Lloyd Webber Songs Go Online After Universal Music Deal

The rights to Andrew Lloyd Webber's entire song catalogue are now owned by Universal Music, according to a Reuters/Hollywood Reporter article. The deal will put an array of his songs online--including those from the new London cast album of Evita.

Through a deal struck by Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group, Universal Music now owns all digital and mobile rights to the composer/impresario's extensive songbook. Beginning August 22nd, musical fans will be able to purchase songs from the London revival of Evita--as well as the entire cast recording--online. Also for sale will be songs from Joseph and theAmazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Starlight Express and The Phantom of the Opera, which will be available beginning August 22nd. Some will also be available as ringtones for cell phones within the next few months.

The deal will also encompass the new cast recording for the London revival of The Sound of Music; Universal Music will produce the album. An unknown actress to play Maria is currently being sought in a highly-publicized UK reality show search. The revival of the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, which Lloyd Webber will produce at the London Palladium, has already sold over $6.6 million (about 3.5 million pounds) in advance sales; it opens in November. The revival of Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's Evita--starring Elena Roger, Philip Quast and Matt Rawle--opened to rave reviews on June 21st at the Aldelphi Theatre; Michael Grandage directs. The cast recording, on the Polydor label, is available through amazon.co.uk.

In addition to the aforementioned shows, Lloyd Webber's musicals include Aspects of Love, Sunset Boulevard, Whistle Down the Wind, The Beautiful Game and most recently, The Woman in White.

Visit www.umusic.com for more information on Universal Music. Visit www.reallyuseful.com for more on the Really Useful Group.