According to the LA Times, US chart compilers Billboard and Nielsen Soundscan have responded to concerns relating to the distribution of CDs with gig tickets. Concerns were raised after Prince decided to give everyone who went to see one of his US tour dates a copy of new album 'Musicology'. Sony Music, who released the album, argued fans were paying for the record in their ticket price, therefore all CDs distributed in this way were included in official sales figures and chart ratings. Insiders reckon that about a quarter of Prince's 633K US sales were given to gig goers in this way.
Some argued that this opened the door for labels to give away CDs at gigs in order to boost first week chart performance - a high rating in the Billboard chart often boosting subsequent sales. British band Gomez, for one, have announced their intention to bundle a CD into the ticket price for their forthcoming American tour.
To this end Billboard and Nielsen Soundscan have said that for albums distributed with gig tickets to count in official sales stats and chart figures in the future, a gig promoter must tell music fans what portion of the ticket price covers the cost of the album, and give them the option to not receive the CD and get a discounted ticket price.
Billboard Charts Director Geoff Mayfield told the LA Times: "While there were some label executives who did give a green light to the original policy in regard to the Prince album, a number said they would like the policy better if it included a provision where concertgoers could opt in or opt out of buying the album."
In reality such complications, which won't affect 'Musicology', are likely to dissuade labels from using this model to promote album releases.