Deep thoughts.... By Rob Ritchie


Driving to work earlier this week, Kid Rock (aka Rob Ritchie) was on my favorite morning show. I've been a fan of his since his mainstream debut. Because of course I too wanted to "Be a Coooow Booooy Baby" (I can still hear my young nephew singing along at top volume)


I enjoyed listening to him talk about several things, one of which was spending part of his summers in Traverse City, Michigan a place where I have spent considerable time. (There were several jokes about the "Cherry Festival" that takes place there each summer, and how it might have to be renamed if Kid were to attend). but I digress


My favorite part though was when talk turned to downloading of music. Apparently Kid's work is not available for download on sites such as iTunes. Part of the reason is that he likes for an album to stay together. Another part is because no body really knows how much money he has in a song, so how can they just decide to charge one price for it. Then he talked about illegal downloads. I admit that I was a fan of Napster back in the day, so I was interested to get his take on it.


He offered the very best reasoning against (illegal) downloading that I think I've ever heard. I won't be able to word it as well as he did, but I'll give it a try.

"I'm rich (says Kid), so what can I say about it. But you know who else is rich? Tommy Hilfiger. So if you need a new sweetshirt, don't buy it. Just take it. Also rich? Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. Don't buy your computer steal it!"

I loved it. I think I'm going to have to go and buy the new album.