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BMG buys Mötley Crüe recordings catalogue
By Chris Cooke | Published on Wednesday 1 December 2021
BMG has acquired the entire recordings catalogue of Mötley Crüe in a deal which, the company says, is its biggest single catalogue acquisition since the current iteration of BMG was founded in 2008.
If you are interested in the specifics, “the agreement includes the iconic band’s entire recorded output spanning their 40-year career totalling nine studio albums from their 1981 debut ‘Too Fast For Love’ through the latest release in 2008 ‘Saints Of Los Angeles’, as well as several platinum-selling live albums and compilation sets”.
Oh, and, in case you wondered, “the transaction forms part of BMG’s long-term strategy to create a 21st century home for the most iconic music rights in popular music history”.
Mötley Crüe were originally signed to Warner’s Elektra label. However, their last two albums were released in partnership with the label run by the band’s manager, Allen Kovac, who has had a partnership with BMG for some time. As a result of the big old catalogue acquisition deal, BMG will now seek to re-promote the old albums as the band embark on a 2022 US stadium tour.
Confirming the new deal, a statement from Mötley Crüe themselves said: “It feels amazing to be collaborating with our new partners at BMG. Their extensive track record of success in rock made them the perfect home to continue preserving and growing our musical legacy, ensuring we always stay at the top”.
Meanwhile, Kovac added: “After working side by side with BMG for well over a decade, the relationship we have developed and success we’ve accomplished over the years made this a very easy transition to entrust with this treasured rock catalogue. Working with BMG in any capacity, whether that’s publishing or records, has always been a great experience”.
And BMG boss Hartwig Masuch said: “This is more than just a significant transaction. It’s a new chapter for an extraordinary catalogue. Few bands understand the myth and the magic of rock like Mötley Crüe do. In an increasingly competitive rights acquisition market, artists need to be convinced that a buyer will do the right thing with their work. I am delighted that Mötley Crüe have decided BMG will be the best custodians of their musical career”.
