One of the few totally unexpected moments at Apple's big iPhone 6 and Apple Watch event today came from none other than U2.
The massively popular rock band, and longtime Apple affiliates, were expected to play the event. But they went much further than that by announcing a new album that would be available for free instantly.
Songs of Innocence, U2's 13th album and first in five years, was automatically pushed to over 500 million iTunes accounts via the cloud. iTunes users can access the album for free just by searching their libraries.
"I do believe you have over half a billion subscribers to iTunes, so — could you get this to them?" Bono said to Cook from the keynote stage, after a performance of new single "The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)" that was somewhat less than awe-inspiring.
Then, to celebrate the release, Cook and Bono did this:
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And everyone was like...
Is that how millionaires high-five?
The album will get a more traditional release on Oct. 14. Here's the Yeezus-esque album art and tracklist.
Tracklisting:
The Miracle (of Joey Ramone)
Every Breaking Wave
California (There Is No End To Love)
Song For Someone
Iris (Hold Me Close)
Volcano
Raised By Wolves
Cedarwood Road
Sleep Like A Baby Tonight
This Is Where You Can Reach Me Now
The Troubles
After finding an unpurchased new U2 album in their iTunes libraries, some people were confused.
Did anyone else randomly get a new U2 record on their itunes?
Dan Rivers@RiverzDanielFollow
Did anyone else randomly get a new U2 record on their itunes?
4:42 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
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I don't remember downloading the new U2 album but it appears it's just appeared on my iTunes anyway. =/
Sii@SiChunLamFollow
I don't remember downloading the new U2 album but it appears it's just appeared on my iTunes anyway. =/
4:43 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Others were a little creeped out.
The pop nerd in me loves the over the top showbiz side of the U2 thing but the whole "oh it's in your iTunes now!" thing is creepy too..
Conor Behan@platinumjonesFollow
The pop nerd in me loves the over the top showbiz side of the U2 thing but the whole "oh it's in your iTunes now!" thing is creepy too..
4:42 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
My 16 year old just found U2 album in her itunes library. Has a look on her face as if she has just been leered at by a 70 year old perv
Ann@cut2therootFollow
My 16 year old just found U2 album in her itunes library. Has a look on her face as if she has just been leered at by a 70 year old perv
4:43 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
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Why are U2 inflicting their new album on me by sneaking it onto my iTunes library?!
Alex Thorp@Alex_ThorpFollow
Why are U2 inflicting their new album on me by sneaking it onto my iTunes library?!
4:44 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Wow, so the new U2 just shows up in your iTunes library even if you didn't ask for it or download it yourself? Aggressive!
T. Cole Rachel@tcolerachelFollow
Wow, so the new U2 just shows up in your iTunes library even if you didn't ask for it or download it yourself? Aggressive!
4:49 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
But some others were like "Free U2? YAAASS."
U2 songs on my itunes, okayyyy :)
•shan•@shannonmrfFollow
U2 songs on my itunes, okayyyy :)
4:52 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
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That's very kind. Thanks! ==> U2 Releases New Album for Free on iTunes | Variety http://t.co/024vEExZsn
#StandUp4Freedom@LibertyForUSAFollow
That's very kind. Thanks! ==> U2 Releases New Album for Free on iTunes | Variety http://t.co/024vEExZsn
4:50 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Wow @U2 just released their new album. And it's free on iTunes. Am I dreaming? I've been waiting for this for five years!! #songsofinnocence
Marie Dor Ù†@ifmaryFollow
Wow @U2 just released their new album. And it's free on iTunes. Am I dreaming? I've been waiting for this for five years!! #songsofinnocence
4:46 PM - 09 Sep 14ReplyRetweetFavorite
Guess that's just how Bono rolls.
