Bono on album release: 'I'm happy we did it'

There was plenty of backlash - and even, at one point, an apology - but at the Web Summit today, Bono declared he was satisfied with the way in which the band released Songs of Innocence.
"I'm happy we did it," said the singer. "It's one of our proudest moments, despite the backlash. These are our most vulnerable and raw songs, and the notion they would not be heard is terrifying. 100 million people listened to it. 30 million people listened to whole album; it took us 30 years for that to happen with The Joshua Tree."
He then joked, "We got a lot of people who were uninterested in U2 to be mad at U2; that's an improvement!"
He added that he wished to see a major change in the industry, as bands and artist assume control of their own destiny. "Musicians historically were troubadours playing for the Lord of the Manor," said the frontman. "I don't like that. I want musicians to be their own brands."
Speaking of the power of the internet, Bono stated: "It's an experimental time for the internet. It's like 20 years after man discovered fire."
Bono and his bandmates are interviewed at length in the current issue of Hot Press. To purchase your copy order online direct from hotpress.com
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