Hey, U2! Where’s Apple?

Ahhh, 2004. We remember it well. Like the iPod commercial starring U2 rocking TV viewers with “Vertigo.” And who could ever forget the customized U2 iPod? You know, the black one that came with a certificate for downloading the band’s catalog plus extra goodies?

A lot can happen in five years. When U2 and Apple cut their 2004 deals, the iPod was the player of choice, iTunes was the download store of choice and everybody was happy, including customers, record labels and the band.

But it appears Apple and U2 have gone their separate ways since the band’s last album and tour. With today’s tour announcement came news the tour is presented by Blackberry, and the company that makes it – Research In Motion.

While no one is saying why the band is no longer hanging out with Jobs in the kingdom of Apple, there’s plenty of speculation.

Like the recording industry dissatisfaction with Apple over iTunes pricing. Sure, iTunes recently changed its pricing structure when it dropped digital rights management from its inventory of music. But Apple’s unwillingness to do it sooner had been a source of aggravation for record labels.

But while iTunes stubbornness may have played a role in U2 picking a non-Apple sponsor, it isn’t the only reason.

CNBC “Tech Check” blogger Jim Goldman points out that Bono is a partner in venture firm Elevation Partners. What’s more, Elevation Partners owns 39 percent of Palm, which is releasing an iPhone-like handheld later this year.

Regardless of whether U2 is dissatisfied with iTunes, the lack of anything Apple in connection to the band’s upcoming tour is sure to be taken as absolute proof that there might be some animosity between the band and the company. Like Hollywood, the technology industry loves gossip, and there are plenty of tech muckrakers out there willing to fan the bitter flames of discontent when it comes to Apple and Steve Jobs.

Or as CNBC’s Goldman wrote:

“Still, I think this deal says a lot more about U2’s commercialism and partnership with Live Nation than it does about the future of iPod and Apple’s ongoing influence in the music industry. But wow, the Blackberry sponsorship of the U2 tour, which promises to break all records, is dripping with symbolism, and not the kind Apple likes.”

To read Jim Goldman’s remarks, click here.