In another blow to what is left of the EMI group of labels, Queen has announced that they will be leaving after almost 40 years and taking their catalog to Universal Music Group.
The confirmation on Monday comes after five months of rumors and follows in the wake of other artists moving labels including Paul McCartney, the Rolling Stones and Radiohead. EMI, as an entity, has been in a tailspin since being acquired by the company Terra Firma in 2007. In one of that company's final attempts to salvage anything from the EMI deal, they tried to sue Citicorp, alleging that the bank had misrepresented the value of the business. That suit was thrown out of court last week.
Brian May, guitarist for the group, said "We are very excited, after all this time, to be embarking on a new phase of our career -- with a new record company, with new ideas, and new dreams."
The deal covers all of the world except for the United States where the group is still handled by Hollywood Records. Look for the Island Records imprint to remaster all 15 of the group's albums for release in 2011 with additional rarities added to each LP.
The first five albums (Queen, Queen II, Sheer Heart Attack, A Night at the Opera, A Day at the Races) to be released in March. It is not clear, at this time, if Hollywood Records will be keeping the same schedule in the U.S.
Universal Music Group co-CEO Lucian Grainge said “Queen rewrote the rock & roll rule book 40 years ago, and you can count at least three generations of artists who are under their influence. So now we’re under their influence at Universal Music, and looking forward to writing chapters together for the new rule book.”
UMG International COO Max Hole commented, “A band of Queen’s stature, and a catalogue with such appeal, present an immense opportunity for a new creative approach. We aim to apply fresh thinking and innovation to the marketing and promotion of this great body of work. Ted Cockle, Darcus Beese and their team at Island Records are the perfect match, and everyone can’t wait to get started.”
There will also be other major celebrations in conjunction with the band's 40th anniversary during 2011. In late February, an exhibition will be opening in London called Stormtroopers in Stilettos. Later in the year will bring a BBC documentary on the group and possibly a feature film starring Sacha Baron Cohen as Freddie Mercury (release may come in 2012).
