U2 Gets Shares In Livenation

New York Times reports:

U2 will receive almost $19 million in shares of the concert promotor Live Nation as part of a 12-year contract with the company it signed in March.

Ch-ch-ch-changes!

(a) U2 + LiveNation = a 12-year global contractual relationship (including concert promotion, merchandising and the band’s website; album distribution and publishing will still be handled by Universal...for now).

(b) Amazon + Grand Theft Auto IV = gamers able to download music discovered via the game's 150 song soundtrack and play on portable devices.

U2 Manager - Achtung Baby!

Rolling Stone reports that U2 manager Paul McGuinness "called for an end to illegal music downloading and placed much of the blame squarely at the feet of Internet service providers. He also called out record labels for their lack of foresight and governments for not holding ISPs responsible for what pumps through their wires."

Understandably, McGuiness wants to secure the financial future of the band. And yes, U2 should not only strive to be great at music, but also great at business too.

But, being great at business is not analogous to clinging to the old model of the music business. Adapt. Otherwise, you still haven't found what you're looking for.