It's been announced today that Irish stadium rock-types, U2, have signed a 12 year deal with musical conglomerate, Live Nation, which will see the company take over control of the band's website, merchandising, and digital branding rights.
The deal has similarities to that struck by Madonna with Live Nation last year, however Bono and the boys are going to continue releasing records through Universal. It is another step for Live Nation's steady march towards having a finger in every musical pie going though. They've managed every U2 tour in the last 28 years, and with CD sales falling and the value of digital content growing every year, there can be little doubt that it is the band's label that is getting dicked most by this new agreement.
