Elton John And Universal Music Group Strike Global Partnership Across Recorded Music, Music Publishing, Merchandise, Brand Management And Licensing Rights

All of Elton John's new music for the rest of his recording career will be released through Universal Music Group

LONDON and SANTA MONICA, California, Sept. 21, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Entertainment and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced a significant new agreement to provide Elton John, one of music's most iconic artists and the most successful male solo artist in US Billboard chart history, the industry's best resources and expertise across recorded music, music publishing and licensing rights. This partnership not only means that UMG represents the entirety of Elton John's legendary creative output throughout his extraordinary five-decade career, but also will see UMG's labels globally release all of Elton John's new music for the rest of his career going forward.

The multi-faceted agreement marks the beginning of a new era of expanded collaboration between Elton John and UMG and significantly expands their global business partnership. The long-term commitment also includes the publishing rights to his iconic song writing catalogue to be administrated by Universal Music Publishing Group long into the future. Bravado, UMG's brand-management and merchandise company, will work closely with Rocket to expand and develop global merchandising, branding and retail licensing opportunities around Elton's Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour and catalogue.

In making the announcement Elton John said: "In UMG we've got the perfect partners to support all aspects of my creative endeavours. Lucian, Jody, David and the UMG family share the values that we hold dear - nurturing artistry, restless creativity and innovation. I'm proud and delighted to have them stand alongside me as I embark on the next phase of my career"

Working with David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment, UMG will leverage its unique combination of global reach, creative and commercial expertise, and renowned marketing and promotional support to ensure Elton John's current releases, alongside his rich songwriting and recorded music catalogues, are continually introduced to new generations of fans, and that his music's cultural impact expands through innovative campaigns in countries around the world.