ROLLING STONES
EXTEND UMG DEAL

The Rolling Stones are staying with Universal Music Group, signing a worldwide agreement that covers the band’s recorded music and audio-visual catalogs, archival support, global merchandising and brand management.

Home to the Rolling Stones since 2008, UMG will continue to distribute globally the band’s catalog from 1971’s Sticky Fingers forward 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. UMG-owned Eagle Rock has expanded its global distribution rights to the band’s long-form audio visual catalog and will re-issue 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 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. Coincidentally, a HITS editor who's between apartments has a similar arrangement with U-Store-It.

“After a decade of working in partnership together, we are thrilled to expand and extend our relationship with The Rolling Stones,” said UMG Chairman/CEO Sir Lucian Grainge. “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. Maybe collectively we’ll figure out the words to ‘Bitch.’”

Added UMG U.K. boss David Joseph, "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. Also, rumors that we're making an immortality serum from Keith's blood are wildly overstated."

Stones photo by Dave Hogan