When Apple gave iTunes users U2's newest album, 'Songs of Innocence,' for free, millions of people became angry -- we're not sure why, since no one forced them to listen to it. That sort of mass reaction might bruise the ego of lesser superstars, but U2 frontman Bono was unruffled.

The amateur sunglasses model recently spoke with the Guardian, saying he's still glad U2 made the move. “We got paid," Bono said. "And this is about a company [Apple] that’s fighting for musicians to be paid."

He went on to defend the quality of the album. “These songs, you could stamp on their head and kick them to the ground and they’re still going to stay there.” His claim about the album's quality seems valid, considering that, despite all of the complaining from iTunes users, the album has been downloaded over 26 million times.

Bono also talked about how the death of his mother when he was just 14-years-old played a large role in shaping the person he'd become:

If somebody were to do an analysis of the singers and writers in rock’n’roll, you’d be so shocked by how many lost their mothers. You’re just at the age where you’re discovering girls and the woman who brought you into the world exits stage left in a very dramatic way. But what’s more interesting is the rage that follows grief. Where do you put it? Music arrives in my life as an emancipation and punk rock gives me a place to howl. And it’s alchemy. It’s literally turning your sh-- into gold records.

The deluxe physical edition of the pointlessly controversial 'Songs of Innocence' goes on sale tomorrow, Oct. 14, and the band is gearing up to tour next year.

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