Leaks

I have to admit, I feel like a crack addict waiting for my supplier to show up…when will this single leak???? This is the first time I’ve been truly antsy about new material since 1991. Seriously. I’ve gotten sick of the constant repetition of the 30+ year U2 back catalog. You’d think with over 300 songs (give or take), there would be enough to satisfy – but when you *know* there are people out there who have heard the new material and are already discussing it amongst themselves, you want in on that action.

If you’ve been keeping up with Alan Cross’ blog, today he talks about how HTDAAB leaked in 2004 and the dilemma he found himself in. After being a witness to the issues U2 has had with music leaking since the Achtung Baby outtakes, I know where he’s coming from.

There is a poignant part of his blog entry that hits home:

According what Paul McGuinness later told me, management convened late that night in Dublin and worked out a plan. The leak was plugged and through a combination of stealth, negotiation, gentle prodding and tough talk, the damage was contained. Mostly.

A few radio folks in certain parts of the world decide they’d go for the scoop and certain songs (“Vertigo” had been out as a single for six weeks by this point) made to air.

Why didn’t I go that route? Because once you screw over a band by leaking their stuff, you’re dead to them. Forget ever having any access to the artist ever again. Sure, you’re a hero to a few people for a few hours or day, but at the cost of being labelled a scumball by the artist and their management.

I’ve seen it happen to people who leak U2 songs, NIN material and Eminem. tracks. It’s just not worth it for a person in my position. I’m not into career suicide.

I am very impressed that the folks at Universal have been so good about keeping tabs with watermarking and encryption of the new single. I have also been impressed in hearing that it’s been on unlabeled CD-Rs. The @U2 staff joked when HTDAAB came out that it would be delivered to us for our listening parties by Universal reps with a briefcase handcuffed to themselves and the rep having a secret code to open the case otherwise it would self destruct. Little did I realize that was sort of how they showed up =)

Anyway, just a few more days…how long…how long to hear the new song? Oh wait…that’s 40. *sigh*

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