Photo: WENN
Despite the furore that occurred when their last album was automatically downloaded to people's iTunes, U2 have not ruled out releasing future albums in the same way. For the time being, though, they're focussing on their forthcoming Belfast and Dublin tour.
In a move that is said to have cost Apple an estimated $100 million, the band's 2014 album, Songs Of Innocence, was uploaded onto the devices of every single person with an iTunes account.
The move was met with a mixed response, to say the least - even high-profile musicians such as Tyler, The Creator and Bombay Bicycle Club spoke out against the "invasive" stunt. Sinead O'Connor went one step further, branding the band "terrorists." Apple even released a tool for users to delete the album.
Speaking to The Guardian, drummer Larry Mullen said he "couldn't give a shite" about the furore it caused, with Adam Clayton also wondering "what all the fuss is about."
Speaking a little less abrasively, guitarist The Edge said: "It was an opportunity that will only ever come around once for anybody. I don't think anyone would want to do it again."
However it seems he might have had a change of heart. Speaking to The Belfast Telegraph in a new interview, The Edge said, "We haven’t figured it out yet, but our intention would be to get it out sometime in the back end of next year." He added, "I would not rule out doing something similar with the next record."
U2 have a handful of Northern Ireland and Republic Of Ireland dates scheduled for this month. See full dates below, and buy U2 tickets here.
18 November - The SSE Arena, Belfast
19 November - The SSE Arena, Belfast
23 November - 3Arena, Dublin
24 November - 3Arena, Dublin
27 November - 3Arena, Dublin
28 November - 3Arena, Dublin
