I've been following the music industry versus technical industry debate with great interest, and now U2's long-time manager has made a speech about how the poor record industry that has "relied on poorly paid enthusiasts" is suffering from the "corporate culture of Silicon Valley" where "nearly every employee is a share-holder". Furthermore he is complaining that consumers are "stealing with impunity" the works of the music industry. In the same speech this guy mentions that U2's 2005 tour grossed 355 million dollars, and that their last record went #1 in 27 different countries. So here we have a dude who, along with the rest of U2, have got a bank-account that far surpasses 99% of all the people who work in the high-tech business, put their by the fans and consumers, who is complaining that his revenue stream is drying up.
Coming from a band who has not made any significant contribution to Music since the 80s War, October and the Joshua Tree, who have been relying on producing middle-of the road bloody boring stadium rock with lyrics that turn less and less political as time goes by, a band that has been wearing larger and larger sunglasses *inside* *while it's dark* *all the time*. If U2 looked at their own video for "New years day" they should feel ashamed of the money grabbing executives they have become. And then to have the gall to call the fans and consumers, who provided them with more fucking cash than the average 3rd world country has, thieves is a bit far fetched.
Then he goes on to criticize "da innernet" and all of its companies for making money on developing technology that enable the average consumer to become one of said THIEVES. Technology business is largely run by enthusiasts who invent things because they think they're cool or useful to the community. These are the roots of HP, Apple, Google and quite a few other technology players.
Lastly he criticized Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails for their move away from record companies. Two acts that indeed have been producing innovative and thought-provoking music throughout their career, albeit in totally different ways. I can name at least a hundred artists just like them, who are not affiliated with Big Labels. Who offer downloads on Internet or who would be happy to find out people were downloading and digging their stuff.
The Music business on the other hand, is a cynical business that pushes shite down 15 year old boys and girls' throats while screwing artists on the other hand. On that note, I think it is about time EMI, Sony and BMG went fucking bankrupt. U2 is nothing more and nothing less than the latest incarnation of bloody BoyZone or Brittney. They are a money machine who have not made a single memorable album since 1987, while cashing in the megabucks.
And they're calling me, an avid record collector who does the odd download to evaluate things and who works for a High-Tech company a thief? I had one U2 album in my collection by virtue of the fact that I got it from someone. This U2 album has now been thrown into the rubbish bin. Along with my Metallica records.
Fucking tossers.
Posted by Chris at January 31, 2008 10:00 AM