Beatles iTunes deal is 'stalled'

By Ian Youngs
Music reporter, BBC News

The Beatles The Beatles' music is not currently available to download legally
Sir Paul talks about side project The Fireman and the future

Sir Paul McCartney has said he wants The Beatles' catalogue to appear on Apple's iTunes store, but that negotiations have currently "stalled".

"We'd like to do it," Sir Paul told BBC News. "We are very for it, we've been pushing it. But there are a couple of sticking points, I understand."

He said "heavy negotiations" were going on with their former record label EMI.

"EMI want something we're not prepared to give 'em. It's between EMI and The Beatles I think - what else is new?"

The band's music is not currently available to download legally.

"Last word I got back was it's stalled at the moment," Sir Paul said. "But I really hope it will happen because I think it should."

EMI, which owns the Beatles recordings, must agree a deal with Apple Corps, the company set up by the band to look after their classic catalogue.

The various parties involved have been unable to reach agreement but we really hope everyone can make progress soon
EMI

An EMI spokesperson said: "We have been working hard to secure agreement with Apple Corps to make the Beatles' legendary recording catalogue available to fans in digital form.

"Unfortunately the various parties involved have been unable to reach agreement but we really hope everyone can make progress soon."

Sir Paul was speaking as he launched a new album under the name The Fireman, his collaboration with producer Youth.

The album, Electric Arguments, has seen the former Beatle take an experimental twist and has garnered glowing reviews.

It was released on Monday and, along with solo work by all four members of the legendary British band, is available to buy on iTunes.

The vast majority of major acts have now signed up to sell their songs on iTunes, with only AC/DC, Kid Rock and Garth Brooks also holding out.

There were hopes that Beatles songs would become available after Apple Inc - which owns the download store - ended a trademark dispute with Apple Corps last year.

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