U2 Extend their Recording Contract with Island / Polygram

Island Records News Release (1993-06-02)

LONDON, June 2/PRNewswire — Irish rock group U2, who have sold a total of over 50 million albums during their career, have extended their exclusive international recording contract with Island Records, a PolyGram label. Under the new agreement, Island has acquired the worldwide rights to U2’s next six albums.

U2’s manager, Paul McGuinness, said: “I am thrilled that U2 are renewing their deal with Island Records. When we started out we thought all record companies must be like Island. Now that we know that’s not true, we definitely want to stay with Chris Blackwell and all our new friends at PolyGram.”

Said Chris Blackwell, chief executive officer, Island group of companies: “U2 are a special act and it is equally as special that Island has had a relationship with them that started so long ago. I am very happy that we are going into the future together.”

PolyGram’s president and chief executive officer, Alain Levy, said: “I am absolutely delighted that U2 — who are one of the world’s most creative and successful rock bands — have chosen to continue their long-term relationship with Island and the PolyGram family. We are very proud to be associated with talent of such a high calibre.”

U2 has been signed to London-based Island Records since 1980, the year they released their first single, “11 O’Clock Tick Tock.” Since then they have released eight albums: Boy (1980), October (1981), War (1983), Under a Blood Red Sky (1983), The Unforgettable Fire (1984), The Joshua Tree (1987), Rattle and Hum (1988) and Achtung Baby (November 1991). PolyGram acquired Island Records in June 1989.

PolyGram International Music Publishing already owns the exclusive international rights to U2’s entire catalogue of songs following an agreement which took effect in January 1993.

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