McFLY have shelved the release of their new album for over two months while
they thrash out a groundbreaking deal with McDonald’s.
The rock boyband had intended to issue Radio:Active at the end of June — but
it will now see the light of day in mid-September.
They were forced to tear up their plans after the burger chain entered into
lucrative negotiations to promote their new material.
A source said: "It was all systems go for a summer release.
"Promotional schedules had been drawn up and an elaborate launch strategy was
put in place.
"However, everything hit the buffers as soon as McDonald’s expressed an
interest in a unique partnership.
"It cost the lads a pretty penny to bin everything at such a late stage but
they hope, with the fast food firm’s muscle behind them, they’ll reap the
benefits in the long term."
The boys — TOM FLETCHER, DANNY JONES, DOUGIE POYNTER
and HARRY JUDD — ditched major label Island in favour of establishing
their own independent imprint Super Records.
It’s an interesting McNugget of music news, this.
The youngsters are following RADIOHEAD and PAUL McCARTNEY by
turning their backs on traditional record company practice.
Last year Macca left the ailing EMI to go into partnership with coffee shop
chain Starbucks and THOM YORKE’s outfit ditched Parlophone to issue
their In Rainbows album for no fixed price on the internet.
The terms of McFly’s unique marketing strategy with the home of the Big Mac
are still to be finalised.
But it will include a free download of one of their songs and their impish
faces being plastered over the chain’s 1,250 UK outlets.
I’m one of the few journalists in the country to have heard the material and
it’s surprisingly impressive.
The lyrics showcase a more grown-up direction while the music hints at a
much heavier new sound. Or should that be meatier?
