nostaws said:
I know some people have floated this idea previously - but Apple Computer has a lot of cash - How much would it cost to just buy Apple Corp?
Paul McCartney has always prevailed in getting he what concerning The Beatles and considering all that he did in the band, for the band and after the band, who can blame him.
He is already a Billionaire (literally, with £1.1bn in 2002) so money is not the issue here. Not for selling Apple Corp nor with even selling Beatle music.
Ringo on the other hand, would probably welcome a buy-out, if he even has a hand in Apple Corp which I highly doubt. Also, since Ringo never wrote any of the songs of the Beatles, probably would welcome any type of deal to make some sort of money.
This has never been about money, really. It's been about McCartney standing up for what he thought was right. I love his music, but his stubborn attitude is a blessing and a curse.
The signs are right for this to be real. The article on Macworld refers to "digital booklets to accompany the downloads" which sound just like several PDFs that I've received when buying iTunes music (U2 comes to mind). Also, this sounds just like the kiss-and-make-up thing that Paul and Steve would come up with. Also, Paul giving away video ipods to people on his tour shows that he knows a good gift. Lastly, if The Beatles are going to want the type of exposure needed to make this great, why would they go to any other type of service. ITunes is far and away number one.
Also, I see this as the perfect time to introduce higher-quality downloads. A special Beatles iPod would be very welcomed with signatures from all the band mates and The Beatles & APPLE CORP logo would be fantastic!
I hope this rumor is right and that people will be able to Beatles music on iTunes. What a story that will make!