Universal Music Group is reissuing the Rolling Stones re-mastered, post-1971 back catalog from next month.
The 14-album campaign will begin with “Sticky Fingers,” “Goats Head Soup,” “It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Black And Blue” in May 2009.
The UMG reissues continue in June with “Some Girls,” “Emotional Rescue,” “Tattoo You” and “Undercover.” Then “Dirty Work,” “Steel Wheels,” “Voodoo Lounge,” “Bridges To Babylon” and “A Bigger Bang” follow in July.
“The Rolling Stones redefined music,” said Max Hole, EVP, Universal Music Group International, in a statement. “By making these iconic albums available again – and retaining the essence of the original track listings and sleeve design – we believe that music fans will rediscover just why they are the world’s greatest rock & roll band.”
Fans will have the option of purchasing a collector’s box in which to house all 14 post-1971 studio albums. “Exile On Main Street” will be reissued later in 2009 as wider plans are being prepared to celebrate its release
The catalog will also be available digitally via UMG, following the July 2008 worldwide deal, which also covers future recordings.
After recording for Decca Records through 1970, the Stones formed their own Rolling Stones label for “Sticky Fingers” the following year.
Their previous deal with Virgin/EMI, for the post-1971 catalog and new releases, dates back to 1991, prior to Virgin’s acquisition by EMI in 1992. Warner, EMI itself and Sony Music Entertainment (as CBS) had all previously handled the catalog between 1971 and 1990.
ABKCO and Decca are co-owners of the copyrights outside North America for the Stones’ catalog from 1963-1970.