Starbucks is backing the upcoming release of Paul McCartney’s new album, “Memory Almost Full” with a global listening event and video tribute dedicated to the singer.
The coffeehouse giant will play the album, due out in the U.S. and Canada June 5, in more than 10,000 stores in 29 countries worldwide on a continuous loop. The effort begins in New Zealand at 47 Starbucks locations. Over 6 million people will hear songs off the album on that day, the company estimates.
“Memory Almost Full” will be prominently featured throughout Starbucks stores. In-store signage will also support the promotion. The album is McCartney’s first in two years and the first with Starbuck’s music label, Hear Music.
Starbucks Hear Music XM Channel 75 will also offer McCartney programming airing the week of release. And on June 5, XM Radio will dedicate channel 120 to McCartney’s music and have “Memory Almost Full” in heavy rotation.
Starbucks ran a similar promotion for Ray Charles’ album Genius Loves Company in 2004. Over 5.5 million copies worldwide have been sold, of which about 25% were purchased at Starbucks.
Beyond music, fans can send a personal greeting to their McCartney to celebrate his 65th birthday. Starbucks will deploy film crews in 10 markets nationwide and let customers record a birthday message.
Participating markets include London, New York, Berlin, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Atlanta, Seattle, Hong Kong, Tokyo and Miami. The video tribute will premiere on June 18, McCartney’s birthday. Store locations are available online at HearMusic.com.
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