Thank God for capitalism.

Former Beatle and general music legend Paul McCartney recently became the latest in a whole slew of rock-n-rollers to sell out to American commercialism and the almighty dollar.

McCartney inked a deal with Visa U.S.A. which calls for the world’s largest credit-card company to sponsor the 12-city American leg of McCartney’s world tour.

In exchange for that little back-scratch, Visa will be the only credit card accepted for ticket purchases and concert tour souvenirs during the U.S. leg.

No, McCartney won’t be seen doing any television spots for the company, but the connection itself will do wonders for Visa.

However, McCartney shouldn’t take all the heat. This year has already had its share of old rockers giving in to the green. The Who hit America with a highly touted reunion tour at the start of summer. The group wasn’t supporting a comeback album and the boys didn’t return because they missed their American fans. They came because somebody named their price.

The Rolling Stones, though they were supporting a new album, fit into the mold, too. J.C. Penney and Anheuser-Busch have figured all too prominantly on their latest tour.

Apparently, all these big names figured they weren’t big enough and needed big business help them get bigger. Perhaps, they should try to remember the days when the art seemed like enough.