No U2 at Record Store Day
As I do each year, I woke up at the crack of dawn (er…8:00) to make the rounds of Record Store Day in Seattle. For those not in-the-know, Record Store Day began in 2007 for independent record stores to come together internationally and “celebrate the art of music.” Since the industry has lost so many of these establishments, I’ve made a point to support the event every year, often saving up my spending money for months to purchase a lot of music on that day.
Today was no exception: I had a clear mission that started with John Lennon and ended with Bruce Springsteen. Luckily, between the four stores I went to, I was able to score both of those coveted special releases AND also came home with some Peter Gabriel and Elvis Costello. All in all, it was a great experience and all of the stores were packed, so I have a renewed faith that the independents aren’t completely failing.
What was wrong with the day? I saw nearly every major recording artist (Rolling Stones, Muse, REM, Neil Young, plus all the artists I mentioned above) represented EXCEPT for one: U2.
Why on earth wouldn’t U2 participate in this event? We know they support vinyl (as evidenced by the recent Artificial Horizon release for the fan club). It’s the perfect opportunity to re-package something that already sold well years ago (as Lennon’s estate did) or press a vinyl from a live performance to create a one-off limited edition piece that collectors will fight to own.
Furthermore, not all of U2′s 360 shows are sold out. Reminding folks of how great the music is could sell a few more concert tickets.
I was very disappointed in this seemingly poor marketing decision. Next year, I hope they’ll reconsider.
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I too was in record store early on Saturday morning. I was hoping to get the R.E.M. debut e.p.”Reckoning” which was re -released on blue vinyl specially for Record Store Day, the quantities were so limited, the shop got no copies, so I also ended up with a limited edition Bruce Springsteen 10inch which I was happy with getting.
I though it would have been nice if U2 did the same as R.E.M. and re release their first single “Three”, but no sign of any involvement from U2, which is a real pity.
For anyone who could not make it in to a record shop, the special vinyl releases is still available, allthough most of the good stuff will be gone by now.
Springsteen fansite Backstreets.com had this take on Springsteens Record Store Day involvement:
“We’re psyched to see Springsteen and Columbia putting in the effort to be part of Record Store Day — “a celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally” — and we encourage you to be part of it too. Support your local shops!”
i have never heard of record day - i will have to do some research on that and of course i will have to mark my calendar for next year.
Living here in Qld Australia - things were very limited. How limited - we got the John Lennon bag. (Of which I am nost thankful). I thought maybe U2 or Pearl Jam or Elton my have done something but.. no such luck. The Bruce 10″- not sighted here -. and th web said it did not think they could accomodate the Australian market this year. I tried to get the Pet Shop Boys single but - the largest independent store in Sydney did not even get one. Footnote as U2 had the mebmers of INXS onstage at a show in Sydney perhaps THAT would be a great piece. It would however be wise to make sure supplies were limited to 2 each at the max.