News from CNBC, now, as it’s been announced that worldwide supergroup U2 have ended their sponsorship deal with Apple, that famously began when they played on stage with Steve Jobs, and had their own signature model iPod. The deal is apparently now off, because it’s been announced that their sponsor on the upcoming 360 Degrees tour isn’t going to be Apple.
Nope, it’s actually going to be RIM. One of the biggest bands in the world have dumped Apple to give some love to Blackberry phones!
In the words of U2′s manager, Paul McGuinness: “This tour announcement marks the first stage of a relationship and shared vision between RIM and U2 that we expect will lead to new and innovative ways to enhance the mobile music experience on the BlackBerry platform for U2 fans. We look forward to sharing more details as the relationship unfolds.”
Hmmm, intriguing. Not least since this announcement comes not long after the launch of RIM’s App World software store, that lets you download apps onto your phone. I wonder… a Blackberry Storm with dedicated U2 content? Doesn’t sound beyond the realms of possibility, that…
Meanwhile, Apple aren’t commenting, but I’d be willing to bet they’ve gone off with their nose in a sling, especially since U2 frontman Bono is a major stakeholder in a company called Elevation Partners, who have stakes in a certain upcoming phone from Palm…
Yup, seems like U2 have sided with Blackberry phones and the Palm Pre, against Apple. I can’t imagine it impacting on Apple’s sales in the slightest, but if I were Apple, the letters F and U would be hurrying towards my lips…
Still, good stuff indeed for RIM, and despite my complete loathing for U2 in general, and Bono in particular (the second most smugly self-righteous man in music, after Sting), this is yet another step forward in the Blackberry’s campaign for consumer dominance. Keep going on like this, and they’re gonna do rather well, I suspect!
Oh, and in case anyone’s wondering, what with me being a musician, and all, U2′s new single is utterly, utterly awful. I still say U2 have only done about 3 good songs in their career, and this, folks, ain’t one of ‘em…
Would you buy a Blackberry phone to get exclusive U2 content? Or do you think they’re rubbish, too? Leave us a comment and have your say!