Warner Music chairman Michael J. Fuchs told The New York Times that it has not succumbed to outside pressure and that "we will be responsible for, and defend, the music we release. But we don't have that relationship with their [Interscope's] artists." But Bennett crowed to the Times, "This proves that moral suasion actually works. Somewhere at that company there is a healthy sense of shame."
This is a serious blow to the Warner Music Group's credibility. Interscope has proven to be a visionary label. Dr. Dre, for example, was a member of NWA with no real track record on his own when Interscope cut a deal with him and his Death Row label. Dre's solo album, as well as Snoop's Doggystyle, have influenced all of rap.
Equally influential is NIN, headed by Trent Reznor. Primus, 2pac, Toadies, Rocket From the Crypt, and others are also signed to the label. It is expected that Interscope will have no problem hooking up with another major distribution company (Polygram, for example, is interested). Meanwhile, one wonders what this means for other labels tied to Time Warner, such as Rick Rubin's American Recordings. Has Mr. Fuchs, let alone Mr. Dole, taken a look at the Lords of Acid's last Coop-drawn cover?