Keith Richards Signs Worldwide Deal With BMG For Solo Catalog Representation

Keith Richards has signed a new worldwide deal to bring his solo catalog to BMG. The agreement now brings together Richards’ 1978 debut solo single and four solo albums from 1988-2010 with his publishing that BMG has represented since 2013.

In celebration of the 40^th anniversary of Richards’ debut solo release, a 1978 recording of the Christmas classic “Run Rudolph Run,” BMG will release a limited edition 45rpm 12” on red vinyl as a Nov. 23 North American Record Store Day exclusive. Remixed and remastered by longtime collaborator Steve Jordan, the package includes a cover of Jimmy Cliff’s “The Harder They Come,” a version of  ”Pressure Drop” featuring Toots & The Maytals, and a “Santa Keith” holiday card featuring a greeting from Richards himself.

The Record Store Day exclusive follows BMG’s recent digital re-release of Richards’ solo albums Talk Is Cheap, Main Offender, and the studio/live compilation Vintage Vinos on all streaming platforms. Upcoming physical reissues will include deluxe and expanded CDs and LPs, extensive box sets, and additional special projects to be announced soon, including the first ever digital release of Live at the Hollywood Palladium, December 15, 1998.

“It has been a pleasure to build a relationship with Keith and his exceptional team over the past five years,” said BMG CEO Hartwig Masuch. “It is a real honor now to extend that relationship even further to work with his classic solo releases.”

“This agreement paves the way for a  reappraisal and repositioning of the solo work of one of rock ‘n’ roll’s true originals and arguably its most pre-eminent guitarist,” said BMG EVP Global Catalogue Recordings Peter Stack. “Fans can expect a program of releases which truly does justice to these great recordings.”

“Looking forward to working with Hartwig Masuch and everyone at BMG,” added Richards.