Today (July 9) The Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group (UMG) have announced “the beginning of a new era of expanded collaboration”. Their new worldwide agreement covers the band’s recorded music and audio-visual catalogues, archival support, global merchandising and brand management. Universal Music Group has been home to the Rolling Stones since 2008.
In making the announcement, Sir Lucian Grainge, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group, said: “After a decade of working in partnership together, we are thrilled to expand and extend our relationship with The Rolling Stones. We look forward to bringing our expertise and passion to bear as we put our global organization work on behalf of this iconic band who continue to create music and influence culture around the world.”
As part of the agreement, UMG extends its position as the home for The Rolling Stones’ catalogue. UMG will continue to distribute the band’s recorded music catalogue globally with future projects and reissues to be released through UMG’s labels and networks around the world.
Bravado, UMG’s brand-management and merchandise company will handle global merchandising rights, retail licensing, brand management and e-commerce on behalf of the band, including their tongue logo. Bravado will also continue working closely with the band and management to identify new opportunities for “creative collaboration within the worlds of art, fashion, retail, sport, lifestyle and touring merchandise.”
Eagle Rock, the UMG-owned producer and distributor of music programming for broadcast, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media, have expanded their global distribution rights to the band’s extensive long-form audio visual catalogue. As part of the agreement, Eagle Rock will also re-issue several classic concert films from their archives including: Atlanta (1989); Steel Wheels (1989-90); Voodoo Lounge (1994); Bridges to Babylon (1997-1998); Four Flicks (2002) and Bigger Bang (2005-2006).
In addition, UMG will provide The Rolling Stones with archival support and dedicated space for the band’s physical media assets, musical instruments and equipment across the company’s ecosystem of vaults positioned around the world.
Speaking of the deal, David Joseph, chairman & CEO, Universal Music UK, said: “The Rolling Stones continue to define rock and roll, they are loved the world over and they are the band who never let up. It’s a privilege to work with them and Joyce Smyth, their exceptional manager.”
Joyce Smyth, The Rolling Stones manager added: “For many years now we’ve had a wonderful partnership with Universal Music and look forward to an even more successful future together.’’
You can read Music Week’s recent Rolling Stones cover feature here.
[Photo: Dave Hogan]
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