On Monday (Aug. 23rd) Universal Music announced it had signed a new global alliance with Aerosmith that will span recorded music, merchandise and assorted audio-video projects.
Under the deal, UMG will become the home of Aerosmith’s entire recorded music catalog ahead of their 50th anniversary next year. The company will also house Aerosmith’s future music projects and work with the band to develop, produce and distribute new film, TV and other audio-visual content projects celebrating their history and cultural impact, details of which will be announced soon.
The agreement also gives UMG access to the band’s Vindaloo Vaults and the personal archives of band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford, who will help curate their collections. Material from these archives will be utilized in future releases to provide fans access to never-before-seen-and-heard music, photos, video footage, artwork, journals, set lists and memorabilia.
Aerosmith released some of their most successful albums through Universal’s Geffen Records in the ’80s and ’90s, including 1987’s Permanent Vacation (five-times platinum), 1989’s Pump and 1993’s Get a Grip (both seven-times platinum). However, the majority of their albums were released by Sony’s Columbia Records, including such multi-platinum sellers as their 1973 self-titled debut, 1974’s Get Your Wings, 1975’s Toys in the Attic, 1976’s Rocks, 1977’s Draw the Line and 1997’s Nine Lives. Under this new deal, that lucrative catalog is now wholly controlled by UMG.
Notably, Aerosmith’s first album with UMG — 1985’s Done With Mirrors — already qualifies under a clause in the Copyright Act of 1976 that allows bands to reclaim the rights to their post-1978 recorded works after 35 years, while the remainder of their Geffen albums are all slated to hit the 35-year mark over the next decade. Now, those releases will stay under UMG’s control for the foreseeable future.
“Aerosmith’s global success places them in rarefied air among the all-time greatest rock icons,” said Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman & CEO of UMG, in a statement. “On the band’s 50th anniversary, Aerosmith continues to influence the course of music not only through their iconic catalog but also through film, television and video games and their inimitable style. On a personal note, I couldn’t be prouder that they have chosen UMG as their global partner. We look forward to building upon their incredible legacy and ensuring their music continues to inspire fans around the world.”
“It’s been a long road but I’m extremely happy and proud to say on behalf of Aerosmith we have been able to bring our 50 years of music under one roof by partnering with UMG,” said Aerosmith co-founder and lead guitarist Joe Perry. “This will allow us to bring our music to our fans in ways we never were able to before. It’s something we’ve dreamed about happening for a long time. It’s a win for Aerosmith, UMG and ultimately our fans. Needless to say we are very excited. It’s an incredible way to celebrate 50 years and the many more years to come.”
Aerosmith manager Larry Rudolph added, “I couldn’t be happier for the band members and their families. Not only are we bringing together the band’s entire catalog in one place, but we’re entrusting these recordings to the very capable hands of Sir Lucian, Bruce Resnikoff and the incredible UMG system worldwide. I would like to thank Sir Lucian for tirelessly working together to craft perhaps the most unique and mutually beneficial catalog arrangement in history and providing a huge commitment to Aerosmith. The members of Aerosmith and I thank him and we all look forward to many years of successfully continuing to share the catalog of the greatest American rock band in history with the world.”
Formed in Boston in 1970, Aerosmith has sold more than 150 million albums worldwide. The band is tied for the most RIAA album certifications by an American group, with 25 gold, 18 platinum, 12 multi-platinum and one diamond.
18 Responses
Dana hope you weren’t a rebel rouser tearing up the set
Charles,
I was a concert virgin, and a young sprite (13/14?). No, of course I was a good girl, my mother raised me properly. I was actually shocked by it, and since it was my first concert, kind of confused…LOL!
Every time I hear about that MSG Priest concert I think about my first concert at Giant stadium were at end of the Metallica set garbage rained down from the mezzanine.
LOL!!! Oh boy…
Dana,
At the time Turbo was released I remember it was controversial, like this is not Priest, but over the years I have liked it more and more. Point of Entry will always be my favorite Priest release. Too bad, it was skipped for a deluxe version. The album was huge back then also on MTV.The sound on the Turbo deluxe concert is way better than the us festival on the deluxe of Screaming to me. But both are great releases and worth every penny. My first concert was UFO The wild and willing tour opening up for Cheap Trick back in 81! Yea, that is real funny how wild the fans were and what they got away with back then. I saw the Black Sabbath Born Again tour and they had the garbage cans all over the inside Coliseum on fire through a lot of the concert!! Draw the Line could be a great deluxe, Rattle! All depending how they do it. I would put out some bucks out for them all if done right!!
George,
Do you have the Screaming For Vengeance tour that they taped in Memphis? That is one I love. Let me check and see what it is officially called…hold on…Okay, it’s called Live Vengeance ’82. Screaming is my favorite album, and please listen to this version of Victim of Changes from that tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQnTv1Kghcg.
Also, burning garbage cans inside the Coliseum? Holy moly…that could have turned out to be very bad….
Dana, I will check out that version out. I do have that dvd Live Vengeance! I am going to watch it this weekend. I also have Electric Eye dvd. Thinking back its hard to even believe. Their were no police walking around at that show inside at all that I saw. Like anything goes.
Yes, I know the 80s were a much different time, but sheesh..
Also, after you watch it, please let me know your thoughts.