Apple honors Prince on Twitter, Tidal takes opportunity to push exclusive streaming catalog

AppleInsiderAppleInsider
Posted:
in iPod + iTunes + AppleTV edited April 2016
Apple and Beats executives tweeted messages in tribute of legendary musician Prince, who passed away on Thursday, while Tidal took the opportunity to advertise its exclusive streaming rights to the musician's catalog.




On Twitter, Apple CEO Tim Cook called Prince "a true innovator and a singular artist," saying "his music and influence will live on for generations." Marketing chief Phil Schiller's take was more succinct. "'The sky was all purple' RIP #Prince," Schiller said, referencing to perennial classic "1999."

Apple's company accounts, including Beats 1 Radio and Apple Music, retweeted messages from DJs Zane Lowe and Julie Adenuga, but did not link to iTunes' catalog of Prince tracks.

Jay Z-owned streaming service Tidal, however, took a different approach. As noted by Variety, the company posted the following on its official Twitter and Facebook properties:

"A genius, innovator, creator, family member, Prince will be truly missed."

Walking the tightrope between tribute and self-promotion, Tidal included a link to Prince's dedicated streaming page, the web version of which echoed the passage above, adding, "He shared his creative vision and asked for nothing in return. With heavy hearts- prayers and blessings go to all those around the world that share the same love as us. LET'S CELEBRATE A LEGEND."

Tidal is the only streaming music service to offer Prince's full music catalog. Rival Spotify previously had access, but the musician removed all content from that outlet last year.

Apple also lacks rights to stream Prince tunes through its Apple Music subscription service, though the company does sell his music on iTunes. As a consolation, Beats 1 radio, the free-to-stream arm of Apple Music, is covered under broadcast licensing agreements and has been playing Prince tracks throughout the day.

Prince was found dead at his estate in Chanhassen, Minn., this morning. He was 57.

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 9
    baconstangbaconstang Posts: 1,107member
    How respectful of Tidal.
  • Reply 2 of 9
    calicali Posts: 3,494member
    R.I.P.
    A legend.
    baconstangargonaut
  • Reply 3 of 9
    9secondkox29secondkox2 Posts: 2,719member
    Never cared for his character. But he was a gifted musician. 

    Sad when anyone loses their life. 

    Hope he found peace. 
  • Reply 4 of 9
    paxmanpaxman Posts: 4,729member
    9secondkox2 said:
    Never cared for his character. But he was a gifted musician. 

    Sad when anyone loses their life. 

    Hope he found peace. 
    Very gifted. Famously when Eric Clapton was asked what it felt like being the worlds greatest guitarist he answered: "I don't know, ask Prince".
    edited April 2016 fotoformatcalijahbladeargonaut
  • Reply 5 of 9
    genovellegenovelle Posts: 1,480member
    9secondkox2 said:
    Never cared for his character. But he was a gifted musician. 

    Sad when anyone loses their life. 

    Hope he found peace. 
    He is a musician who was wild and loose when he was young, but became very spiritual devout nearly two decades ago which is why he rarely played some of his hits and even then he would change the words. He considered it a different era with a different man. He has released 40 albums since 78, but the more positive the message the less airplay it would get. 

    jahbladecornchip
  • Reply 6 of 9
    calicali Posts: 3,494member
    genovelle said:
    9secondkox2 said:
    Never cared for his character. But he was a gifted musician. 

    Sad when anyone loses their life. 

    Hope he found peace. 
    He is a musician who was wild and loose when he was young, but became very spiritual devout nearly two decades ago which is why he rarely played some of his hits and even then he would change the words. He considered it a different era with a different man. He has released 40 albums since 78, but the more positive the message the less airplay it would get. 


    Very true. Also the "crazy" people are the geniuses.
    jahblade
  • Reply 7 of 9
    franklinjackconfranklinjackcon Posts: 612member
    If anyone is using Prince's death as an opportunity, it's Apple Insider, using it to bash one of Apple's competitors. All Tidal did is let people know where they can listen to his music, you know, the kind of thing people want to do when a musician dies.
    singularity
  • Reply 8 of 9
    runbuhrunbuh Posts: 315member
    Well, they waited a respectable (?)18 hours or so - iTunes is pushing Prince now.
  • Reply 9 of 9
    19831983 Posts: 1,225member
    Prince dead...WTF! That was a shock! R.I.P Prince Rogers Nelson.

    PS. What is it with this year and dead celebrities? First Rock legend David Bowie dies, followed by Alan Rickman, Glenn Frey from The Eagles and now another musical genius Prince! I've also just read that ex-WWE wrestler Chyna was also just found dead! Who's next? All very sad.
    edited April 2016
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