UMG PAVES ELTON'S YELLOW BRICK ROAD WITH GOLD

Elton John has moved all of his business into the Universal Music Group fold, significantly expanding the global business partnership between his company Rocket and UMG.

UMG labels will globally release all of Elton’s new music for the rest of his career going forward. (His last five studio albums have been on five different UMG labels).

Working with Rocket Entertainment CEO David Furnish, UMG will provide global reach, creative and commercial expertise, and marketing and promotional support for John’s current and catalog releases.

UMG struck a similar deal with The Rolling Stones in July.

Calling John “a creative cornerstone of UMG,” Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge said, “As he embarks on his monumental Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour, we are excited for our entire global organization to stand alongside him, working hand in hand with David and his team at Rocket to ensure that his music continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world for generations to come.”

The long-term commitment also includes the publishing rights to his songwriting catalog to be administrated by Universal Music Publishing Group. Bravado, UMG’s brand-management and merchandise company, will work closely with Rocket to expand and develop global merchandising, branding and retail licensing opportunities around his current Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour and catalog.

UMPG Chairman & CEO Jody Gerson said, “Elton is a musical genius and simply one of the most talented songwriters in history. … As the influence of his music thrives through generations, Elton continues to be a timeless source of inspiration for songwriters and fans alike.”

Since becoming CEO of Rocket Entertainment in 2015, Furnish has fostered an ever-closer working partnership with UMG. Together, they have focused on growing John’s presence on streaming services and social media platforms to support a broader strategy in touring, branding and licensing.

John’s Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour kicked off earlier this month in Allentown, Pa., and will encompass more than 300 shows over three years. The tour follows the release of two tribute albums, Revamp (Virgin EMI/Island Records) and Restoration (MCA Nashville), a CBS concert special Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A Grammy Salute, and Diamonds, a career-spanning greatest hits set. He recently also presented the 150th episode of his Beats 1 Rocket Hour show on Apple Music.

“Lucian, Jody, David and the UMG family share the values that we hold dear—nurturing artistry, restless creativity and innovation,” John said. “I’m proud and delighted to have them stand alongside me as I embark on the next phase of my career.”