There's anew article up in the News section. 900,000 sounds very lilely, though the article predicted 1mil in the US.
Ironically, though, (like I said in that thread), this tasteful and non-sellout approach by U2 (using their song for a commercial touting a product that ties in with what they do for a living--a musical product)just might lead to the next Nirvana or Pearl Jam whoring thier debut single for Nike or Taco Bell or a car company. It might be a supreme irony if U2 were to be seen as leading the charge toward musiczl-corporate synergy.
Then again, it might be the thing that finally scares the crapout of the honchos at Clear Channel..as the iPod ad will likely get most of the credit for the dramtic increase, and NOT (maybe) the leaks whetting the appetities of fans and them loving what they heard. That has to count for an increase 100,00 at least. It MIGHT ve the thing that scares themijto opening up their playlists, if more and more acts take to TV and the Net instead of bothering to debut at MTV or radio.
I hope that the non-movement of U2 at Top 4o radio (as opposed to modern rock radio) will be widely commente don and contrasted with the iPod success. Those additional 3-400,000 fans don'tlisten to the stations U2 are played on.
I wish right now the Industry had the equivalent of exit polling to track what age groups are buyinh the CD. I'd love to know the breakdowna nd how many of them said they were influenced soley by the ad.
I just might call a temporary personal truece with the Corporate world if this leads to the opening up of radio. If it hits 1 mil, I will certainly break my lifelong habit of not drinking, and crack open a Guiness