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Bono: Apple limits led U2 to BlackBerry deal
Irish rock band U2’s falling out with Apple and subsequent partnership with BlackBerry maker Research In Motion was spurred by the former company’s unwillingness to work with the band on a more intimate level, according to a new report. Citing Toronto-based radio DJ Alan Cross, the Globe and Mail reports that when asked about the new partnership with RIM, U2 lead singer Bono said, “I’m very excited about this[.] Research In Motion is going to give us what Apple wouldn’t — access to their labs and their people so we can do something really spectacular.” After Cross asked Bono whether this might entail a special U2 BlackBerry application that would help the band interact with fans on their upcoming tour, the singer responded simply, “You’re not far off.” Apple originally introduced the special edition U2 iPod in October of 2004, upgrading it to add a color screen, and introducing a new version based on the fifth-generation iPod in 2006. The U2 iPods were cross-promoted with U2’s album How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and a downloadable video called Love U2. Apple has since released the iPod classic without a version specific to U2 or any other band, while U2 has released an album with comparatively mild promotion from Apple.
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1
Good riddance to bad music.
Posted by Andy S. on April 7, 2009 at 11:56 AM (PDT)
2
Here’s the difference. Apple didn’t need U2 to promote the iPod; they are in the opposite position of being able to promote artists with the power of the iPod. RIM, on the other hand, desperately would love to try and use U2 to promote the Blackberry, especially since they still have a big focus on making it seen as something hip beyond businesspeople.
So, good for RIM, but any notion that Apple is hurt or NEEDS U2 is of course ridiculous, and is probably why they weren’t going to give them access to their “labs” - seriously, does Bono really think Apple wants or cares about U2’s input in designing some special features or something?
In terms of doing something cool or unique, it’s all software man. Look at the new NIN app coming out with tons of crazy social features, access to video footage of all their concerts, etc. You don’t need Apple to do that.
Posted by TomHandy on April 7, 2009 at 12:09 PM (PDT)
3
U2 and the old iPods are the past; Coldplay and the new iPods are the future…
Posted by geoffgg on April 7, 2009 at 7:50 PM (PDT)
4
It should be mentioned that Bono’s Elevation Partners is the major investor in Palm at the moment. Why RIM and not Palm, I wonder?
Posted by Leon on April 8, 2009 at 12:04 AM (PDT)
5
I don’t understand why U2 needs access to Apple’s or RIM’s lab and people. do they want to start designing the hardware and software that runs on these devices?
Just make music.
Posted by Nick on April 8, 2009 at 9:35 AM (PDT)
6
Most likely there is some form of sponsorship. BlackBerry’s logo is on all of the U2 tour ads and posters, so likely they gave U2 money for that. Apple generally seems to shy away from things like that. I know U2 made a lot of noise about how they took no money for the iPod ad. I think Apple was probably not willing to put money up to help pay for a tour, and so U2 found other RIM.
Posted by Jeffery Simpson on April 8, 2009 at 5:41 PM (PDT)