Primary Wave Music has struck a deal with Joey Tempest, the lead vocalist of the rock band Europe, acquiring what it says is a portion of his music publishing catalog, encompassing five albums.
The acquisition includes some of Tempest’s most popular tracks, such as The Final Countdown, Rock The Night, Superstitious, and his highest charting single in the US, Carrie, among others.
These songs have featured on albums that have sold over 10 million albums worldwide.
Notably, The Final Countdown topped numerous charts, reaching No.1 in 25 countries and securing a spot in the Billboard 100’s Top 10 upon its release.
According to Primary Wave, the the partnership also grants Tempest access to th company’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure, encompassing digital strategy, licensing, synchronization opportunities, and film & TV production.
Speaking about the partnership, Tempest said it “feels great to add another partner to our team that will work and help spread the music”.
“As a song writer it’s a privilege to have part of my catalog in the same place as one of my heroes, Bob Marley. I feel my songs are in good hands and will benefit from the experience and expertise of my new friends in New York.”
Joey Tempest
“As a songwriter it’s a privilege to have part of my catalog in the same place as one of my heroes, Bob Marley. I feel my songs are in good hands and will benefit from the experience and expertise of my new friends in New York.”
Tempest, born in Stockholm, Sweden, in 1963, is widely recognized as the vocalist and primary songwriter of the band Europe. Tempest’s musical influences include artists like David Bowie, Elton John, Thin Lizzy, Led Zeppelin, and Deep Purple.
After forming Europe in 1979, the band achieved national recognition by winning the talent contest Rock-SM, which led to a record contract. Over the years, Tempest has released several solo albums and reunited with Europe for new music and a 40th-anniversary tour.
“We are thrilled to welcome legendary songwriter Joey Tempest to the Primary Wave roster. His songs will continue to Rock The Night for generations to come, and we couldn’t be more excited to announce this new partnership,” said Lexi Todd, Vice President, Business & Legal Affairs at Primary Wave Music.
The acquisition marks the latest in a series of recent deals for Primary Wave Music.
Last month, Primary Wave struck what it says is a “multi-million dollar” music rights deal with rock band Skillet.
In April, the company struck another multi-million dollar deal with singer and songwriter Russ Ballard, which saw the publisher acquire a stake in the singer and songwriter’s music publishing catalog and writer’s share royalties, as well as his writer’s share of public performance.
That deal, followed the acquisition of a stake in in multiple Grammy and Juno Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan’s music publishing and recorded music catalog earlier this month.
In March, Primary Wave acquired the artist royalties of Bob Burns, best known as the original drummer and founding member of iconic southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd.
Prior to that, in February, the company announced an agreement with singer, songwriter, and producer Stevie Van Zandt.
Plus, last month, Primary Wave made a strategic investment in India’s Times Music in a deal worth $100 million.Music Business Worldwide