Stones Stay Put

Stones play down deal with Live Nation

16 June 08 - It was reported in yesterday's Observer that The Rolling Stones were on the verge of ending their 31-year relationship with EMI, to join concert promoters Live Nation.

Sources say Live Nation, home to Madonna and Jay Z, would market its back catalogue, depriving EMI of around £3m a year.

Live Nation would also take merchandising and touring rights for future Stones shows, some of which have grossed as much as £750m.

Today, their spokesman said: "We are not in talks with Live Nation in connection with any record deal." 

However,  the Stones record deal with EMI is due to expire soon and they could well be set to part ways with the label.

This would be a huge blow to private equity company Terra Firma, led by Guy Hands, which acquired the label in a £3.2bn deal last summer. 


Elizabeth Alker