Whither Rubin?

RUBIN SANDWICHED: Looks like Rick Rubin won’t be taking his label to Warner Bros. as assumed, where he would’ve rejoined his old pal Lyor Cohen. With Sony and EMI out of the picture, his label’s logical destination would appear to be UMG. Can the bearded one help re-ignite UMG’s move back into rock? Insiders are saying Jimmy Iovine is not a buyer. Is there a possible return in the works to Def Jam, which he originally started with Russell Simmons? Or is Monte Lipman’s Universal Republic interested? Rick's success with Tom Whalley when he helmed WB has some chatter about the two reuniting in one form or another. Rick is clearly a rock music guy, with occasional forays into pop, R&B and country with the likes of Neil Diamond, Adele and the Dixie Chicks. The much-acclaimed Avett Brothers will follow Rick to his new home, wherever that may be. (12/12a)