Worst. Record. Contract. Ever.

2 months ago by Alan Cross | July 8, 2010 12:41 pm

One of the worst record contracts ever signed was between the Stone Roses and their first label, a company called Silvertone.  Under the terms of this contract, Silvertone had the right to license any merchandise they wished without the band’s approval.  They could also terminate the contract at any time they wished. 

However, the Stone Roses had no such "out" clause.  And finally, the contract stated that the Stone Roses were the property of Silvertone for (quote) "the entire world and the solar system."  Fortunately for the Roses, a judge ruled that the contract was "one sided and unfair"—and he released them from the deal.  Alas, it was too little too late. 

By the time this was all sorted out, the Stone Roses had lost whatever momentum they had built up with their debut album and were never able to recover.

Send to a friend Filed Under: Ongoing History of New Music
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  • @JerkInTheCorner
    July 13, 2010 at 8:49 am

    I remember hearing you talking about one of the smartest contract decisions a few years ago when you were talking about Alanis Morissette and Jagged Little Pill. I don’t remember all the details but if she had of settled with the record companies guaranteed money, she would have only made $30k for the entire album. Alanis took a big risk and it paid off. Good for her.

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  • J
    July 13, 2010 at 12:37 pm

    Also the only band that mattered. The Clash also had a horrible contract. 100 000 pounds for 10 records, the group had to pay for their own tours, recordings, remixes, artwork, expenses. Sandinista may be re-released so Sony CBS can make more profit. At least Mick, Paul and Topper will finally see some money.

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