No deal for Rolling Stones

18-06-2008 13:15

The Rolling Stones have spoken out about rumours they are set to sign a deal with Live Nation.The 'Gimme Shelter' rockers - whose contract with EMI expired in February this year - had reportedly planned to sign a lucrative £3 million touring and recording deal with the company, following in the footsteps of the likes of Madonna, U2 and Jay-Z.The deal would have allowed Live Nation to take control of the marketing of the group's extensive back catalogue, as well as touring and merchandising rights. However, the band have released a statement saying: "We are not in talks with Live Nation in connection with any record deal".The Rolling Stones released their live album, 'Shine A Light' on a one-off deal with Universal Records after their EMI contract expired.Madonna became the first artist to sign with Live Nation in October 2007 in a ten-year agreement. U2 signed their 12-year deal in March this year, with Jay-Z following suit just two weeks later.After signing his 10-year contract, Jay-Z said: "I've turned into the Rolling Stones of hip-hop."