NEW YORK, NY (February 18, 2015) – Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen of the legendary rock group Van Halen have signed an exclusive worldwide deal with Atlas Music Publishing, as announced today by Richard Stumpf, CEO of Atlas Music Publishing. The agreement covers the entire Van Halen catalog (excluding the most recent album), and includes multiple hit singles and albums that have collectively sold close to 90 million copies worldwide, making the group one of the best-selling musical artists in history. The landmark deal with Atlas marks the first time Van Halen’s music has been published by an independent music publishing company.
Richard Stumpf commented: “Van Halen were the reason I first became an avid music fan, so it is both professionally and personally humbling to have Ed and Al join the Atlas family. Not many can say they defined a sound that would change the course of rock history – the Van Halens can. We are honored that these musical pioneers have chosen us to represent their songs for years to come. We will help ensure that new generations of music listeners are keenly aware of just how important Van Halen is to the music world and how incredible their songwriting is. Nobody combines melody and musicianship like Ed and Al.”
The Van Halen catalog epitomizes and pioneered good-time rock and roll songs that are relatable, crowd anthems constructed with a strong sense of melody and musicianship. Through the deal, Atlas Music Publishing will now administer such all-time favorites as: “Everybody Wants Some!”; “Runnin’ With the Devil”; “Hot for Teacher”; “Unchained”; “Dance the Night Away”; “Panama”; “Jump”; “Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love”;“Eruption” and many more.
The VHND notes that this is simply what the music industry calls a “Sync” deal. All it means is that Van Halen is giving Atlas Music Group the right to place their music in projects such as film/tv/commercials, etc. That’s all. This has nothing to do with the future of the band, or any future releases, or re-releasing any past releases. It just means we’ll probably be hearing more Van Halen tunes in movies and commercials. Should be another way to expose more kids to the genius of Van Halen…