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Metallica May Follow In Footsteps of Radiohead, NIN

Posted by Soulskill on from the reconsidering-the-options dept.

fireheadca writes "Metallica, once strongly opposed to file-sharing, has hinted at going 'free' in the style of NIN and Radiohead. Having heard success stories about releasing music online, Metallica has decided it wants a piece of the action. Radiohead, as a pioneer of online 'pay what you want' music, has shown the world it is possible to profit by releasing music online, but would not post those profits. NIN, on the other hand, has reported at least $1.6 million in revenue. In hindsight, many people remember Metallica as the band that helped shutdown Napster. I purchased the NIN album, after many years of free downloads of the NIN collection, to help support the band. Would you buy a Metallica online album despite their former views?"

13 of 673 comments (clear)

  1. Here's an idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'll set up a site allowing Metallica to pay me what they feel necessary to listen to their music.

    1. Re:Here's an idea... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      Sod that, I'll download it and then go and visit them individually at their houses demanding money for assaulting my ears. They don't pay up, I'll sue.

  2. Sure! by Txiasaeia · · Score: 3, Funny

    I've got a penny laying around here someplace. Given that most credit card companies charge merchants money for each credit card transaction (~$0.50 or so), Metallica would be paying for me to download their CD. That sounds about right.

    --
    Condemnant quod non intellegunt.
  3. Would I ?!? by UnixUnix · · Score: 5, Funny
    NO!

    They are "unforgiven" :-))

    1. Re:Would I ?!? by mobby_6kl · · Score: 2, Funny

      The Napster memory remains, eh?

    2. Re:Would I ?!? by Spinalcold · · Score: 3, Funny

      And for that pun, you are Unforgiven II.

  4. obligatory by v1 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Napster BAD!

    ok you had to see the video. I still yell "fire bad, FIRE BAAD!" from time to time.

    --
    I work for the Department of Redundancy Department.
  5. Re:Would you buy a Metallica online album...? by Splab · · Score: 5, Funny

    It'd be kinda like ozzy remixing a britney spears song.


    Now that I would pay for.
  6. Re:Would you buy a Metallica online album...? by amRadioHed · · Score: 3, Funny

    Don't be a douche man.

    --
    We hope your rules and wisdom choke you / Now we are one in everlasting peace
  7. Re:Would you buy a Metallica online album...? by msormune · · Score: 3, Funny

    It's not really true saying they picked the wrong model, as their albums HAVE sold pretty well always... it's not like these guys have to try something new, they're loaded. And reloaded :)

  8. Re:If they apologize. by sleigher · · Score: 2, Funny

    You don't fight napalm with napalm.
    If you knew your Metallica history you would know you do in fact "Fight Fire with Fire."
    --
    All points of time and space are connected.
  9. Re:Would you buy a Metallica online album...? by Stormwatch · · Score: 4, Funny

    successful doesn't mean good. Look at Microsoft. They've been stupidly successful up until recently, but did that mean they have a good product/have great programmers??
    So, are you implying that... St. Anger was Metallica's Vista? :P

    (unfair comparison... Vista wasn't THAT bad)
    --
    Circumcision is child abuse.
  10. Re:Would you buy a Metallica online album...? by Tink2000 · · Score: 2, Funny

    Heck, I rip Metallica mp3s just for spite. Rip 'em, then uncheck them in iTunes. Actively push them on people, too ... "Hey, take this Rasputina and uh ... some Metallica, yeah."

    --
    Why do I M2 everything negatively?