MERCK'S GOT BRASS
IN POCKET

Does the man ever sleep? Can he sit still for a minute?

Capping off a week in which he announced both the acquisition of a top U.S. indie pubco and the hiring of a former U.K. major-label head and leading manager as key execs, Merck Mercuriadis and his Hipgnosis crew now unveil their latest catalog deal: for the works of Pretenders frontwoman and rock songwriter extraordinaire Chrissie Hynde.

The 164-song deal (writer's and publisher's share) includes such indelible tunes as U.K. #1 "Brass in Pocket," "Back on the Chain Gang," "Talk of the Town," "Middle of the Road," "I'll Stand By You," "My Baby," "Precious," "The Wait," "Tattooed Love Boys" and more, all the way through the Pretenders' true-to-form 2020 set Hate for Sale.

Hynde was represented in negotiations by manager Ian Grenfell at Quietus Management , lawyer Andrew Myers at Clintons and accountant Pat Savage at YMU.

"This is very personal for me," reads a quote from Merck. "Chrissie is one of my favorite songwriters of all time and The Pretenders are one of my favorite bands of all time. Her importance cannot be overestimated and she has been a powerful role model for women and men all over the globe for 40 years." He also noted that he became a vegetarian due to Hynde's influence and raised his kids the same way. "She has this powerful effect on her audience which is why they remain so devoted and committed after 40 years and why new generations of fans are constantly attracted to her. I’m delighted to welcome her and her wonderful songs to the Hipgnosis family."