10 Artists That Went Head-To-Head With The Music Industry And WON
2. Radiohead Vs EMI
Radiohead had long been one of the most popular and critically respected acts in alternative music when rumours began to bubble about tensions between the band and its record label EMI. It got into the press that the band had demanded £10m to re-sign with the label, but the truth was quite different.
Actually the dispute was about EMIs ownership of the bands back catalogue, including master recording of albums and singles. This would allow the label to put out compilations without the consent of Thom Yorke and co., got a lot of people talking about music ownership. Why should EMI own something they didnt create?
In the end Radiohead lost the battle and left the label. EMI promptly released a Greatest Hits which the band dissociated itself from. Next the band went missing. It was suggested theyd broken up due to pressures caused by the label dispute. Ultimately they resurfaced with an interesting proposition for album purchasers. Were going to release a record, and you can decide what its worth.
It was predicted to be a disaster, but the opposite was the case. According to guitarist Ed OBrien it made more money than their previous major label effort, Hail to the Thief. It also got the ball rolling in giving more autonomy to artists within the music industry though theres a long way to go. Even better, it was a bloody excellent album!