We're not promoting free music: U2 band

Los Angeles: U2 frontman Bono says though the band's new album is available for free download, he and his bandmates are against free music.

U2's decision to make its newest album 'Songs of Innocence' available for free download on iTunes has sparked criticism. Many music industry insiders are accusing the band of undermining up and coming artistes by supporting free music, reportedly.

Bono said his band should not be blamed as it was Apple who gave away their album. "We're not giving it away. Apple are giving it away. That is really important. I'm against free music. But the idea that someone in, I don't know, Seoul, might just check you out because you're there and because it's a news story," he said.

"And thank goodness (their record label) Universal struck a (distribution) deal. I mean it only goes to pay off our debt by the way. It's not going in our back pocket," he continued.

"The charts are broken. They do not measure what people are listening to and they do not measure people's passion in music. They do not measure people's desire to pay for that music and they should be respected for that."

U2 bassist Adam Clayton added that he knew releasing the album in such an unusual way would cause controversy. "I'm aware of (the criticism). It's kind of very predictable. There are people who will debate it till the cows come home. I'm not naive at this point. I know that it's cheeky on so many levels. But you know what? We'll take it on the chin," he said.

'Songs of Innocence' is free for 500 millions iTunes users around the world. Recent reports, however, said that Apple actually had to pay the group at least USD 100 million for it. The album will remain free on iTunes until it is officially released on October 14.