Struggling London based music company Sanctuary have confirmed those recent reports that the company's co-founder Rod Smallwood has formally parted company with the group, and that he will be taking his management relationship with Iron Maiden with him. Sanctuary, of course, was original formed in the late seventies by Smallwood and recently ousted chief executive Andy Taylor in order to manage the affairs of the legendary rock band.
Sanctuary will, however, maintain a relationship with Iron Maiden. Sanctuary owned Bravado will manage the groups merchandising, while the band have re-signed a recording contract for the US with Sanctuary Records in relation to their new album 'A Matter Of Life And Death'. Sanctuary will also continue to release the Maiden back catalogue in the US. Smallwood will now manage the band through his new company Phantom Music Management. He will also continue to act as a consultant to Sanctuary for at least six months.
Confirming the changes in the company's relationships with Smallwood and Iron Maiden, Sanctuary CEO Frank Presland told CMU: "Although we are obviously sad to see the band and Rod depart from a management and company standpoint we are delighted to be able to continue with the band long term as their worldwide merchandiser and US Label. The parting with Rod and Maiden is entirely amicable and we are delighted that Rod has made himself available to Sanctuary as a consultant and look forward to a long a valuable relationship with him and the band. All at Sanctuary wish them both the very best for the future."
Smallwood himself said: "Its obviously a bit of a wrench leaving Sanctuary after all these years but at this time in my career and with the band's ever increasing international stature it makes total sense for me to concentrate on developing the band's huge potential in the many areas of what is now a very complex and time consuming business. The band and I leave many friends at Sanctuary and we wish them and the company every success in the future and look forward the continuing successful relationships in merchandising and US Records".