Interesting “debate” on Ricky Warwick’s (Thin Lizzy) FB page regarding the “free” release of U2’s latest album on itunes, for which Apple has paid them $100 million.
I’ve just copied one of Ricky’s posts.
" Music should not be free or art for that matter…it cost money to record and make.It’s how I make my living and pay my bills and I am aware of how privileged I am to be that position. People to this day still say " that’s not a real job" well I have callouses on my fingers to prove that it is and work dam hard at it. U2 ( and I’m a fan btw ) are in the lofty position where they can pretty much do as they please…and yes no one in their right mind can turn down that kinda money of course, but it’s a kick in the teeth for artists and myself who have to rely on people actually buying their albums ( remember that ? ) and coming to the shows to continue making music and make a living. I just feel that U2 for all they supposedly stand for in fairness and equality People should be given a choice what they can and cannot get and I feel that this was decided for us…which I find scary ! U2 are in a lofty position where they can make a difference in this ailing industry. I just hope that they are going to take a little of that $100 million back into the industry and help young bands in some way…cuz that’s what I would do with the $20 million I’m supposedly getting. Free is an illusion !"