AC/DC is finally selling its music digitally. But not on iTunes. Verizon Wireless has snagged the exclusive rights to sell the band's entire back catalog through March 2008, becoming the first and only digital music store to offer the Australian combo's content.
However, the deal is limited to full-album downloads, one of the reason's AC/DC's music has not appeared in digital form to date. Since full album downloads are too large and too expensive to sell from mobile phones, Verizon is only selling them from the PC version of its VCast Music service for $12 an album.
The only exception is the group's biggest hit, "You Shook Me All Night Long," which will be available as an over-the-air download.
Additionally, Verizon has also gained the rights to sell ringtones and ringback tones of 18 new tracks not available from other operators. The company also plans to broadcast AC/DC's "Live at Donnington" concert and other performances via the VCast TV service. Unlike on-demand mobile video services, the VCast TV service allows users to tune into scheduled programming much like regular TV.
According to Ed Ruth, associate director of music of programming and sponsorships, Verizon hopes to add performances by other artists to the VCast TV channel over time. "This is an indicator of things to come," he says.
AC/DC is also at work on a new studio album, due sometime in 2008, with a tour to follow.
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