News | BMG | Los Angeles, 12/02/2021

BMG Acquires Entire Recordings Catalog Of Metal Band Mötley Crüe

BMG has acquired the entire recorded catalog of the iconic U.S. rock band Mötley Crüe. The agreement includes the iconic band’s entire recorded output spanning their 40-year career totaling nine studio albums as well as several live albums and compilation sets. For BMG, this is the largest single catalog acquisition since the company was founded in 2008. Mötley Crüe have sold more than 100 million albums worldwide to date.

BMG has acquired the entire recorded catalog of Mötley Crüe. The deal is BMG’s largest single catalog acquisition since the company was founded in 2008. The agreement includes the iconic 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 release “Saints of Los Angeles” (2008), as well as several Platinum-selling live albums and compilation sets. The band has won over a whole new generation of hard-rock fans following the 2019 release of Netflix biopic “The Dirt”.

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 added: “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 said: “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 kick off their previously postponed (due to the COVID-19 pandemic) tour of more than 30 concerts at U.S. stadiums, marking the group’s return to the stage for their first major concert run since 2015. Working closely with the band and its management, BMG ‘s award-winning global catalog team will embark on its plan to re-promote the band’s work beginning in 2022. Michael Kachko, BMG’s LA-based SVP, Catalog Recordings, commented: “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.”

Formed in January 1981 and hailing from the Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, CA, the quartet of Vince Neil (lead vocals), Mick Mars (guitars), Nikki Sixx (bass), and Tommy Lee (drums) has commandeered the rock pantheon for four decades. Together, 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. Known for their explosive and elaborate live performances, Mötley Crüe have sold out countless tours across the globe in front of millions of fans with groundbreaking production and pyrotechnics culminating in highlights such as Tommy Lee's “Crüecifly”-drum rollercoaster and Nikki Sixx's flame-throwing bass.

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 and many of the artists who reflect their legacy including Godsmack, Slash, and Bring Me The Horizon.