Aside from the chaps at EMI, Sony/ATV CEO Martin Bandier is another person who is very excited at the possibility of the Beatles archives finally going digital.
Why wouldn’t he? According to the larger-than-life publishing veteran, his company manages the rights of “about 100 percent” of the music and lyrics penned by John Lennon and Paul McCartney for the Fab Four.
After last month’s TV ratings success in licensing the Beatles’ tunes to American Idol, Bandier is keen to do more deals with the valuable archive. He thinks making the songs available in a digital format will create even more opportunities for his company, EMI and Apple Corp, which manages the Beatles’ affairs.
“One of the things that I think the Beatles are working on closer with EMI - and hopefully getting closer to finalizing it - is to allow for the digital use of Beatles on the Apple (iTunes) store and everywhere else. It would be incredible,” Bandier told Reuters in an interview.
But it isn’t his decision to make as EMI and Apple Corp lead those discussions.
“All we can do is sit on the sidelines and root like crazy,” said Bandier.
Sony/ATV is a joint venture between Sony Corp and pop star Michael Jackson. Bandier says the gloved one has been a great partner even as speculation floats from time to time that Jackson may want to sell his share to repay some of his loans.
“I don’t think that Michael’s interested in selling his share. For me, he’s been a great partner, has been supportive and has an amazing reputation among the artistry and makes a call when we need him to reinforce our position with artists. “
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8 comments so far
SEE! dont listen to the tabloids who just want to make MJ look bad. Most people who work with him, live near him, or ACTUALLY know him say that the tabloids get it wrong.
- Posted by kashiI agree. Michael is a beautiful, good and honest man. In every interview I’ve watched of him he only proves his innocence and drive to continue to grow as an artist.
- Posted by angelbunny101of course. MJ is King. and people who want to believe the taloids know that. They know he did nothing wrong..they know he’s doing alright, but are reluctant to admit it.
- Posted by vinceI bet when Bandier said, “All we can do is sit on the sidelines and root like Crazy,” he was talking about Michael, obviously.
Kashi, I doubt whether you work with him, live near him, or ACTUALLY know him. You get it just as wrong as the tabloids.
- Posted by Joe“I don’t think that Michael’s interested in selling his share. For me, he’s been a great partner, has been supportive and has an amazing reputation among the artistry and makes a call when we need him to reinforce our position with artists. “
That statement doesn’t sound as if Jackson has much of a say in Sony/ATV daily business decisions. Furthermore, Jackson’s share is bound up in that Fortress /HSBC loan and just the Sony/ATV share that Bandier manages actually makes investments.
- Posted by A. GüntertWhat are you talking about A Guntert???? Michael jackson doesn’t have much of a say?? He owns 50 %, the point the CEO was making was that hes a very good partner. In other words he doesn’t meddle in a very successful business, if he did than he would be a fool, and Michael Jackson is no fool!!
- Posted by EricAlso it doesn’t matter if his share is used as collateral as part of a loan, Are u saying that when u mortgage your house that you suddenly don’t own it, that you can’t live in it?? Get over this debt thing I’m sure like most people you have outstanding debts, and like most people I’m sure you will pay them back.
Well, it is foolish enough to put up your share as a collateral in order to take up a loan you never can pay back in your lifetime. Furthermore, you can’t invest your share if it is bound up like that, that is all. Jackson can’t meddle in anything that is, it is not his choice at all “to meddle” at this time.
Quote from Mr. Campbell in Sunday’s April 20, 2008
The Observer: (manager of the O2 Dome in London because of talks of a cocerts series there): ‘Yes, we are in talks. How does one talk to Michael Jackson? Through Michael Jackson’s lawyers’
That is the point. Any decision is met by lawyers for Jackson. Perhaps the best possible solution at this time because Jackson simply is no savy businessman at all and probably never has been.
- Posted by A. GüntertMichael was savvy enough to steal the rights to Beatles songs out from under the nose of Paul McCartney. And savvy enough to let lawyers do his talking for him. His actions of late appear to be born less out of wisdom than desperation.
Just remember: you are always one mortgage payment away from NOT owning your house.
- Posted by EdSullivan