Aerosmith have inked a mammoth deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) this week, licensing the band’s entire catalog, as well as their personal archives to the publishing giant.
Currently, the band’s catalog is split with UMG’s Geffen Records and Sony’s Columbia Records. The new agreement with UMG states that from 2022, the band’s entire catalog will fall under the UMG umbrella. This also includes “merchandise and audio-video projects.”
Good news for fans – the changing of hands means that we’ll soon have access to the Vindaloo Vaults; the personal archives of band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford.
In an official statement, UMG said the individual band members “will actively help curate their collections of music, photos, video footage, artwork, journals, set lists and memorabilia.
“Future releases will offer fans access to never–before seen and heard gems, that will further cement the band’s position as one of rock’s most ground-breaking and reverential groups in history.”
Aerosmith co-founder and lead guitarist Joe Perry elaborated on the band’s new deal in conversation with Billboard, saying:
“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.
“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.”
Billboard noted that UMG are already planning a variety of projects in celebration of the band’s 50 year anniversary, which was actually 2021, but because of the pandemic, plans have been delayed.
We can expect to look out for films, TV features and other audio-visual projects. More details to follow.
