“Listen, we’re ten days from release. I mean, from here, we’re golden. If this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me. Ten days out and it hasn’t quote-unquote fallen off the truck yet? Everybody’s happy. It’s 2008 and it’s part of how it is these days, so it’s fine. We’re happy.”
- Lars Ulrich
This is interesting because Lars Ulrich led the crusade against Napster. He testified in court to Metallica losing millions of dollars from online downloading. Now it seems that he doesn't care.
Why the change of heart?
Essentially, a CD leaking makes for free publicity. If it leaks and people enjoy the album, they are going to let other people know. Most people were disappointed with Metallica's last release, so maybe Lars is hoping positive word-of-mouth will spread with this one...
Last night I noticed that the CD did leak, which isn't surprising since the release is only a little more than a week away.
How will CD sales do? This answer will probably be reflected in what fans think of the leak.