All the publishing rights and back catalogue have been sold by ZZ Top for an undisclosed fee. Though the financial details for the deal were not disclosed, it is thought that it could be a multi-million-dollar deal. The group has sold over a 50million albums to BMG and the investment firm KKR both.
The group’s manager, Carl Stubner shared a statement. He said, “We are proud to continue working with and expand our long-standing relationship with BMG. This new deal ensures ZZ Top’s remarkable legacy will endure for generations to come.”
BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch added, “This deal is a testament to the success, staying power, and continuing musical relevance of ZZ Top, but also to the power of our partnership with KKR.”
Hartwig also added, “This agreement furthers our vision of providing artists and songwriters, not just a financial exit, but also a vehicle committed to respecting and treasuring their artistry.”
Earlier BMG acquired the back catalogues of Mick Fleetwood and Tina Turner. Paul Simon, Bob Dylan, and Bruce Springsteen also sold their rights.
After the death of Dusty Hill, ZZ Top‘s Billy Gibbons said, “We are saddened by the news today that our Compadre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX.”
ZZ Top members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard shared a statement where they said, “We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature, and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the ‘Top’. We will forever be connected to that ‘Blues Shuffle in C.’”