WHAT THE METALLICA CAMP REALLY THINKS ABOUT THE DEATH MAGNETIC LEAK

The inevitable happened on Tuesday night, when Death Magnetic hit the leak wire. The very next day, Lars responded on a radio show in California, claiming, “Listen, we’re ten days from release. I mean, from here, we’re golden. If 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.”

Pretty peachy response from a man who railed against Napster and Internet piracy a few years ago, no? You’d assume that the band, management and record label (Warner Bros.) couldn’t possibly be so cool and collected, right? You’d assume correctly; the indomitable Bob Lefsetz sent out an email blast with some kind of intercepted memo from Warner Bros.:

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. Its that simple.
PS 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.

Now that sounds a lot more like the Metallica we all know. Old world marketing meets new world Internet. Problems ensue.

-VN