I, for one, and actually very pleased that Lucian Grainge has got approval from the EU for the purchase of EMI Records, and only has to off-load 30%. In an ideal world it would have been better for it to have stayed independent, but we’re not in that place. Lucian is a music man through and through. Long may he stay at Universal.

Interestingly, Universal Music now own all three labels that the Sex Pistols recorded for in their brief and colourful recording career.

Ah, Dixie, read my thread!

I disagree about Lucian. More Captain on the Titanic, I'd say.

I see they have to dispose of Parlophone, Mute and Chrysalis (but can keep The Beatles).

Wouldn't mind running the old Pye label myself - they have a great catalogue (that can still generate money) and the way its been used recently has been disasterous.

JK2006 wrote:
Ah, Dixie, read my thread!

I disagree about Lucian. More Captain on the Titanic, I'd say.

Having now read your thread, I’m sure things would have been different had The Biscuit Supremo let you run EMI. But, my views are based on where EMI was before Lucian stepped in - and they were NOT in a great place. I believe Universal’s purchase was the best option under the circumstances. I hope some robust players buy up Parlophone, Chrysalis etc. BMG looks the most likely. (Re-uniting Chrysalis Records with Publishing).

I actually think Lucian is currently the safest pair of hands around. He is a music man, he understands artists, managers and retailers. (Though perhaps not consumers, yet).

EMI is history & Lucian Grange is (almost) history. He mismanaged the deal:

Grainge was sure that UMG would get EU approval without any meaningful divestures. Now he has to sell of a third of EMI Music.

Grainge wanted to step into the shoes of Doug Morris and use the UMG market share to get the best deals from iTunes, Spotify etc. Now the UMG can't use its market share based power for ten years (10 years!) in licensing negotations with digital services (no more most favoured nation clauses etc.).

Grainge wanted to revive EMI Music. Now he has to destroy the company.

And Grainge is not even allowed to sell to the hightest bidder. He has to sell to Sony, Warner or BMG.

This is a desater for Grainge who had to follow Fourtous orders after the removal of Levy (27/6) anyway.