In advance of multiple 50th anniversary celebrations and live appearances, Aerosmith, the best-selling American hard-rock band of all time, has tapped Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights as the band’s global brand management agency to develop an all-new multi-category worldwide retail programme, with a roster of new licensing partners signed to create branded merchandise.
Aerosmith continue to solidify their position as one of the most groundbreaking groups in history as the band prepares to celebrate multiple milestones in 2022, including the 40th anniversary of their Rock in a Hard Place album; 35th anniversary of Permanent Vacation, and 25th anniversary of Nine Lives, along with a historic anniversary celebration concert at Boston’s Fenway Park on 8 September, with more announcements to come.
In 2023, the band will honour the 50th anniversary of their iconic self-titled album; the 45th anniversary of Draw the Line, and 30th anniversary of Get a Grip.
With increasing demand from Aerosmith fans to engage with the iconic band, Epic Rights has signed agreements with new licensing partners across multiple territories and categories.
Global deals have been signed with Funko for vinyl figures (global for eCommerce, and U.S. and Canada for bricks and mortar); Knucklebonz for statues and 3D vinyl collectibles; Replay for a t-shirt and sweatshirt capsule collection; Madeworn for high-end apparel; and Collectionzz for hand-screened fine art prints.
New North American apparel partners include Just Some Thoughts, Philcos, Recycled Karma, Ripple Junction, and Angry Minnow for a collection of men’s, juniors and kid’s t-shirts, fashion tops, cut and sew fleece, sweaters, jackets, joggers, sweatpants/tops and more.
Rounding out the roster are Springs Creative for fabric, no-sew fleece kits and bandanas (USA, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand); Watson Apparel for apparel and accessories (USA, Canada, Dubai); Brands Club for apparel and accessories (Chile, Peru, Argentina, Colombia), and Bloomerry for men’s, women’s, kids’ and babies’ apparel and accessories (Europe).
“We are thrilled to have Aerosmith, one of the all-time greatest rock icons, on the Epic Rights’ roster,” says Lisa Streff, Epic Rights’ Senior Vice President of Global Licensing. “In anticipation of the upcoming 50th anniversary activities, we’re excited to be developing a global licensing programme that will celebrate and illustrate the band’s career at retail.”
Epic Rights represents a diverse roster of iconic music artists and brands, including AC/DC, KISS, Aerosmith, David Bowie, John Lennon, Def Leppard, Britney Spears and *NSYNC. The company offers a broad range of services, including retail licensing, tour merchandising, D2C e-commerce, VIP/fan experiences, merch bundles, and fan engagement opportunities.
