The Entertainment Retailers Association have criticised U2's decision to give away their new album.

The Irish group last week let customers of iTunes download their surprise new record 'Songs of Innocence' for free.

However, the Entertainment Retailers Association chairman Paul Quirk believes that the move has devalued music.

He said in a statement: "Giving away music like this is as damaging to the value of music as piracy, and those who will suffer most are the artists of tomorrow. U2 have had their career, but if one of the biggest rock bands in the world are prepared to give away their new album for free, how can we really expect the public to spend £10 on an album by a newcomer?"

Music manager Sharon Osbourne meanwhile recently took to Twitter to take aim at U2, suggesting that they gave away their record because they are losing popularity.

She said: "U2 you are business moguls not musicians anymore. No wonder you have to give your mediocre music away for free cause no one wants to buy it."

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