Aerosmith sells its entire catalog to Universal Music Group



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Another week, another legendary artist announces a worldwide alliance spanning his entire career with a major record company. Last week it was Madonna and Warner Music Group. This time, it’s Aerosmith and Universal Music Group (UMG), who jointly unveil a new agreement signed just before the group’s 50th anniversary.

As a result of this new partnership, UMG will host Aerosmith’s entire catalog of recorded music in 2022, as well as future music releases, merchandise and audiovisual content.

This is all interesting, but perhaps the most interesting part is the “whole catalog of recorded music” part: much of Aerosmith’s classic catalog – including their eponymous 1973 debut, 1974’s Get Your Wings and Toys in the Attic from 1975 – currently released via Sony Music / Columbia, and have been for decades.

It looks like, next year, those rights will revert to Aerosmith, and the band have chosen to release them (likely via a worldwide licensing deal, but time will tell) through Universal Music Group.

This will unite this catalog track with other gems in the Aerosmith timeline that were originally released through Geffen – now a subsidiary of Universal Music Group. These Geffen records include Permanent Vacation from 1987, Pump from 1989 and Get a Grip from 1993.

In addition, UMG says the new deal will use unprecedented access to Aerosmith’s “Vindaloo Vaults”, as well as the personal archives of band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford, who will help actively organize their collections of music, photos, video footage, artwork, newspapers, checklists and memorabilia.

Joe Perry, co-founder and lead guitarist of Aerosmith, commented: “It has been a long road, but I am extremely happy and proud to say on behalf of Aerosmith that we have been able to bring our 50 years of music together under one. roof by partnering with UMG. It will allow us to bring our music to our fans in a way that we have never been able to do before. This is something we have dreamed of for a long time. It’s a victory for Aerosmith, UMG and ultimately our fans. Needless to say, we are very excited. It’s an amazing way to celebrate 50 years and the many years to come.

Sir Lucian Grainge, CEO of UMG, said: “Aerosmith’s worldwide success places them in thin air among the greatest rock icons of all time. On the occasion of the group’s 50th anniversary, Aerosmith continues to influence the course of music not only through its iconic catalog but also through film, television and video games and their inimitable style. On a personal note, I couldn’t be more proud that they chose UMG as their global partner. We look forward to building on their incredible legacy and ensuring that their music continues to inspire fans around the world. “

Aerosmith Director Larry Rudolph said, “I couldn’t be happier for the band members and their families. Not only do we bring the entire band catalog together in one place, but we put these recordings in the very capable hands of Sir Lucian, Bruce Resnikoff and the amazing UMG system around the world. I want to thank Sir Lucian for working tirelessly to create perhaps the most unique and mutually beneficial catalog arrangement in history and for providing a huge commitment to Aerosmith. The members of Aerosmith and I thank him and we all look forward to many years continuing to successfully share the catalog of the greatest American rock group in history with the world.

Since the founding of Aerosmith 50 years ago, the group has sold over 150 million albums worldwide. Universal claims the group is “the best-selling American hard rock band of all time.”

Aerosmith’s biggest hits over the decades have included global smashes such as Livin ‘On The Edge, Crazy, Janie’s Got A Gun, and Sweet Emotion, in addition to the groundbreaking Walk This Way collaboration with Run DMC.

Universal Music Group signed a similar deal with Elton John in 2018, which also covered both recorded music and derivative products – though that deal, like WMG’s new partnership with Madonna, also covered the administration of the publication. .

Prior to the new deal, UMG’s existing relationship with Aerosmith extended beyond recorded music, with Bravado (via Epic Rights) handling the group’s merchandise and previous Aerosmith concert films being released via Eagle Rock Entertainment. .

Additionally, Aerosmith is part of UMG’s partnership with YouTube to bring music videos to current video and audio standards, with recent releases such as “Dude Looks Like a Lady” and “Dream On”.

This article originally appeared on Music Business Worldwide.



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