Cherry Red Records has acquired the catalogues of Gull Records, State Records and Uproar Entertainment.
The deals expand the label’s repertoire in the pop, soul, comedy and rock genres.
Gull Records, established in 1974 by Derek Everett, Monty Babson and David Howells, covers UK rock and pop. The label is best known for issuing the first two Judas Priest albums, as well as music from Arthur Brown, Seventh Wave and Isotope.
Alongside its recording legacy, Gull also built a publishing catalogue including the worldwide hit Barbados by Typically Tropical, a UK No.1 and Top 10 single in seven other countries in 1975. Cherry Red now represents both the master and publishing rights.
The deal also includes the publishing rights to We’re Going To Ibiza by The Vengaboys, the 1999 UK No.1 and one of the year’s biggest-selling singles.
State Records, founded in 1975 by Wayne Bickerton, Tony Waddington and John Fruin, was a key independent label of the late 1970s and early 1980s. Combining pop, soul and disco releases, the label delivered chart success for artists including Mac & Katie Kissoon, Gary Benson and Delegation, whose track Oh Honey became a Top 10 US R&B hit in 1978. Across its run, State Records released over 100 singles and numerous albums.
Through a partnership with MVD Entertainment, Cherry Red has also acquired the catalogue of stand-up comedy label Uproar Entertainment, including Brian Regan and Margaret Cho.
Cherry Red managing director Adam Velasco said: “Since the very beginning, Cherry Red has been about embracing variety and backing music with character, wherever it comes from. These catalogues reflect that spirit perfectly – they’re distinctive and culturally important in very different ways. We’re delighted to be taking them on and making sure they’re properly looked after, properly heard, and continue to find new audiences.”
PHOTO: (L-R) Cherry Red managing director Adam Velasco, David Howells, Irene Howells, Cherry Red business affairs director Matt Bristow, Cherry Red founder Iain McNay
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