Apple Music will exclusively debut Taylor Swift’s concert film, The 1989 World Tour Live. The freshly inked deal was announced six months after the singer criticised Apple’s “shocking, disappointing” approach to paying musician’s royalties.
Confirming the news via Twitter on her 26th birthday, Swift explained that fans will get a behind-the-scenes insight into the pop star’s world tour, in which she brought out a host of surprise special guests to perform with her, including Justin Timberlake, Steven Tyler, Ellie Goulding, Mick Jagger, St Vincent, Beck, Chris Rock and more. The film will be available from 20 December.
Thank you so much for all the birthday wishes. I have a little surprise for you. #1989WorldTourLIVE @applemusic https://t.co/actZbWBt4R
— Taylor Swift (@taylorswift13) December 13, 2015
Swift’s partnership with Apple marks a new chapter in the relationship between the singer and the tech giant. In June this year, Swift decided to withhold her 1989 album from Apple Music during its three-month free trial period, in which the streaming service would not pay royalties to rights holders.
Posting an open letter entitled To Apple, Love Taylor, she wrote: “Apple Music will not be paying writers, producers, or artists for those three months.”
“I find it to be shocking, disappointing, and completely unlike this historically progressive and generous company.”
Shortly after this statement – and some extra pressure from a number of indie labels – Apple had a change of heart and announced it would pay royalties to music labels and publishers during the three-month trial.
As well as her concert film, Apple Music will air an interview between its Beats 1 radio station host Zane Lowe and Swift on Monday 14 December.
