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Billboard: Ray Waddell, Nashville
Kid Rock’s latest album “Rock’n'Roll Jesus” and its single “All Summer Long” have been two of the biggest hits of the summer. But it’s happened without either being available for download via Apple’s iTunes Music Store in the United States.
Rock has been an outspoken critic not only of track downloading but Internet piracy. In a “smartass” public service announcement he recently advised people to steal everything. Eschewing iTunes also proves a point, Rock adds.
“I tell people in my organization, ‘Do not ever come up to me and say, “This is what everyone’s doing and how they’re doing it.” Don’t ever give me that lame-ass bullsh*t,’” he tells Billboard at a Nashville tequila bar. “As soon as someone says, ‘You have to be on iTunes … they’re the No. 1 retailer’ … I don’t have to. Because I remember being a kid when I heard a song that I liked, I would jump on the bus, ride to Detroit, get a $2.50 transfer and walk a mile to the hip-hop store to buy the new Eric B. & Rakim record. You’re not going to stop people from obtaining what they want if it’s available at some level.”
However, Atlantic president Julie Greenwald says “Rock’N'Roll Jesus” will be available soon digitally in the States as an album via providers like Amazon, walmart.com, Rhapsody and bestbuy.com.
“We get so caught up in technology and ease [of downloading a single] … there’s nothing wrong with listening to a whole record from start to finish,” Kid Rock co-manager Ken Levitan says.
In other news, Kid Rock and his Twisted Brown Trucker band recently cut a new song, “Warrior,” for a National Guard commercial. It will be downloadable in its entirety on the National Guard’s Web site once the commercial airs. He’s also looking at launching signature beer and cigar products.
“I like [branding opportunities] when it’s something I’m into, and I’m definitely into beer and cigars,” Rock says. “You probably won’t see me on the cover of a Wheaties box or selling Tide detergent, because it’s irrelevant to me.”
September 4th, 2008 at 6:34 pm
I was really ticked off to find out your new CD will not be on iTunes. I buy all my music from iTunes. I really love the new song “All Summer Long” and am disappointed that I will not be able to add it to my iPod without buying the whole CD. I take my iPod everywhere and would love to be able to hear this song over and over again. Sadly, from what you say, it will not happen. Are you sure you won’t reconsider?
TruePackrat
September 4th, 2008 at 10:06 pm
Dude, the Kid provides that song on this website.
September 5th, 2008 at 3:50 am
Kid Rock new CD along with the rest of all his music is one of a kind!! THe guy is a true artist and talent in every sense of the word. To see his live show is an honor for anybody. I recommend you catch a KID ROCK LIVE SHOW while you can. The guy wont live forever. He has made a living being himself or real so to speak. I have seen him in concert 8 times and will be 9 and 10 coming up in California. He gives it his all every night at every show. He def earns his money and his concerts are a huge party. You will leave and be talking about it for days!!
In response to the iTunes situation, i also download all my music to my ipod before training at the gym. I dont think its asking alot to buy his CD and download it on your computer and then transfer over to your Ipod!! A CD cost 18.99 or so, so what, thats not asking to much. The guy spends hours upon hours and years putting together a piece of art (CD) and people cant pay 20 bucks for a CD? That ridiculous. His album from track 1 all the way through is unique and timely blend of Rap,Southern Rock, and Blues. I totally 100percent support his decision to keep his art off itunes!! People out there need to realize that we are privileged to have such a talented musician who combines different blends of music with the best Live show ever. Go buy his CD Rock n Roll Jesus and all the other ones from Devil without a Cause. People will be listening to Kid Rock music long after he is gone.
ROCK if you read this, keep being real and putting out the best music on the planet. I for one have bought all your CDs and have taking flights to different states with my girlfriend just to see your live show. Ill be in PALA CASINO SEP 17 and in GIBSON AMP SEP 25. It goes without saying it will be a kick ass party and one that everyone will be talking about for a long time! Keep doing your thing and realize that people appreciate you being real, your music, your live show and being a real American!!
BIG DAVE
September 6th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Just wanted to say that the new album is awesome. Never bought a Kid Rock album before I was throughly impressed with his new style and music. I hope he keeps em coming. P.S. The warrior song is also pretty cool. My niece just joined the National Gaurd and I can’t wait to show her the video.
September 6th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
First of all the entire album is AMAZING!!! I hate that I can’t get Kid Rock on Itunes, but if i want something bad enough I go and get it….and in the end I’m sooo glad that for the first time in along time I actually LISTEN and LOVE a whole CD instead of a single.
September 10th, 2008 at 7:34 pm
does kid rock read the comments. We the fans leave, I am from michigan a small town by his home town marlette. I was working in Alburn Hills and someone said he bought a house near there.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:19 pm
Kid Rock ROCKS!!!!!!! He’s right, if you want something bad enough then get off your butt and go get it. That’s exactly what I am going to do. I was so bummed that I couldn’t down load it conveniently from itunes but oh well I want it and he’s sooooo worth going to an ACTUAL store to buy the entire CD. Can’t wait to listen to it!
September 15th, 2008 at 11:57 pm
Kid Rock is a really great artist but I am very disappointed to hear about his feelings about iTunes. This is the future of digital content delivery (not just iTunes but the ability to get content from the web in general)