Apple thought it was a nice idea to give all iTunes users a free copy of U2’s new album “Songs of Innocence”, as they launched the iPhone 6, iPhone 6 Plus, and the distinctly underwhelming (to my eyes at least…) Apple Watch.
But not everyone was over the moon, as I explain in the above video.
As you probably noticed, I’m not impressed by the spam-like way Apple has tried to spread U2’s latest musical warblings.
And Apple appears to have been caught on the hop by the ferocity of the backlash, taking almost a week to respond to critics
The Cupertino-based company has now released a tool (with accompanying support advisory) that removes the U2 album from your iTunes music library and list of iTunes purchases.
For his part, lead singer Bono appeared to have no qualms about coming across as a spammer, writing on the band’s website:
And for the people out there who have no interest in checking us out, look at it this way… the blood, sweat and tears of some Irish guys are in your junk mail.
No Bono. They’re not in my junk mail – it’s cluttering up the music library on my iPhone. And, anyway, it wouldn’t be good if it were my junk mail anyway.
"People who haven’t heard our music, or weren’t remotely interested, might play us for the first time because we’re in their library. Country fans, <snip>… might JUST be tempted to check us out, even for a moment. "
Too bad metal heads pretty much only like metal, huh? Even if I did like other genres (and okay I can appreciate the beauty of some other music but it certainly isn't often) though (and no, you don't fit in metal or anything remotely close) I wouldn't be interested in your music. And frankly, if some clown (funny name, Bono, isn't it ? It makes me think of Bozo, also a clown) thought it a good idea to fill up my (okay I don't have Apple devices but the point is the same) itunes I would be furious. I would liken it to morons (that's you Bozo, eh, I mean Bono!) who attempt to compromise my server but only fill up my logs (but at least for statistics it is quite fascinating on how many log entries a scan or attack attempt can create, in such a quick time too … yes, that ironically is placing you BELOW those script kiddies, hard as that is to imagine). But let's consider that by chance I DID have an ipod and let's also consider I was on the fence about you: I would lose any chance by your reprehensible thinking. As it is, I was neutral about you (other than I don't like your music) but as of now (I saw this on the BBC the other day but only the headline) I have less than zero respect for you; indeed, I disrespect you now. And I somehow think that that is how most people will view it. It is very bold and frankly very arrogant to make the assumptions (and you know what assuming does) you made. I am dumbfounded that you are fine with spam like traits. Beyond arrogance and beyond disrespectful, it is also out of touch with the seriousness of spam (you apparently have no idea how many resources are wasted due to spam, malware and other garbage). Not only that, your music IS a waste of resources here and that is unacceptable!
"And for the people out there who have no interest in checking us out, look at it this way… the blood, sweat and tears of some Irish guys are in your junk mail."
You're right on one thing: it is junk. Aside that, be very glad, very glad indeed, that it is not email (not that it is any more acceptable, just there isn't exactly a law about ipod automatically sending you U2 music… although…. one wonders).
What f*#!ing arrogance. Shame and dishonor on all of them.