BMG has confirmed that it has acquired the entire recorded catalogue of legendary US rock band Mötley Crüe.
The transaction marks BMG’s biggest single catalogue acquisition since it was founded in 2008. The deal includes the band’s entire recorded output over 40-year career, totaling nine studio albums, as well as several Platinum-selling live albums and compilation sets.
In a statement from the group, Mötley Crüe 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.”
Mötley Crüe manager Allen Kovac commented: “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 catalog. Working with BMG in any capacity, whether that’s publishing or records, has always been a great experience.”
Meanwhile, BMG CEO, Hartwig Masuch, added: “This is more than just a significant transaction. It’s a new chapter for an extraordinary catalog. 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.”
In June 2022, Mötley Crüe will begin their previously postponed US stadium tour, their first major tour since 2015.
BMG will work closely with the band and their management to re-promote the band’s work from the beginning of 2022.
Michael Kachko, BMG’s LA-based SVP, Catalog Recordings, said: “Mötley Crüe stand among the pantheon of Rock legends, the band’s legacy is tremendous and their fans avid. You can be sure that we will lavish all the respect and love for the music that BMG is recognized for to deliver current and future fans the best experience we can.”
Thomas Scherer, BMG President, Repertoire & Marketing, New York and Los Angeles, said, “With expert management at the helm, Mötley Crüe have long owned their own recordings. It is an honor and a privilege for BMG to be entrusted with this catalog. They are the perfect fit for our global digital and physical expertise in Rock.”
To date, Mötley Crüe have sold over 100 million albums worldwide with seven Platinum and multi-Platinum albums, nine Top 10 albums, 22 Top 40 Mainstream Rock hits, six Top 20 Pop singles, three Grammy nominations, a New York Times best-seller, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
The catalog includes the six times Platinum-certified Dr. Feelgood (‘Kickstart My Heart’, ‘Dr. Feelgood’), four times Platinum-certified Shout At The Devil (‘Shout At The Devil’, ‘Looks That Kill’), Girls, Girls, Girls (‘Wild Side’; ‘Girls, Girls, Girls’), and Theatre of Pain (Smokin’ In The Boys Room’, ‘Home Sweet Home’), the Platinum-certified Too Fast For Love (‘Live Wire’, ‘Take Me To The Top’), as well as the two times Platinum-certified Decade of Decadence ’81-’91 (‘Primal Scream’) and Platinum-certified Greatest Hits collections.
The transaction forms part of BMG’s long-term strategy to create a 21st century home for some of the most iconic music rights in popular music history. BMG currently represents or owns rights in many of rock’s most celebrated artists including Black Sabbath, Dio, Iron Maiden, Kurt Cobain, Motörhead, Scorpions, Uriah Heep and many more.