Should Maiden sell the catalog?

[Spambot]

For me, it really depends on what exactly would be included in that catalog. I doubt that selling it would mean including every recording, whether it's an official album or just something Steve recorded on his dictaphone. The stuff Mosh mentioned (like Pink Floyd's Pompeii) has already been officially released in some form, so I’m not sure how many Maiden releases actually need another remaster or proper re-release.

What else would be included in that catalog? Would we get official recordings from Somewhere on Tour (1987), Ullevi (2005), or Donington (2007)? If so, and if the new "owner" can make a deal with the TV stations that hold the rights, I’d be fine with that. But if it’s just remastering Raising Hell in 4K or releasing Live at Rainbow in 5.1 – is there even a demand for that?

Then again, I don't really care about remasters or archival editions. They've already done some of that stuff (like the TNOTB 40th edition), and I honestly didn't care nor can I tell difference between some originals and remasters. I can see it matter a lot to collectioners or audiophiles, tho.

To be honest, I don’t think much would change if Maiden sold their catalog today. All the releases would still be available for purchase, streaming, or borrowing. Maiden would still be able to play any song they want live, and I doubt anyone who didn’t know about the sale would notice any difference.

I also think a lot of people’s concerns about Maiden losing their integrity are already happening, but without our knowledge. For example, every time they release a new shirt or beer, there's an uproar with people saying they should be focusing on recording a new album instead, and that they don't care about music anymore, just making money. It’s like people think Adrian is too busy sewing buttons on shirts, and Janick is capping beer bottles instead of making those crunchy riffs and tasty solos.

Damn, I wouldn't wish Maiden fans upon anybody.
Fuck us Maiden, sell everything.

 

[Mosh]

The stuff Mosh mentioned (like Pink Floyd's Pompeii) has already been officially released in some form, so I’m not sure how many Maiden releases actually need another remaster or proper re-release.

That is true for Pink Floyd, although Kiss and Zappa's estate have each released material that has never been released before and, in some cases, wasn't even in bootleg circulation. This might seem pedantic, but I think it's important and speaks to your later point about the constant whining over this idea that Maiden releasing shirts/beer/airplane parts is happening at the expense of new music/DVD releases/etc. I don't know the behind the scenes of these decisions, but I notice a clear pattern where third party companies are handling back catalog releases better than the artists themselves. It makes sense when you think about it, the powers that be in Maiden are too close to the material to truly understand what the fans want. Getting another company in there to hire consultants who are actually fans of the band (which has happened with these other mentioned artists) is probably going to lead to releases that have a better pulse on the fan demands.

I also think this is an area where corporate interest could be a positive motivator. A company that just spent multiple millions on an artist's catalog is going to have a little bit more motivation to actually take advantage of their purchase.

 

[Helmuth Von Moltke]

You do all realise that until very recently, one of the major figures in back catalogue acquisition used to work for Maiden?

Merck Mercuriadis learned the ropes from Rod and assistant-managed Maiden until the 90s and into the Sanctuary company. He is even referenced by Bruce on the b side rambling of the Be Quick or Be Dead single.

Merck has bought so many legendary catalogues. He exited his music groups in 2024: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/07/09/arts/music/hipgnosis-sold-blackstone-merck-mercuriadis.html
https://www.musicweek.com/publishin...-chairman-of-hipgnosis-song-management/090064

Just an interesting aside to this phenomenon and another big-name real-world maiden connection. Merck thanks Rod for learning the business in his early years.