why give out Musicology for free? it's not like people werent going to go to the concert anyway..i guess i was just anxious to see with all the people talking about Prince lately how well this album would sell.....oh well

Yeah. I know how it's like - I'd rather pay for my water too but there's not much I can do - the landlord says it's included in the rent. So be it.

Tough world.

Novabreaker said:

Yeah bummer when u get somethin for free u also couldve paid for....

It's a strange concept, but it may actually work out to his advantage.
1) He probably bumped up ticket prices $7 or $8 a piece and is giving everyone a CD. So in essence, he's making a killing on the profit margin for the CD. It's like everyone who goes to a show is forced to pay for it, whether they like it or not.

2) A lot of "casual" fans will be going to these shows. This again, force-feeds new Prince music to them, and may convert casual fans into diehards, or at least get their interest piqued enough to follow his career closer, buy a few of his latest CDs, etc...

I don't see how this will show up on the billboard charts, though. The last article I read said that downloads start March 29, and it will be given away free at concerts.
An actual street date for the CD in retail stores won't be until later this summer.

lemoncrush said:

Your first 2 points are excellent and include some things that never crossed my mind. THIS IS a good marketing ploy. While on one hand Princes' actions show him following through on much of the bullshit he's preached over the years. "Freeing the music" being able to "Give away music" if he chose to etc. These were things that Prince talked about over the years, but has never held up to since he was "Emancipated." NPGMC never really gave fans much of anything. And this endeavor is giving EVERYONE something, a free CD with ticket purchase. And as you stated above Prince is still able to cover the cost of manufacturing these disc by increasing concert ticket prices by just a few bucks. As far as the charts go; this is also a good thing. Prince claimed at some point in recent years that he no longer cared about billboard charts and record sales; now he's finally acting like it. Let's be honest here; Prince isn't poor. He can afford to take one for the team and give something back to the fans for free. In my opinion this is good politics; this is good ethics - actually standing behind and showing the charitable person you claim to be. A move like this encourages me to support Prince as an artist on his next endeavor. And I have a feeling that this whole Musicology thing is just a warm up for what's to come. I feel Prince is marketing himself right now just like a political campaign. This is simply a palm greasing before he hits us with the big shot: His next commercial album. It's funny that we're worried about how Musicology is going to affect Prince when we don't even know what's on it. It could very well be a best of compilation with just a few new jams on it. Which is still all good to me. Prince is once again representing himself as a likable and marketable person. The way I see it, this whole promotional tour is a guaranteed paycheck for Princes' next release. With promotions like this who needs: "Now available in the NPG Retail Store, 0+> and Get Wild baby Tee's just $15.99." I'm really tired of Prince begging for money by selling stupid stuff that no one really wants or "telling" his fans to "go buy my new Live CD/DVD." We know what's out there, we've supported him for years. We don't need to be told what to buy - Give us something worth buying...and we'll pay any price.

I'm really tired of Prince begging for money by selling stupid stuff that no one really wants or "telling" his fans to "go buy my new Live CD/DVD." We know what's out there, we've supported him for years. We don't need to be told what to buy - Give us something worth buying...and we'll pay any price.[/quote]

Chill brother, the way I see those "go buy" statements are no different than his idol Muhammad Ali saying, "I will destroy Norton (Frazier,Foreman, etc.)" Pure promotion, to not promote would be antithetical to business. Prince always has been a good businessman in some ways(terrible when he lets his ego into it).

He's not giving away a free lp. Are you people really that dumb? This is creative marketing. You are buying the lp with his high ticket cost. He is making a profit and getting people to check out his latest release.

Thumparello said:

While I agreee that its a cool way to get his product out there and noticed (tey all tell a friend etc), the cost of the shows are basically chump change. Below $80 to see Prince and get a cd is not bad. So without a cd it'd be what? $60-$65.

You have to admit that at least Prince is putting his money where his mouth is. How many artists in the history of music has ever gave you a free CD that isn't even out yet when you attend their concert? You really have to give the guy his props. I know that alot of you are saying that he is just charging alittle extra on the tickets to make up the difference for the CD's, and he probable is but what you all are not understanding that he is not making any money on the CD deal,he is just breaking even. He wants to put the music out there. He is not going to put the music out there at the cost of him loosing money. He is simply saying that if you come to my show which we are going to attend anyway you will get a CD. Its like a bonus to us because what is it costing us. And for those of you that say that he shouldn't be selling shirts and things I say this , What concert have you ever been to in your life that the artist didn't have vendors selling shirts, cups, banners,etc? Why is Prince wrong for selling his products on his own web sight? Sometimes I don't understand the comments that some people make on this sight. Some people act as if Prince is working for them. He works for himself, and if you don't like the product then don't but it.

And buy the way, I have never heard Prince beg anyone for anything.Again he is marketing himself and his products and if you don't like the product then don't buy it. Marketing.... Remember that word because if you ever go into business for yourself you will become very familar with that word.It's how business get their product out ther. Why should he be any different?

Bull said:

Exactly, it would be incompetent for him not toproperly promote himself, and yes he has been guilty of that before.

Thumparello said:

You're bang-on--

It's awsome to come home froma concert, CD in hand--I wish everyone did that

It's just, the way Prince handles his releases, some people are always left out! Don't have a credit card?-then getting "Rave In2", "ONA", becomes a big effort;for some of us, it takes awhile for TRC, NEWS, ONAL, etc. to hit our stores, or @ least means a treasure hunt. NOW, if the concert doesn't hit your town, you gotta wait for another means to get "Musicology".

Some of us would like just a DEFINITE Tuesday to circle on our calendars, and know we can go to a store and get NEW PRINCE that day.

I don't give a shit really. When TTD released his album free over the web everybody & their mother talked about what a "true artist" he is b/c he gave the shit away. Now P is (nearly) doing the same thing, give or take $5 & people are bitching. What difference does it make? If you don't want it, toss it. If you do, you get it for a mere $5 (since movie tix are $9.50 now anyway)...

i think you guys are stupid, the free CD is a fantastic idea, i cant wait, and im glad for the opportunity to take something home with me that evening thanks prince

I guess NPGMC members dont ge a free cd, what type of sh...t is that!

I think that Prince is expecting or assuming that all of the npgmc members will be at the concerts, and with this thought in mind all members will receive their copy of the CD.Members come first always. I have been very lucky so far so I have nothing to complain about yet.

Bull said:

have you been to a concert and picked your tickets up at Will Call?, Im trusting mine will be there.

Your tickets will be there. Just remember to bring your ID. and a credit card, just so you will have two forms of ID with you.