Sam OliverSpeaking at the launch of his new album Electric Arguments, Beatles guitarist Sir Paul McCartney said he's eager to see his former band's catalog made available for sale on digital download sites, but once "heavy negotiations" between Apple Corps and former record label EMI have since "stalled."
According to a report published by the BBC Tuesday morning, EMI still owns the rights to the Beatles recordings and therefore must enter into an agreement with Apple Corps — the company set up by the band to look after their catalogue — before the tracks can be released for digital distribution.
"EMI want something we're not prepared to give 'em. It's between EMI and The Beatles I think - what else is new?," McCartney said. "Last word I got back was it's stalled at the moment. But I really hope it will happen because I think it should."
Rumors (1, 2, 3) that the Beatles and Apple were close to wrapping up an iTunes deal have swirled ever since the two sides ended their three decade-long trademark dispute almost two years ago. However, those plans apparently took a back seat last month when the band announced a landmark deal to have its legendary catalog form the foundation of a new video game from the makers of Rock Band.
When asked about the current situation surrounding iTunes, an EMI spokesperson said the label is "working hard to secure [an] agreement with Apple Corps to make the Beatles' catalogue available in digital form" but added "the various parties involved have been unable to reach agreement."
EMI hopes both sides can make some progress "soon."
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55 Comments
i think the Beatles need iTunes more than iTunes needs the Beatles
- the Beatles are missing out on a whole new audience that could discover the music
- but if it's not available in a modern, convenient form, then I think it's going to get forgotten about.
i think the Beatles need iTunes more than iTunes needs the Beatles
- the Beatles are missing out on a whole new audience that could discover the music
- but if it's not available in a modern, convenient form, then I think it's going to get forgotten about.
They have been forgotten long ago. Who cares. I already have the songs I like from CD's so having them on iTunes does nothing. I am sure most fans already have The Beatles in their iTunes libraries, so what would be the point?
but once "heavy negotiations" between Apple Corps and former record label EMI have since "stalled."
According to a report published by the BBC Tuesday morning, EMI still owns the rights to the Beatles recordings and therefore must enter into an agreement with Apple Corps -- the company set up by the band to look after their catalogue -- before the tracks can be released for digital distribution.
"You never give me your money."
"You only give me your funny paper."
"And in the middle of negotiations,
I break down."
Whoever said that, knew what they were talking about! \
Oh wait...
oh god not this one again, Apple should just give up, the bloodsucking beatles have had too much money from them as it is.
EDIT: my bad , I didn't read the article at first, and my post should have been aimed at EMI.
Who cares? Anyone who does, isn't waiting for iTunes. Those that want Beatles on their iPods already got the music somewhere else. I get the feeling Steve Jobs considers the Beatles his white whale. When they finally get them on iTunes, I bet they are surprised by how few songs they sell.