Primary Wave Music has entered into a partnership with the estate of Phil Lynott, co-founder and songwriter of iconic Irish rock band Thin Lizzy.
The partnership will see the music company work alongside the estate on Lynott’s interest in his music publishing catalog, as well as his recordings.
Primary Wave said that it will provide marketing support across Lynott’s catalog which includes all songs written by him over the course of his two-decade long career, in addition to his recording interests, which includes his work with Thin Lizzy, in addition to his solo work and collaborations with other artists.
The estate will also now have access to Primary Wave’s licensing/sync, content, and branding teams.
Lynott penned and recorded hit songs such as The Boys Are Back In Town, Dancing in the Moonlight, Whiskey In The Jar and others.
Released in 1972, Lynott’s cover of Whiskey In The Jar became a breakthrough hit.
Dancing in the Moonlight was released five years later, appearing on the band’s Bad Reputation album. The song climbed the charts, reaching the Top 20 on the UK singles chart. Several bands, including Smashing Pumpkins, have since covered the single.
The Boys Are Back In Town is probably the band’s most well-known song. It was the first single off the band’s Jailbreak album and was released in 1976. The song soared to the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reached No.1 in Ireland, and went Top 10 in both Canada and the UK.
Of the partnership, the Estate said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be partnering Primary Wave and very much look forward to working together continuing the legacy of Philip Lynott.”
“Phil was an unbelievable musician, songwriter, and poet. I am delighted and honored that the estate has entrusted Primary Wave Music to continue his legacy.”
Robin Godfrey Cass, Primary Wave
Primary Wave’s Robin Godfrey Cass added: “This partnership personally resonates with me as I am a huge fan, dating back to the early 70s.
“Phil was an unbelievable musician, songwriter, and poet. I am delighted and honored that the estate has entrusted Primary Wave Music to continue his legacy.”
Elsewhere at Primary Wave, the company struck a partnership with Grammy winner Patti LaBelle last month.
In July, the company struck a music rights deal with the Estate of legendary English blues rock singer-songwriter and guitarist, Peter Green.
In June, Primary Wave partnered with Grammy-nominated band the Cars.
In March, the company acquired a stake in the Biggie Smalls catalog, which was reported to have valued the artist’s estate at $200 million.
Primary Wave’s portfolio also includes rights to works by Bob Marley, Whitney Houston, Stevie Nicks, and Luther Vandross.
The company’s other recent moves include signing a marketing and publishing administration deal with Grammy-winning songwriter and performer Jimmy Webb, along with deals with the estate of country and folk singer-songwriter Jerry Jeff Walker, Grammy-winning violinist Itzhak Perlman, and Feels So Good composer Chuck Mangione.
Primary Wave has also recently acquired the catalog of Nuno Bettencourt of 90s rock band Extreme; inked a publishing partnership with alt-rock band The Spin Doctors; and signed a music rights deal with Neil Finn of Crowded House.
The company also struck a deal for the recorded, publishing, brand and name and likeness rights of The Village People of YMCA fame; a catalog deal with the estate of songwriter and musician P.F. Sloan; and a stake in the catalog of singer/songwriter Neil Sedaka.Music Business Worldwide
