|
Billboard Report on AC/DC Signing for Epic Records December 2002
AC/DC Rides The Highway To Epic
Australian rock icons AC/DC have signed a multi-album deal with Epic, the first fruit of which will be refurbished reissues of seminal albums such as "Back in Black," "Highway to Hell," and "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," due early next year. Further reissues will follow, all of which will sport new liner notes and rare photos, and utilize Sony's proprietary ConnecteD technology to unlock special online content created for each release.
It is understood that AC/DC's next studio album, due sometime next year, will complete the group's contractual obligation to Elektra. AC/DC has spent the past 26 years of its career recording under the Warner Music Group umbrella. The group's back catalog is one of the most consistent sellers on Billboard's Top Pop Catalog chart. According to Epic parent Sony, 1980's "Back in Black" has sold 41 million copies worldwide, making it the sixth highest-selling album in history. It has sold 318,000 copies this year alone, according to Nielsen SoundScan.
The move to Epic reunites AC/DC with Epic chairman Dave Glew, who previously worked with the group at Atlantic, as well as Epic executive VP/GM Steve Barnett, formerly the group's manager. The new deal brings 16 of AC/DC's 18 U.S. releases to the label, which plans to also reissue some of the albums on vinyl and compile DVD releases.
"Today AC/DC is going stronger than ever, making it a true pleasure to welcome the band into the Sony Music family, and an honor to have the opportunity to bring both their classic repertoire and new releases to fans across the country and around the world," Sony Music chairman/CEO Thomas D. Mottola said in a statement.
AC/DC's last Elektra studio set, "Stiff Upper Lip," debuted in March 2000 at No. 7 on The Billboard 200 and has sold 842,000 copies in the U.S., according to Nielsen SoundScan. The title track from that album hit No. 1 on Billboard's Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.
Meanwhile, Image Entertainment has set a Feb. 18 release date for the DVD "Rockmasters -- AC/DC," capturing an Oct. 27, 1977, concert in London. The video finds the band, at the time fronted by the late Bon Scott, running through such favorites as "Let There Be Rock," "T.N.T.," and "Bad Boy Boogie."
Jonathan Cohen, N.Y.
Source www.billboard.com
AC/DC's new Sony deal
By entertainment writer KATHY McCABE
15dec02
THE latest record deal of Australian rock phenomenon AC/DC didn't come dirt cheap.
The band is expected to generate sales worth up to $100 million annually for their new label Sony Music.
After almost 30 years of hard rocking, AC/DC remain one of the biggest selling acts in the world, with their back catalogue of 18 albums highly sought after.
Their classic Back In Black album has sold 41 million copies worldwide, making it the sixth highest selling album of all time.
It is those seminal albums which prompted Sony to poach the veteran rockers from Elektra Records which signed AC/DC more than 25 years ago.
AC/DC, will continue to be released by their original Australian label Albert Productions here, which is currently distributed by the Festival Mushroom Group.
The deal will kick off with new re-issues of Back In Black, Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap which will feature restored album art, additional rare and historic photos, new liner notes and comprehensive track information. Each album will also have a link to exclusive content on a special website created for each re-issue.
Albert Productions CEO Fifa Riccobono said AC/DC, who will be inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall Of Fame in March, remain a vital musical force.
"Back In Black sells year in year out without anyone lifting a finger, which is testament to the fact that AC/DC continue to attract new generations of fans," Ms Riccobono said. "There are so many young bands out there who continue to be inspired and influenced by the guys. Every time someone comes to town they want the AC/DC boxed set."
As well as their back catalogue and a possible new album next year, AC/DC will also release the Rockmasters DVD which features a 1977 concert fronted by late singer Bon Scott in London.
Source Sunday Telegrapgh (Aus)
|
well they moved on down