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
Everybody be prepared for Remasters of the catalog to soon hit the streets…..
Jeez, who knew the music business was so damn complicated! I already have every Aerosmith album I need, and ever wanted, and I am completely happy with the sound/production of those albums, so, whatever!
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Ain’t that the truth! But I have all the “Toys In The Attic” I need! 😉
LOL at Dana’s comment… Ha haaaaa…! Aerosmith is in my top 5 fave bands, easily. But only up to 1980. I have been waiting ever since for an album of dirty, sexy boogie from them. Thank goodness the Box Of Fire remasters are absolutely gorgeous sonically. Best remasters I own. Maybe someday Steven will stop harmonizing with himself ON EVERY SONG, and decide to actually write a ROCK AND ROLL song again. Maybe not. Methinks not.
If we are lucky enough to see some deluxe versions. It has to be done right. Ian Anderson style!!! Not Black Sabbath style. I recently got the deluxe Judas Priest Turbo. Wow, I cant be more happy with that! The concert is not just a concert. The band is on fire on the night recorded! The sound is really good! I have never heard them sound that good live! My request for the deluxes are Night in the Ruts, Get your wings, Rock in a hard place, Permanent Vacation and of course Toys! And dont @#$# it up!
George,
Since Priest is my favorite band, I am very glad to read that you are pleased with the Turbo re-issue.
While I have grown to “accept” the album, and like a few songs, as a Priest purist, I still have such an aversion to that record, and refused to see that tour. Personally, I like the Screaming for Vengeance live show that was recorded in Memphis, TB. I know it was released as part of some older box set, that my fiancee bought me. I thought that show was AMAZING, and their performance of Victim of Changes, is jaw dropping. I am sorry, I missed the Screamingtour (I was a bit young), but Defenders, at the Madison Square Garden, was my first Judas Priest concert, and my first concert, ever…
That was the infamous show, where the audience tore open the seats, and threw all the cushion foam onstage, and all over the place. The show earned Priest a lifetime ban from MSG. What a way to start off my live show experiences-LOL!!
George, if deluxe editions are indeed released, my first request would be for “Draw the Line”. It’s my first, and favorite, Aerosmith album. I remember as a kid, I drew the album cover in art class and hung that drawing on my bedroom wall.
Dana, I remember that lol… I wasn’t there, but it sure is a great first concert!
Not sure about the other local papers, but I know the New York Post reported about it, because my grandfather questioned me about it-lOL!!