The Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group (UMG) today announced a wide-ranging global agreement covering the band’s legendary R-Music and audiovisual catalogs, archival support, global marketing and brand management. This multifaceted partnership marks the beginning of a new era of expanded collaboration between the Rolling Stones and UMG. Their last studio album, released in December 2016 – Blue & Lonesome – won the band’s third Grammy (Best Traditional Blues Album) and was the band’s No. 1 on the US Billboard Charts 37th top 10. No act has had more top 10 albums in chart history. Since its release, Blue & Lonesome has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.
The Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group announce unprecedented partnership
UMG to Provide Multifaceted, Global Support to Band’s Iconic Recorded Music and Audio-Visual Work Including Merchandising, Brand Management and Archive
SANTA MONICA, JULY 9, 2018 – The Rolling Stones and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music entertainment, today announced a far-reaching global agreement covering the band’s legendary recording and audiovisual catalogue, archival support, global marketing and brand management.
Few bands in history have had such a profound impact on global culture as the Rolling Stones. With its powerful music, infectious live performances, unique visual identity and attitude, the band is known around the world to audiences of all ages and has influenced pop culture through art, fashion and film. At UMG, the band has a partner to complement and support their global reach, and their expertise and resources allow the band to maximize their reach while emphasizing their enduring cultural relevance across multiple forms of entertainment.
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 to work on behalf of this iconic band who continue to create music and influence culture around the world.”
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 said, “For many years now we’ve had a wonderful partnership with Universal Music and look forward to an even more successful future together.’’
As part of the deal, UMG is expanding its status as the home of the Rolling Stones’ legendary catalog, which includes some of the most famous and influential albums of all time, from Sticky Fingers to the 2016 Grammy-winning Blue & Lonesome. UMG will continue to distribute the band’s acclaimed catalog of music globally, with future projects and reissues to be released through UMG’s labels and networks around the world.
As UMG’s brand management and merchandising business, and a leading global provider of consumer, lifestyle and brand services to recording artists, Bravado will represent the band in global distribution rights, retail licensing, brand management and e-commerce, including their iconic The tongue logo, one of the most universally recognized symbols in entertainment.
At the same time, Bravado will continue to work closely with the band and management to find new and innovative partnership opportunities in the arts, fashion, retail, sports, lifestyle and touring merchandise to serve millions of fans around the world. and inspire the world. Recent shows and series include collaborations with Paris Saint-Germain, Selfridges, Colette and Zara, as well as merchandise redesigned for their filter-free European tour.
Eagle Rock, a major producer and distributor of UMG’s radio, DVD, Blu-ray, TV and digital media music programming, has expanded its worldwide distribution rights to the band’s extensive audiovisual catalogue. As part of the deal, Eagle Rock will also remake several classic concert films from their archives, including: Atlanta (1989); Steel Wheels (1989-90); Voodoo Lounge (1994); Road to Babylon Bridges (1997-1998); Four Films (2002) and Bigger Bang (2005-2006).
Additionally, UMG will provide the Rolling Stones with archival support and dedicated space for the band’s physical media assets, instruments and equipment in its ecosystem of vaults around the world.
Through this expanded agreement, Universal Music Group has been the headquarters of the Rolling Stones since 2008, UMG will leverage the company’s global network of industry-leading companies in more than 60 countries to support the music industry’s best-known and most influential One of the most powerful multimedia creative output artists.
About Universal Music Group
Universal Music Group (UMG) is the world leader in music-based entertainment, with a broad array of businesses engaged in recorded music, music publishing, merchandising and audiovisual content in more than 60 countries. Featuring the most comprehensive catalog of recordings and songs across every musical genre, UMG identifies and develops artists and produces and distributes the most critically acclaimed and commercially successful music in the world. Committed to artistry, innovation and entrepreneurship, UMG fosters the development of services, platforms and business models in order to broaden artistic and commercial opportunities for our artists and create new experiences for fans. Universal Music Group is a Vivendi company. Find out more at: http://www.universalmusic.com.
About Bravado
Bravado is the leading global provider of consumer, lifestyle and branding services to recording artists and entertainment brands around the world. Part of Universal Music Group, the leader in music-based entertainment, Bravado represents artists in more than 40 countries and provides services including sales, licensing, branding, marketing and e-commerce. Their extensive global distribution network gives artists and brands the opportunity to create deeper connections with their fans through apparel, consumer packaged goods and unique experiences. For more information: http://www.bravado.com
About Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock Entertainment is the world’s leading producer and distributor of music programming for broadcast, DVD, Blu-Ray, TV and Digital Media in the world. Eagle Rock works directly alongside talent to produce top quality, High-Definition and 3D programs, both concerts and documentaries, including: The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, The Who, Queen, Elton John, The Doors, Jeff Beck, U2, Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney and Ozzy Osbourne. Eagle Rock Entertainment’s television catalogue features over 2,500 hours of programming and there are over 800 titles currently available worldwide on DVD, Blu-Ray and digitally. Eagle Rock Entertainment, is recognized by some of the industry’s most prestigious honors, including Emmy, Rose D’or and Grammy Awards and more than 30 multi-platinum, more than 50 platinum and more than 90 gold sales certifications. Eagle Rock is part of Universal Music Group, the leader in music-based entertainment.