Thursday, October 12, 2000
He may be a
Napster supporter, but
Limp Bizkit's
Fred Durst clearly has his eyes on first-week mega-sales for the band's new album, "Chocolate Starfish And The Hot Dog Flavored Water" (Flip/Interscope), which hits the streets Oct. 17. The group's last album, '99's "Significant Other," sold 640k in its first week on the way to an OTC total of 6.4 million.
Geffen Records President Jordan Schur, who originally signed the band to his Flip Records imprint, took some time out from getting his toenails buffed by Marc Pollack to comment that the marketing plan was created with the idea of maintaining the group's strong connection to their fans and musical roots:
"We wanted to let the music and the band speak directly to the audience. We've done everything we can to bring the fans closer to the band's spirit and roots while avoiding the hype."
Industry estimators estimate the album should rack up first-week sales in the high six figures, with an outside shot at a million. The marketing setup is certainly in high gear.
- The group simultaneously released two singles, "Rollin'" and "My Generation," accompanied by big-budget, Durst-directed videos that have rolled over Post Modern and Active Rock radio, along with massive MTV play.
- A special Swizz Beatz-produced "Urban Assault Vehicle" remix of "Rollin'," featuring Method Man, DMX and Redman, is establishing the band at Crossover radio.
- The record release party at Hugh Hefner's Playboy Mansion was filmed by MTV and will be broadcast this weekend.
- A massive in-store will take place at the Virgin Megastore Times Square on the day of release. Passes for the event will be handed out to all those who pre-purchase the album beginning Friday (10/13) at the outlet.
- As part of its Limp Bizkit Golden CD promotion, Gold autographed CDs and laminates have been randomly inserted into the first release run of the album. Each buyer who finds one will receive a Paul Reed Smith guitar, a Remo drumhead signed by the band or four lifetime backstage passes. Those who don't buy the album can enter to win at limpbizkit.com starting Oct. 17.
- The first part of the band's "Anger Management" tour with Eminem, Papa Roach and Xzibit starts at NJ's Meadowlands Continental Airlines Arena on Oct. 19 and will run through mid-December. DMX will open the second half.