Metallica Label At Odds w/Ulrich On LP Leak

Release the hounds! Meanwhile, Lars fiddles while his label steams…

By Fred Mills

When a record store in Paris yesterday reportedly, and “accidentally” sold copies of Metallica’s new album Death Magnetic (how do you do accidentally sell something?), it immediately found its way online. It’s not due in stores until Sept. 12, but both the music and the album artwork is on the web now.

Despite that, drummer Lars Ulrich told American radio station Live 105 that, unlike in years past, he’s not that chapped about illegal file sharing anymore. "Listen, we're ten days from release. I mean, from here, we're golden. f this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me. Ten days out and it hasn't quote-unquote fallen off the truck yet? Everybody's happy. It's 2008 and it's part of how it is these days, so it's fine. We're happy."

BLURT is damned happy you’re happy, Lars. Meanwhile, below is a message from Metallica’s label and marketing team at Warner Bros. that was circulated via music industry observer Bob Lefsetz. It suggests that not everyone in the band’s camp is as blithe as Ulrich about all this.

***

WE ARE NOT SERVICING METALLICA MUSIC !!!

We know it has leaked on some bit torrent sites. So what, that happens all the time and we are not changing our plan. Please tell radio NOT to play other songs, even if they stole the record. We are vigorously fighting to get it off the internet the best we can.

They are our partners and we have a ton for them that could be in jeopardy if they play other music (other than “My Apocalypse” or “Cyanide”). Am Ex spent a bunch of money in the majors, per our direction.

ATT spent a ton of money based on our direction.

Clear Channel has a "Sneak Peak". All with CONTENT.

We have a premiere EXCLUSIVE for radio hosted by Dave Grohl and Taylor.

We have a tour and pre sale that many many stations are part of.

We have the biggest marketing plan for a record ever happening RIGHT NOW and they need to be our partner. It’s that simple.

There are 2 other songs, “My Apocalypse” and “Cyanide,”  that are floating out there and on iTunes. We are considering servicing those tomorrow morning to promote the premiere and also to let radio know we care about their needs... but for now PLEASE explain this as need be. Thanks.