Metallica Considering Radiohead-Style Release

[Capper]

Eight years ago, when Metallica became the poster band for the clash between the record industry and its fans, the whole thing started when drummer Lars Ulrich personally delivered a massive printout of the names of people who had been sharing Metallica songs on Napster to the company's headquarters. But with only one record left on its Warner Music Group contract, the Ulrich says Metallica could be planning a digital release along the lines of what Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails have done, as ironic as that might seem.
"You know, this is our last record under contract with Warner, so we're looking at how we can embrace everything," said Ulrich, who pointed out to Rolling Stone during a Record Store Day appearance that the band already allows fans to buy MP3 and FLAC versions of recent live shows and download older shows for free.
After denying that the Metallica would sign a 360-degree deal with Live Nation, Ulrich implied that the band could choose a more independent, digital route: "We've been observing Radiohead and Trent Reznor and in twenty-seven years or however long it takes for the next record, we'll be looking forward to everything in terms of possibilities with the Internet."
Although it seems ironic that the band which so infamously took on its fans for downloading music would choose an internet-only release strategy, possibly with an optional price or even a free option, Ulrich claimed the move would not represent a change of direction. The band has always been "fiercely independent and controlling; sometimes to a fault," he said.
(In another sign of the times, Ulrich spent a good portion of Record Store Day signing Guitar Hero controllers.)

Metallica Considering Radiohead-Style Release

Can you say IRONY?

[drew and not u]

Man, they sure have come a long way downhill since "...And Justice For All"

[screwballl]

This is the wave of the future, its about time the geriatrics are finally now jumping on board...

[onebxr]

I am a huge metallica fan! I think this is great, but man these guys are one of the main reasons we dont have a free napster. I was on Lars' list b/c I downloaded a buttload of their songs back in the 90's LOL
-1

[Hitman]

Originally Posted by onebxr

I am a huge metallica fan! I think this is great, but man these guys are one of the main reasons we dont have a free napster. I was on Lars' list b/c I downloaded a buttload of their songs back in the 90's LOL
-1

Metallica is the one band where I can honestly say at one time or another I have bought every one of their albums either in cassette, CD or both in the past 20 years. Some of the albums I have even bought more then once due to damaged/lost discs/tapes.

[onebxr]

YEah I have bought multiple "ride the lightning" (IMO the best they have done) discs, albums, cassettes, even an 8 track.
-1

[Hitman]

Yeah that's one of my favorites, and most purchased album. My favorite album is ...And Justice For All, but I like all of them from the Black Album back.