The Wiggles sign global deal with Universal Music Publishing Group

The Wiggles have signed with Universal Music Publishing Group for the superstar kid’s entertainers’ first exclusive, global publishing deal with a major.

The Sydney four-piece has been wiggling for 30 years, in various incarnations.

Forming back in 1991, the founding Wiggles met while studying Early Childhood Education at Sydney’s Macquarie University.

Two of the performers had history with the 1980s pop-rock band the Cockroaches, which had a smash in these parts with the song ‘She’s the One.’

Since then, The Wiggles have recorded 54 studio albums, sold tens of millions of units, and collected 13 ARIA Awards for Best Children’s Album, the most for a single category.

Now featuring a lineup of Emma, Anthony, Lachy and Simon, The Wiggles are still very much relevant with young audiences around the globe.

“For decades, kids all over the world have been introduced to the wonder of music through the magic of a Wiggles song,” comments Marianna Annas, Vice President, Commercial & Creative Development, Universal Music Publishing Australia, in a statement announcing the new agreement. 

“We are thrilled and very excited to partner with The Wiggles, their incredible team and all the talented songwriters who contribute to creating these outstanding Australian songs.”

The original Wiggles

This is the first time the Wiggles have signed a publishing deal. Until now, they always self published.  

The Wiggles — and their wiggly friends — return to the road this April for the start of the year-long We’re All Fruit Salad Tour!, a celebration to mark three decades years in the industry. Live Nation is producing the trek.

“The Wiggles are superstars in their field, the very best of the best, and are loved by everyone,” comments Andrew Jenkins, President, Australia and Asia Pacific Region, Universal Music Publishing, in the press release.

“Whether live, on recordings or on TV, the Wiggles have demonstrated time and again that they are masters of those truly most difficult of skills – keeping it simple and putting their audience first. We love them for that, for who they are and for sharing their vision with generations of children and parents around the world.”

The Wiggles, now

With a string of hits including ‘Fruit Salad,’ ‘Hot Potato’ and ‘Big Red Car,’ the Wiggles have sold more than 30 million albums and DVDs combined, and are familiar to many millions of youngsters and their parents around the world.

Metallica’s James Hetfield, Robert De Niro, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld, Sarah Jessica Parker and Shaquille O’Neal have been spotted at Wiggles shows.

At the very peak of their powers, the Wiggles were named Australia’s top earning entertainers for successive four years running, generating up to $45 million each year and hitting the road for up to 520 annual shows.

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