Stones ditch EMI

The band sign a long-term deal with record label Universal

25 July 2008 - On the eve of Sir Mick Jagger's 65th birthday, the Rolling Stones have signed a worldwide deal with Universal Music Group after a long association with EMI.

It means that EMI will lose the rights to new recordings as well as the band's back catalogue since the Seventies - estimated to be worth around £3 million a year.

Their departure from Guy Hand's EMI follows that of Radiohead, Sir Paul McCartney and Damon Albarn for his new Chinese opera.

Any new material will now be released by Universal Music Group’s Polydor label through UMG companies worldwide.

They now hold the rights to the band’s iconic previous recordings , including albums such as Sticky Fingers, Exile On Main St. and Black And Blue, as well as their mammoth hits Brown Sugar, It’s Only Rock ‘N Roll and Start Me Up.

The Stones have stated: “Universal are forward thinking, creative and hands-on music people. We really look forward to working with them.”

“Universal are forward thinking, creative and hands-on music people. We really look forward to working with them.”
 Rolling Stones

Word from Universal

“There is no question that the Rolling Stones are one of the most important bands in music history,” said Doug Morris, Chairman and CEO of Universal Music Group.

“Their musical style and off-stage swagger have been emulated by countless others. Having worked closely with them during my days at Atlantic Records, I am thrilled to be reunited with these seminal musicians who have set the bar for all rock bands in their paths.

“I couldn’t be happier that they’ve chosen UMG as their partner for what will certainly be the next chapter in their already storied career.”

Chairman of Universal Music UK, David Joseph, is also thrilled with the news, saying: “The Rolling Stones are, and will continue to be, the definition of everything that is rock and roll. It is an honour to work with them.”

The Stones are still going strong with Shine A Light - their Martin Scorsese filmed gig at the Beacon Theatre, New York in 2006 - proving that an older Jagger can still bust out the moves.

Georgie Rogers