LN Rolling For Stones Catalog

The Rolling Stones post-1971 catalog is up for grabs with the end of the band’s relationship with EMI, and Live Nation has emerged as a surprise bidder.

Control of the catalog, which includes such classic albums as Sticky Fingers and Exile On Main Street, reverts back to the Stones in May, according to The Times of London. Rights to the material are estimated to be worth about $30 million, according to the New York Post.

Given that the band’s longtime tour promoter, Michael Cohl, is now chairman of the board of Live Nation, it’s not a far-fetched proposition. However, it would also have competition from Universal, which has already secured rights to the Stones’ upcoming live album, Shine A Light, and owns the rights to earlier Stones recordings.

Warner Music and Sony BMG are also reportedly in discussions for the catalog.

The Post previously reported that either Universal or Warner would land the post-’71 catalog while Live Nation would acquire rights to future tours and merchandising.

Live Nation’s purported bid, as detailed by the Times, would also have the Stones showcase classic albums in future shows, at which LN would have rights to merch and live mobile downloads from the gigs.

A spokesman for Live Nation did not immediately respond to a request for comment at press time.