GOSSIP: Entire Beatles Back Catalog Now Available on iTunes
After years of holding out, the legendary rock band finally struck a deal with Apple to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes.
In an announcement today that covered the entire front page of Apple’s website, the company said: “The Beatles. Now on iTunes.”
“We love the Beatles and are honored and thrilled to welcome them to iTunes,” Apple CEO Steve Jobs said in a news release. “It has been a long and winding road to get here. Thanks to the Beatles and EMI, we are now realizing a dream we’ve had since we launched iTunes 10 years ago.”
Apple, Apple Corps and EMI said that the Beatles’ 13 remastered studio albums would be available on iTunes. A special digital “Beatles Box Set,” including the “Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964” concert film, is also available online.
The albums are available for $12.99 each, double albums cost $19.99 to download and individual songs cost $1.29 each.
“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes,” Ringo Starr said. “At last, if you want it — you can get it now — the Beatles from Liverpool to now. Peace and Love, Ringo.”
“In the joyful spirit of ‘give peace a chance,’ I think it is so appropriate that we are doing this on John’s 70th birthday year,” Yoko Ono Lennon said.