The Beatles' back catalogue set for download release

The Beatles' back catalogue is set to be made available for download, their record label EMI confirmed today (April 2).

Speaking after a press conference held between the label and computer firm Apple about new digital rights management protocol the pair will use in future, EMI Group CEO Eric Nicoli confirmed the Fab Four will be heading online.

Explaining that they were not sure of the exact online date yet, he confirmed the label were “working on it”.

There had been much online speculation that today’s announcement, which Apple boss Steve Jobs was present for, would be about The Beatles' online presence after the computer company and the band’s own Apple Corps recently ended a legal dispute over the name Apple.

Additionally a European release date for the computer company’s iPhone was also suggested, but again today’s announcement disappointed.

You can read all about the DRM deal on NME.COM now.