to “Rock and Roll Daily” that even though Rise Against has come a long way, most kids still have not heard of them.

Here is the proof that this will change and soon everyone will be singing along to “Re-Education” as if it were “Hit Me Baby One More Time.”

From a punk standpoint, let’s hope that with the new popularity the true essence of punk isn’t washed away. From a publicist’s standpoint, why was this not in the news section of Rise Against’s Web site? Get with it people!