Here’s what the New York Times says this morning:
The Grateful Dead, one of rock ‘n’ roll’s longest-lasting institutions, has announced a licensing agreement with Rhino Entertainment to manage exclusively all of the band’s intellectual property.
Rhino, a subsidiary of the Warner Music Group that is best known as a premier reissue label, will oversee everything from the band’s vast archive of live recordings and its Web site to its merchandise and use of its likeness. Grateful Dead Productions will retain creative control, and the deal does not include the band’s music publishing.
“In the last couple of years, it became apparent that the business was just too much trouble,” said Bob Weir, a guitarist and vocalist for the band. Drummer, Mickey Hart added, “When we don’t have to do business together, maybe we can become friends again. Maybe we can even play together again.”
I like the note of hope from Hart. However, the Archive.org fiasco won’t soon be forgotten.