Aerosmith has struck a very unique deal with Universal Music Group (UMG) that includes their entire musical catalog and personal archives.
Per a press release from UMG, Aerosmith’s deal will feature the band’s entire catalog under the UMG umbrella beginning in 2022, instead of being split with Sony Music Entertainment. The “new expansive worldwide alliance” with UMG will also include “merchandise and audio-video projects.”
UMG notes, “In addition to supporting the band’s consolidated catalog, this partnership will also make use of unprecedented access to the storied ‘Vindaloo Vaults’ and personal archives of band members Steven Tyler, Joe Perry, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer and Brad Whitford, who 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.”
Additionally, “UMG will also be the home of future music projects, as well as work with the band to develop, produce and distribute new film, television and other audio-visual content projects celebrating Aerosmith’s history and significant cultural impact. The partnership expects to announce details of those new music and audio-visual projects shortly. UMG will work hand in hand with the band to continue to introduce Aerosmith and their rich musical legacy to new generations of fans around the world.”
In a statement about this deal, Joe Perry said, “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.”
The price tag of this wide-ranging deal between Aerosmith and UMG is currently unknown, but plenty of artists have been making headlines lately over various catalog deals. In May, Red Hot Chili Peppers sold their catalog to Hipgnosis Songs for between $140 million and $150 million. In December 2020, Bob Dylan sold his entire songwriting catalog to Universal Music Publishing Group for a reported $300 million.
