Rolling Stones album deal a blow to EMI

The Rolling Stones have signed an exclusive recording agreement to release their next album through the Universal Music Group, it was announced today.

The one-album deal, for the soundtrack CD to Martin Scorsese’s film 'Shine A Light', is due to be released in March.

It will be released both physically and digitally across Universal Music’s labels around the world.

The announcement marks a fresh blow for stricken British record label EMI, to which the band have been signed in the past.

On Tuesday, the music giant’s private equity owners announced a “revolutionary” overhaul to the business.

Up to a third of the workforce are to be axed under the proposals, which may also see corporate sponsorship for bands.