Following Siliconrepublic’s report earlier today, the Beatles have signed a deal with Apple – officially making their back catalogue available on iTunes for the first time.
The announcement was made today on the iTunes Store and starting today the Fab Four’s 13 legendary remastered studio albums with iTunes LPs, the two-volume ‘Past Masters’ compilation and the classic Red and Blue collections will be available for purchase and download from iTunes.
Really excited
Former Beatle Sir Paul McCartney, who said two years ago that the fully digital remastered back catalogue would be coming to iTunes, today said: “We’re really excited to bring the Beatles’ music to iTunes. It’s fantastic to see the songs we originally released on vinyl receive as much love in the digital world as they did the first time around.”
Fellow remaining Beatle Ringo Starr stated his relief that the band’s material would be available for download at last.
“I am particularly glad to no longer be asked when the Beatles are coming to iTunes. At last, if you want it – you can get it now.”
Free streaming
Apple also announced there will be a special digital Beatles Box Set (for $149), which features ‘Live at the Washington Coliseum, 1964’, which fans will be able to stream for free via iTunes for the remainder of the calendar year.
Apple CEO Steve Jobs said it was like realising a dream to finally get the Beatles onboard despite the time it took to get them onboard.
“It has been a long and winding road to get here. Thanks to the Beatles and EMI, we are now realising a dream we’ve had since we launched iTunes 10 years ago,” commented a relieved Jobs.
