Iconic rockers Iron Maiden have sold a 50% stake in the their publishing and master music rights, as well as name, image, and likeness rights.
In an attempt to “turbo charge” the rock group’s future plans after striking up a partnership, the heavy metal legends closed the deal for the assets with Pophouse Entertainment, an investment firm co-founded by ABBA’s Bjorn Ulvaeus, who also own music rights of Tina Turner, KISS, and Cyndi Lauper.
About their most recent acquisition, Jessica Koravos, CEO of Pophouse told Billboard: “We are 50-50 partners with the band, and the plan is that we’re going to work together turbo charging Maiden’s plans for the future.” “With Pophouse, we’re always thinking around the visual identity and … there’s lots of world building that’s possible both in [Maiden’s] artwork, but also in the storytelling within the songs.’ “The heavy metal genre, especially with the addition of Eddie, lends itself to a treatment potentially in the world of horror.”
The acquisition includes a stake in the rights to the Fear of the Dark hitmakers’ iconic ghoul mascot, Eddie.
Consisting of band members of Bruce Dickinson, Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, Nicko McBrain, and Janick Gers, one of the future projects Pophouse is interested in is a film based on the band’s Run For Your Lives World Tour, as well as a digital universe based on Eddie.
In in a statement: about the recent collaboration, Iron Maiden’s manager, Rod Smallwood, said “I am very excited about our relationship with Pophouse and the ability we now have to pursue, facilitate, and finance our many plans and dreams quicker than we ever hoped.” “The interest in the band has never been bigger and [with] this strategic partnership … the fans can be assured there is a great deal more to come for Maiden, and Eddie will rule, OK!!”
As her husband Stuart Galbraith – CEO of KMJ Entertainment Group – promoted their recent Eddfest shows in Knebworth, Hertfordshire, south east England, Jessica added “One of the attractions of this catalogue is the incredible fandom that surrounds them, and they’ve done the most incredible job over the years of giving those fans amazing shows every single time.” “I have a deep understanding of the Maiden fan, and I think the band would say they’ve brought us on board to turbo charge them, [not] to help them hang up their boots.”
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Saul Goode
Photo: Fernando Catalina Landa