BMG Acquires Mötley Crüe Catalog
• BMG announced it has acquired the entire recorded catalog of Mötley Crüe. Terms of the deal were not made public, although various sources estimated the value at around $90 million on the low side to as much as $150 million — making it BMG’s largest single catalog acquisition since the company was founded in 2008.
The agreement includes the band’s entire recorded output spanning their 40-year career totaling nine studio albums, from their 1981 debut Too Fast For Love through the latest 2008 release, Saints of Los Angeles, as well as several Platinum-selling live albums and compilation sets.
In a statement, Mötley Crüe (Pictured, l-r: Nikki Sixx, Mick Mars, Vince Neal and Tommy Lee) 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.”
Allen Kovac, Manager of Mötley Crüe, said, “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.” BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch commented, “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’m delighted that Mötley Crüe have decided BMG will be the best custodians of their musical career.”
Working closely with the band and its management, BMG’s global catalog team will embark on its plan to re-promote the band’s work beginning in 2022. And in June 2022, Mötley Crüe will kick off their COVID-postponed 30+ date headlining U.S. stadium tour, marking the group’s return to the stage for their first major concert run since 2015.
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. BMG currently represents or owns rights in many of hard rock’s most elite and ground-breaking artists including Black Sabbath, Dio, Iron Maiden, Kurt Cobain, Motörhead, Scorpions, Uriah Heep, Godsmack, Slash, and Bring Me The Horizon.
Mötley Crüe, Allen Kovac and Chris Nilsson of 10th Street Entertainment were advised in the transaction by Tim Mandelbaum, Cynthia Katz, and the law firm of Fox Rothschild. [Photo credit: Dustin Jack]
