U2's Manager Responds to Backlash: If You Don't Like This Gift, Delete It

U2 is well aware of the negative reactions some iPhone users have expressed after discovering the band's new album, Songs of Innocence, had been automatically downloaded onto their devices as part of an elaborate Apple stunt.

In fact, U2 had anticipated the backlash all along, the band's manager Guy Oseary told Mashable during a 20-minute interview (full Q&A, below) to discuss the unconventional album release, the reception to it and retailers' fears about digital exclusives like U2's.

"It’s a gift from Apple," Oseary said. "If someone doesn’t like the gift, they should delete it. ... There are people who are going to be thrilled to get a gift. There are people who are not going to care to have this gift. We knew all of that going in. No surprises here. If someone doesn’t like it, then great, that’s OK, delete it. ... We just want to share it with as many people as possible. If you don’t want it and you don’t need it, delete it."

Bono shared a similar sentiment on Sept. 9, the day U2 announced the album and release strategy at Apple's iPhone 6 event, when he addressed critics on the band's website.

"For the people out there who have no interest in checking us out, look at it this way: The blood, sweat and tears of some Irish guys are in your junk mail," Bono said.