BMG is to directly handle The Rolling Stones post-1983 music publishing catalogue, after striking a new deal with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
Beginning 1 July 2013 BMG will take on direct responsibility for publishing all of the songs written by The Rolling Stones songwriting team of Jagger and Richards since the date, including tracks on the albums Dirty Work (1986), Steel Wheels (1989), Voodoo Lounge (1994), Bridges To Babylon (1997) and A Bigger Bang (2005) as well as future compositions.
Additionally BMG says it will be responsible for handling Jagger and Richards’s shares of their pre-1983 copyrights which are represented by ABKCO (1963-1971) and EMI Music Publishing (1971-1983).
The deal comes as The Rolling Stones celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of their first single in June 1963. It marks the first time The Rolling Stones have appointed an outside music publisher in 40 years.
BMG’s responsibilities will range from marketing and licensing the songs to the film, TV and advertising sectors, to ensuring that the writers are paid promptly and accurately for their use on the fast-growing number of digital music services.
BMG Chrysalis SVP Alexi Cory-Smith, said, “Mick Jagger and Keith Richards are among the greatest songwriters in rock ‘n’ roll history. It’s a huge honour that they have chosen us to represent their interests. Beginning July 1, we will be working alongside all of our offices around the world to give them the very best BMG can offer.”
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards both commented, “We look forward to a fresh and fruitful long-term business relationship with all the team at BMG.”
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch said that winning the opportunity to work with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards is a significant milestone for the company, less than five years after it was founded.
“This deal is incredibly important for BMG,” he said. “Keith and Mick have clearly created one of the most outstanding song collections in rock ‘n’ roll history. They have not only created the soundtrack of all of our lives, they have been a dynamic and constant force for cultural change. They could sign to any company they wanted to. The fact that they have chosen to sign with BMG is a significant vote of confidence in our team and in our creative and administration services. We will justify their trust in us.”Music Business Worldwide
