Lyrics from Beatles songs written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney will soon start appearing on a range of merchandise as Epic Rights secures the worldwide rights to develop Beatles-themed licensed products.
Sony/ATV Music Publishing agreed the deal, which includes more than 180 Lennon and McCartney songs published between 1962 and 1969.
It also comprises the Northern Songs Lennon-McCartney song catalogue.
Epic – a full-service global branding, licensing and rights management company – will present the project at the upcoming Licensing Expo in Las Vegas.
“For many people the world over, a Beatles’ song instantly transports them to a place, a time, a feeling with huge emotional attachment. Those iconic lyrics, which double as cultural and historical references, also communicate attitudes that are as topical and relevant today as they were in the 1960s.”
Dell furano, epic rights
Dell Furano, CEO, Epic Rights, explained: “For many people the world over, a Beatles’ song instantly transports them to a place, a time, a feeling with huge emotional attachment.
“Those iconic lyrics, which double as cultural and historical references, also communicate attitudes that are as topical and relevant today as they were in the 1960s.”
Sony/ATV Music Publishing VP, Merchandise & Consumer Products, Rod Kotler, said: “The songs of John Lennon and Paul McCartney not only became social anthems for a generation, they have lived on to inspire people of all ages around the globe, regardless of language or geographic location.
“Dell and the Epic Rights team understand the importance of these lyrics, lyrics that live well beyond the songs that first delivered them, and we trust him to develop an appropriate licensing program that respects John Lennon and Paul McCartney’s treasured lyrics.”
Epic Rights’ Executive Vice President of Global Licensing, Lisa Streff, added: “We envision a broad licensed products campaign that encompasses everything from apparel, accessories and wall art to home electronics, gifts, stationery, and more.
“From All You Need is Love to Hey Jude, the opportunities to develop high quality merchandise that incorporates the words and sentiments of Paul McCartney and John Lennon’s lyrics are limitless.”Music Business Worldwide
