Sony Music Publishing to represent AC/DC through ‘historic’ Alberts partnership

Sony Music Publishing has struck a global deal with Alberts to administer the entire catalogue of AC/DC.

Through the new arrangement, announced Monday (July 17) from New York City, AC/DC’s publishing and recording rights come together under the Sony banner for the very first time.

Also, Sony Music Publishing will administer the songwriting and producing team of Vanda, Young and Wright, which includes classics “Friday on my Mind” and “Good Times” by their band The Easybeats, plus “Love is in the Air,” “Yesterday’s Hero” and “Standing in the Rain,” performed by John Paul Young.

The partnership is described by all parties involved as “historic,” and it’s an extension of a long-standing relationship between Sony, Alberts and AC/DC.

Vanda and Young

Speaking on behalf of Sony Music Publishing Managing Director, Australia Damian Trotter says, “I am honoured to partner with Alberts to represent the catalogues of AC/DC and Vanda, Young and Wright. Their songs define the history of contemporary rock and pop music in this country, and we look forward to building upon their enduring legacies.”

David Albert, CEO, Alberts says Alberts and Sony Music Publishing are keen for create further “opportunities” to leverage the catalogues. “We have built over a number of years a very close working relationship with Rob Stringer and the team at Columbia and were impressed with Damian Trotter and Jon Platt’s vision for the catalogues and the alignment with our approach to business,” he continues.

Alberts, now in its fifth generation of family ownership, signed AC/DC back in 1974.

It’s a long way to the top, but these rock ‘n’ rollers got there, and they’re just one of two Aussie bands inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland.

Angus Young and Co. were elevated in 2003, and were one of the very first acts inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame, back in 1988.

In 2009, Alberts, in conjunction with APRA AMCOS, launched the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, one of the most prestigious song contests on the planet. Winners have included Amy Shark, Matt Corby and the Preatures.

This article originally appeared on The Industry Observer, which is now part of The Music Network.