SWEET DREAMS COME TRUE FOR MERCK

Merck Mercuriadis has added Dave Stewart’s catalog of more than 1k songs, including his multiple hits with Eurythmics, to his growing stable of copyrights under the Hipgnosis Songs Fund. The deal is for 100% of Stewart’s writer, artist and producer share of income, and include tracks performed by Tom Petty, No Doubt, Shakespear’s Sister and Stevie Nicks.

As part of his successful partnership with Annie Lennox, Stewart co-wrote and produced each of Eurythmics’ albums, including eight Top 5 and three U.K. #1s, which are estimated to have sold over 100m copies worldwide. His Eurythmics catalog also includes co-writes on 13 U.S. #1 singles, including “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “Would I Lie To You” and “There Must Be An Angel (Playing With My Heart).” The duo have been recognized for their work with Ivor Novellos, a Grammy and a BRIT Award.

“This is an incredible moment for Hipgnosis,” Mercuriadis said. “I have been lucky enough to know Dave since the summer of 1983 and I have spent most of those 35 years marveling at his incredible work. I consider him to be one of the most important songwriters, artists and producers of all time.

“It’s an honour for Nile Rodgers and I to welcome Dave to our Advisory Board and to the Hipgnosis family. I’m not generally one for puns but sweet dreams are literally made of this.”

Stewart has been Best British Producer at the BRITs three times, was awarded the 2004 Ivor Novello for Outstanding Contemporary Song Collection, has a Golden Globe and Critics Choice Award for "Old Habits Die Hard" with Mick Jagger, and a Clive Davis Legend in Songwriting Award.

“Merck understands that without the song there is nothing and therefore holds songs with the utmost respect, hence understanding their impact on society and their long term value,” Stewart said. “He sees his company more like a song management company unlike many publishers who act more like a collection agency and wait for the money to pour in. I’m excited to be on the advisory board of this forward thinking company and sure we will have great success together.”