Music
Music retailers have attacked Prince's plans to give his new album away for free.
The musician has announced he will distribute Planet Earth to millions with the Mail on Sunday and may also give it away ahead of gigs.
Sales industry bosses have been angered by the decision which they believe to be part of a trend that is hitting sales.
Paul Quirk, of the Entertainment Retailers Association, told a conference: "It would be an insult to all those record stores who have supported Prince throughout his career.
"It would be yet another example of the damaging covermount culture which is destroying any perception of value around recorded music.
"The Artist Formerly Known as Prince should know that with behaviour like this he will soon be the Artist Formerly Available in Record Stores."
Simon Fox, chief executive of HMV, added: "I think it would be absolutely nuts. I can't believe the music industry would do it to itself."
In response to the outcry Song BMG has cancelled its distribution deal with Prince in the UK.
However Stephen Miron, the paper's managing director, defended the move: "It's all about giving music for the masses and he believes in spreading the music he produces to as many people as possible."
The musician has announced he will distribute Planet Earth to millions with the Mail on Sunday and may also give it away ahead of gigs.
Sales industry bosses have been angered by the decision which they believe to be part of a trend that is hitting sales.
Paul Quirk, of the Entertainment Retailers Association, told a conference: "It would be an insult to all those record stores who have supported Prince throughout his career.
"It would be yet another example of the damaging covermount culture which is destroying any perception of value around recorded music.
"The Artist Formerly Known as Prince should know that with behaviour like this he will soon be the Artist Formerly Available in Record Stores."
Simon Fox, chief executive of HMV, added: "I think it would be absolutely nuts. I can't believe the music industry would do it to itself."
In response to the outcry Song BMG has cancelled its distribution deal with Prince in the UK.
However Stephen Miron, the paper's managing director, defended the move: "It's all about giving music for the masses and he believes in spreading the music he produces to as many people as possible."
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