Record Label options?

[venom thrust]

If Eddie,Alex and Wolfie do go ahead and release a project together, what do you think the record label options are? I take it WB is out,perhaps a Independent label or does Mr. Ninn have access to a recording label. Thought we could kick this around.

[onefootoutthedoor]

If anything like this were to happen, I would guess that it goes to an indie or Ed starts his own.

[venom thrust]

Im also guessing that this would be a instrumental cd no vocals. Would that make a differance?

[onefootoutthedoor]

I don't think so. I think the major labels see Eddie as a big risk based on his behavior of the past two years.

[AT]

The record industry is very different from what it once was. Major labels are more bottom-line based now, and they own very little loyalty to artists, new or old. (That's one of the reasons Warner cleaned house a few years ago.) There's a plethora of independent labels now, and that's mostly in response to the inpenetrable shell of major label restrictions. Still, Van Halen is a big name and likely means at least 500,000 units sold.

[onefootoutthedoor]

The record industry is very different from what it once was. Major labels are more bottom-line based now, and they own very little loyalty to artists, new or old. (That's one of the reasons Warner cleaned house a few years ago.) There's a plethora of independent labels now, and that's mostly in response to the inpenetrable shell of major label restrictions. Still, Van Halen is a big name and likely means at least 500,000 units sold.

500,000 wasn't enough for Warner Bros. though. Doubt that VH w/o a singer or even a 4th singer will get a major label.

[Glenninaus]

My guess would be SLLAB Records ;-)

Glenn

[Apocalypso]

Actually, a pretty tough question, not as cut and dried as some may think.

What would probably have to happen for Eddie to generate any sort of interest among *any* record labels would basically be for him to have to shop around a completed or near-complete album to get likely only a one album deal which would pretty much only be a distribution deal. Even if a full-on band reunion with Roth and Anthony and a resulting album deal was being shopped around, I seriously doubt *anyone* would front them money beyond a single album deal.

This goes far beyond the well-known negative issues Eddie obviously has these days. As it's been mentioned earlier in this thread, the entire music industry as well as the general public's taste in pop/rock music has so drastically changed that even an amazingly kick-ass album with Roth would probably sell a couple million tops over a several year period and that's with a hugely successful tour backing it. Major established bands like The Rolling Stones have trouble selling more than a million cds of a new album anymore. Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang wouldn't even be a blip on the radar.

T.B.

[AT]

500,000 wasn't enough for Warner Bros. though. Doubt that VH w/o a singer or even a 4th singer will get a major label.

Warner was going to do the second Cherone album, and they stuck around to see if the 2000 Roth reunion would stick. But in all likelihood you're right--a major deal with major marketing and major distribution would probably not happen.

[Ian Sane]

I reckon "Rhino" would consider releasing it, with distribution through "Warner Bros".

That's what Sam did as a one off deal...

[Van Squalen]

Actually, a pretty tough question, not as cut and dried as some may think.

What would probably have to happen for Eddie to generate any sort of interest among *any* record labels would basically be for him to have to shop around a completed or near-complete album to get likely only a one album deal which would pretty much only be a distribution deal. Even if a full-on band reunion with Roth and Anthony and a resulting album deal was being shopped around, I seriously doubt *anyone* would front them money beyond a single album deal.

This goes far beyond the well-known negative issues Eddie obviously has these days. As it's been mentioned earlier in this thread, the entire music industry as well as the general public's taste in pop/rock music has so drastically changed that even an amazingly kick-ass album with Roth would probably sell a couple million tops over a several year period and that's with a hugely successful tour backing it. Major established bands like The Rolling Stones have trouble selling more than a million cds of a new album anymore. Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang wouldn't even be a blip on the radar.

Good post. Very accurate.

It's a different era these days. The industry no longer has to accommodate roller coaster acts of notoriety that have proven track records with inconsistent delivery of standard product. As far as classic hard rock goes, one better be a well established legend to play any venues with five figure+ seat counts. Otherwise, it's off to Indian casinos and smaller ampitheaters.

There's no way we'll be seeing the Van Halen Partridge Family, presuming it manifests, at Staples Center, much less Dodger Stadium. Perhaps the Wilshire, maybe a few 5,000 seat venues in larger markets like LA or NY, or House of Blues or Hard Rock gigs...perhaps. If it's instrumental performance only, it's an even sketchier bet for any and all corporate investors or promoters involved. One can only wonder who's gonna sing for this supposedly 'coming-soon' solo album, assuming a vocalist will take the mike at all.

[godisEd]

In today's internet age, Ed should start putting out those "10 records worth of material" via the dormant VH site. I'd pay 99 cents a track to hear what he's been up to wouldn't you?

[Dirty Water Doggie]

Eddie is so f*cked up a label would be crazy to take him on at this point.

[Number 47]

Actually, a pretty tough question, not as cut and dried as some may think.

What would probably have to happen for Eddie to generate any sort of interest among *any* record labels would basically be for him to have to shop around a completed or near-complete album to get likely only a one album deal which would pretty much only be a distribution deal. Even if a full-on band reunion with Roth and Anthony and a resulting album deal was being shopped around, I seriously doubt *anyone* would front them money beyond a single album deal.

This goes far beyond the well-known negative issues Eddie obviously has these days. As it's been mentioned earlier in this thread, the entire music industry as well as the general public's taste in pop/rock music has so drastically changed that even an amazingly kick-ass album with Roth would probably sell a couple million tops over a several year period and that's with a hugely successful tour backing it. Major established bands like The Rolling Stones have trouble selling more than a million cds of a new album anymore. Eddie, Alex and Wolfgang wouldn't even be a blip on the radar.

T.B.

Agree. Another problem these days is radio. The classic rock station here in Cleveland is more than happy to replay the same old songs over and over and over by Bob Seger, the Stones, Tom Petty and U2 but they never even play let alone acknowledge the fact that these bands all put out new music in the last year and a half or so.
Yesterday they gave away 5th row tickets to Seger but never mentioned his great new CD and opted to play Her Strut for the millionth time.

Even if like you said, VH made a kick ass new CD with Dave, and Irving Azoff found them a sweet record deal... it still wouldn't be heard on the radio.

Radio has drawn a line in the sand that kills any possibility of future CLASSICS.

[Raldo]

Real good question.

I don't see why Eddie couldn't do it via independent label or even start his own (which was mentioned above).

The only way Warner Brothers would do it would be if Dave and Sam and Mike were included. Just a guess.