Rolling Stones have signed new deal with Universal
Rockers The Rolling Stones have ended months of speculation by parting ways with EMI and signing a new record deal with the Universal Music Group. The deal hands Universal bosses the rights to all future Stones studio albums as well as the band's back catalogue dating back tothe early 1970s.The EMI split ends one of the longest lasting deals in music, and insiders claim music bosses at the label, which was taken over by private equity group Terra Firma last year, went out of their way to persuade the supergroup to stay.Under the terms of the new deal, the distribution of the entire Stones catalogue will be dealt with under one roof for the first time, according to Billboard.com.Rumours of the Stones' plans to move to Universal began earlier this year when the group released the soundtrack to their Martin Scorsese-directed concert documentary Shine a Light through the label.In a statement, the band says, "Universal are forward thinking, creative and hands-on music people."We really look forward to working with them."And Universal's chief executive, Doug Morris, is delighted with his new act:
"There is no question that the Rolling Stones are one of the most important bands in music history. Their musical style and off-stage swagger have been emulated by countless others."
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