Aerosmith continues to gear up for the band's official 50th anniversary with the announcement of a new licensing deal. According to Licensingsource.net, Universal Music Group’s Epic Rights is now the band’s global brand management agency, and “will now develop an all-new multi-category worldwide retail program for the legendary rock band, with a roster of new licensing partners signed to create branded merchandise.”
The band, which is booked for a 50th anniversary hometown show on September 8th at Boston's Fenway Park, is said to also be gearing up to commemorate the 45th anniversary of 1977's Draw The Line album, the 40th anniversary of 1982's Rock In A Hard Place, the 35th anniversary of 1987's Permanent Vacation, the 30th anniversary of Get A Grip, and the 25th anniversary of the 1997's Nine Lives album.
Lisa Streff, the senior vice president of global licensing at Epic Rights said in a statement, “We are thrilled to have Aerosmith, one of the all-time greatest rock icons, on the Epic Rights’ roster. In anticipation of the upcoming 50th anniversary activities, we’re excited to be developing a global licensing program that will celebrate and illustrate the band’s career at retail.”
We asked Steven Tyler how a band like Aerosmith — which has lasted 50 years in the spotlight — can hope to revitalize itself every time out: “Maybe in the new songs. In writing new songs, you always come up with a new you. I think you should. You can always do another 'Dude Looks Like A Lady,' another 'Dream On' — we always tap into something new.”
Aerosmith – 1971: The Road Starts Hear — the band's recent Record Store Day offering will see wide release on CD, digital, and vinyl on April 8th. The early rehearsal version of “Somebody” is out now to stream and download.