(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) —
BMG Songs, the North American division of BMG Music Publishing Worldwide, has inked Slayer to a worldwide music administration agreement, becoming the first publisher to represent the heavy metal legends’ catalogue in the U.S. for almost 15 years.
BMG Songs will have worldwide representation of the pre-eminent band in the thrash metal genre representing 20 years worth of their catalogue from their 20+ year career. Formed in 1982, Slayer released more than 10 albums through Rick Rubin’s American Recordings (f/ka/ Def American) including the classic 1986 album Reign In Blood, 1988’s South of Heaven, 1990’s Seasons in the Abyss and 1994’s Divine Intervention. Slayer’s most recent album was 2001’s God Hates Us All. Slayer has continued to tour extensively since that time and is currently working on their first studio release since 2001.
The deal marks the first time Slayer has aligned itself with a music publisher in the U.S. market in almost 15 years. The band was previously self-published in the U.S. BMG Music Publishing previously sub-published Slayer’s catalogue worldwide except in the U.S. and Japan.
"BMG Songs is thrilled to be the first music publisher to take care of this Slayer catalog on a worldwide basis,” said Scott Francis, president, BMG Songs North America. “The band stands alone in music history as innovators of the speed metal sound. Their album Reign in Blood launched a whole new musical movement whose effects are still being felt two decades after its release. Slayer's continued success and credibility have cemented their place in rock history.”
“Signing a worldwide deal with BMG Songs was a very significant decision for Slayer, who negotiated back all of their music publishing rights almost 15 years ago,” said Scott Harrington, Slayer’s attorney. “The band has been happy with the job BMG was doing subpublishing for them outside of the U.S., so signing a global deal with BMG Songs seemed the logical extension. Slayer is excited about the opportunity to work with BMG Songs to explore new uses and media for their music.”
“I am ecstatic that BMG shares the same vision that I do for a band that has earned their success and recognition the old-fashioned way by 20 years of relentless global touring and recording,” said Rick Sales, who manages Slayer for the Sanctuary Group. “We look forward to working with BMG Songs.” –Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
