Queen Manager Supports UMG-EMI

WEIGHING IN: Queen manager Jim Beach penned a Letter to the Editor to The Times (of London) this morning, throwing his support behind Universal Music Group’s acquisition of EMI’s recorded music holdings, yet to be given the OK by the European Commission, which is expected to deliver a decision this summer in Phase II of their investigation. After criticizing “the latter-day EMI Records [where] investment was slashed to the detriment of the artists,” Beach, who has managed the band since they began their career at the company 40 years ago, said, “I look forward to a time when EMI Records will again be owned by a music company as there are still great artists and executives there who need more creative people at the top.” (5/8p)