U2 Bono Set to Launch Digital Music Business

(Red), the Bono-led organization that raises awareness and money to help eliminate AIDS in Africa, will launch a weekly subscription music service Monday. Launch of (Red) Wire at MSN.com, being held on World AIDS Day, will include world premiere songs and videos from Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, Dixie Chicks, Jay-Z, John Legend, the Killers with Elton John, the Police with Elvis Costello, U2 and others. Bob Dylan and R.E.M. will be supplying content in the near future. A portion of the proceeds from memberships will be donated to the Global Fund to help buy medicine for those living with HIV/AIDS in Africa. Beyond the charitable aspect, the service is being pitched as a source for new music discovery and, like most other digital delivery services, will lean heavily on exclusive offerings to attract subscribers.
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