Despite their claims to the contrary in the preceding weeks, world-renowned rock band U2 performed at today’s Apple event after all. But it wasn’t just a entertainment gimmick. Apple CEO Tim Cook joined U2 frontman Bono on stage to announce that every user of iTunes gets the band’s latest album “Songs of Innocence” entirely for free today.
According to Apple, that means that around 500 million people can pick up the album for free today. In a humorous exchange, Bono called Cook “Zen Master of Hard and Software” after performing “The Miracle (of Joey Ramone),” which is first single from the new album. Apple continued its trend toward album exclusivity by announcing that the album would only be available on iTunes until October 13.
According to Cook, it’s the largest album release of all time, and it’ll be available on both iTunes Raio and via streaming on Beats music as well starting tomorrow. For now, reportedly, you can find it under your Albums tab in your iTunes library. Just download it to claim it.
“With this, we wanted to wait until we had one that was as good as our very best work,” Bono said to Cook after performing the new song. “The question is now, how do we get it to as many people as possible, because that’s what our band is all about. I think you can help us.”
And he did. Be sure to check out the album today.
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