Rock’s great refuseniks have signed up for streaming. AC/DC, who made their music available on iTunes only in 2012, are making their music available on Spotify, Apple Music and Rdio, according to the New York Times.
The move was due to take place worldwide on Tuesday, the day Apple Music launches. Though AC/DC’s music was not present on Spotify first thing on Tuesday, it was added later in the morning..
AC/DC have long been resistant to joining the digital music economy. They signed up for iTunes only three years ago, having always maintained they wanted to protect the integrity of the album rather than make single songs available. “We always were a band that if you heard something on the radio, well, that’s only three minutes. Usually the best tracks were on the albums,” guitarist Angus Young said in 2011.
Last year’s Rock Or Bust became AC/DC’s first new album to be sold digitally, selling more than 500,000 copies in the US.
AC/DC are currently in the midst of their first world tour since the departure of founding guitarist Malcolm Young, who announced his retirement – owing to dementia – last year. Drummer Phil Rudd is also off this tour, while he faces charges relating to drug possession and making threats in his New Zealand hometown. Malcolm Young has been replaced by his nephew Stevie, while Rudd’s place has been taken by Chris Slade.
The band headline Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 4 July.
