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?
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