Quick note about yesterday's U2 iPod launch:
It's obvious U2 are canny marketers and no strangers to the demands of commerce, but there was the clear impression Bono and Edge were endorsing not just U2-branded iPods, but the whole idea of digital distribution. They clearly were not there just because their record company told them to be.
Bono and The Edge appeared to sincerely believe the Internet is music's future, and are promoting not just iTunes and iPods, but the message that the music industry should embrace the Net.
As The Edge said, "I see this as the beginning of a new era in the distribution of music. It's a good thing... That's why we're here today, to be a little part of music history."
Last year, when Apple called on Bono to help launch the Windows version of iTunes, he undermined his involvement by joking, "I'm here to kiss the corporate ass." There was nothing like that this time around.
As Jupiter analyst Joe Wilcox notes, "... the music industry is about artists and fans' passion for bands like U2. I think the participation sends a message that bands like U2 back iTunes and iPod, which can extend their appeal."
