Following two years worth of negotiations with Hipgnosis Songs Fund founder and CEO Merck Mercuriadis, Sir Rod Stewart has called off the sale of his music catalogue.
The now 78-year old music legend has decided that Hipgnosis – which now owns the rights to music by Bruce Springsteen, Justin Bieber and Lindsey Buckingham – was not the right owner for his “life’s work”.
In a statement, Rod Stewart said: “This catalogue represents my life’s work.” “And it became abundantly clear after much time and due diligence that this was not the right company to manage my song catalogue, career or legacy.”
Having sold more 250 million records – including six-decades of hits like ‘Maggie May’, ‘Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)’, ‘All for Love’, ‘Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?’, ‘Forever Young’, and ‘One More Time’ – Stewart is one of the best-selling musicians in the world.
Though no music catalogue was sold Rod will soon be selling his own brand of blended Scotch Whisky. The iconic rock star has created a line of the distilled spirits in partnership with the newly-launched brand Wolfie’s which he believes depicts the “carefree behaviour” of his earlier life, and he wants to “let the good times roll” with the tipple.
In a statement about the alcohol project, Stewart said “Wolfie’s is a rascal of a thing and with just a sip the whisky takes you back to the good old days. Fine-tuned and perfectly balanced, Wolfie’s is a delight both over ice and mixed into a favourite cocktail. It’s a fine tipple, whether you’re partying with friends, celebrating a Celtic win or reminiscing with family. For me, Wolfie’s depicts the carefree behaviour of my more mischievous days and the excitement of what life still has to offer – let the good times roll.”
As a nod to his own Scottish heritage, Rod’s lyrics to ‘Rhythm of My Heart’ are emblazoned onto the bottles which will be available for online purchase as of June 19 with fans able to sign up at www.wolfiesiscoming.com to gain access to an exclusive Friday June 16 presale.
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Author: Saul Goode
Photo: W. Punt for Anefo