Superstar Prince is giving away his new album to his millions of fans . The singer has shunned selling his eagerly-anticipated CD 20TEN in the shops or releasing it online because he wants as many people as possible to hear his music.
More than 2.5 million copies of his 10-track album will be free in next Saturday’s Daily Mirror – the only place in the UK and Ireland it will be available. His decision is the talk of the record industry because he is the first major artist to release a new album in a national daily newspaper.
Prince said he was delighted to be working with the Mirror, adding: “I am very proud of the album. It’s great it will be free to your readers in the newspaper.” Next week in the Mirror, in the run-up to the release of his new album, the 52-year-old music legend – who has sold more than 100 million albums worldwide – will be giving his first British newspaper interview in more than 10 years.
We’ll also be giving away tickets to Prince’s European concerts. Paul Rees, of Rock mag Q, said: “It’s such a smart move for him to release his new album through the Mirror. “Everyone is talking about the new album. As a performer he’s astonishing – and this album will be more of the same.”
Guns N’ Roses legend Slash said: “Wow I’m so looking forward to the Prince album in the Mirror. I’ve always wanted to have the call from him to work together.”
BBC Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills said: “I grew up listening to Prince – he is an absolute legend. I am really looking forward to what he has to offer with this album.”
Prince spokeswoman Kiran Sharma added: “The Most Beautiful Girl In The World in 1995 was Prince’s first No1 selling single as a completely free artist.
“Fifteen years on, Prince is demonstrating that in 2010 it is still possible for artists to be independent and innovative. 20TEN, is a celebratory Prince masterpiece.”