Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group has struck a music rights deal with Bryan Ferry, the vocalist and principal songwriter of the British rock group Roxy Music.
The deal encompasses a range of assets from Ferry’s career including his solo work, as well as his time with Roxy Music.
The company has acquired 50% of Ferry’s sound recording, publishing, and name, image and likeness rights.
The deal with Ferry marks the latest for Iconic Artists Group and follows the company’s recent acquisition of Rod Stewart’s catalog.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Stewart sold his interests in his ‘publishing catalog and recorded music, as well as some name and likeness rights’ to Iconic for around $100 million.
The deal also marks the latest for Azoff’s company since it secured a strategic investment from HPS Investment Partners (HPS), an investment firm with $107 billion in assets under management.
The investment from HPS, together with senior debt financing from third parties, provides Iconic with access to $1 billion of capital to buy more music rights.
Bryan Ferry first gained recognition in the 1970s as creator, singer, and principal songwriter of rock act Roxy Music, who released their self-titled first album in 1972. Roxy’s last studio album was 1982’s Avalon.
Ferry began his solo career in 1973, in tandem with his work with Roxy.
In 2011 Ferry was awarded a CBE for his contribution to British music. In 2012, he received the French national honor of Officier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres. In 2014 he was made an Honorary Doctor of Music by Newcastle University. Roxy Music was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame in 2019.
“I’m pleased to be working with everyone at Iconic on finding new ways to share my music with the world. I’m excited to see what possibilities unfold.”
Bryan Ferry
Ferry said: “I’m pleased to be working with everyone at Iconic on finding new ways to share my music with the world. I’m excited to see what possibilities unfold.”
“Bryan’s unique voice and genre-defying music have earned him a place among the most influential artists of our time.”
Beth Collins, The Azoff Company
Beth Collins, Co-President of The Azoff Company, added: “Bryan’s unique voice and genre-defying music have earned him a place among the most influential artists of our time.
“We are honored to work with him to ensure his legacy continues to inspire and resonate with audiences.”
Iconic is deeply honored to celebrate his enduring influence and share his legendary catalog with the world.”
Jimmy Edwards, Iconic Artists Group
Jimmy Edwards, President of Iconic said: “Bryan Ferry is a true musical pioneer who blended art, fashion, and rock & roll into a captivating and enduring sound. Iconic is deeply honored to celebrate his enduring influence and share his legendary catalog with the world.”
Iconic launched in January 2020 with the acquisition of a controlling interest in the legendary catalog of The Beach Boys.
Stewart’s deal with Iconic follows the company’s recent acquisitions of the catalogs of Cher, Dean Martin, David Crosby, Stephen Stills, Nat King Cole, Linda Ronstadt, and Joe Cocker.Music Business Worldwide
