Tommy Boy Sells Out, Closes Offices In Europe

Tommy Boy was bought out by Warner Music Group the two companies announced on Monday. On Friday, employee’s in New York City were let go and the U.K. office was closed completely. The deal, which was worth an estimated $8-9 million dollars, ended a 15 year relationship with the label and gives AOL Time Warner […]

Tommy Boy

was bought out by Warner Music Group the two companies announced on Monday.

On Friday, employee’s in New York City were let go and the U.K. office was closed

completely. The deal, which was worth an estimated $8-9 million dollars, ended

a 15 year relationship with the label and gives AOL Time Warner control over

a back catalog that includes The Force MD’s, Everlast, De La Soul, Afrika Bambaataa,

Queen Latifah and Naughty By Nature among others. Warner also structured the

deal to retain the rights for future releases by at least a dozen Tommy Boy

artists, including De La Soul, who have had an often publicized ongoing dispute

with the label.

Tom Silverman, the founder of the label, will

continue with a roster of nine artists, including The Sneaker Pimps.The

timing of the deal may be good for Warner, who has been trying to increase their

market share in the record business, as Warner Music has been one of the worst

performing units of AOL Time Warner.

"It’s just really sad" said one of

the top Mixshow promoters, Al Lindstrom. Lindstrom worked at Tommy Boy for two

years. "They are leaving behind a great legacy." When asked what contributed

to the demise, Lindstrom shared his opinion. "The company was stuck in

an ’80’s mentality," he said."They didn’t realize the talented staff

that they had. There were some dedicated and loyal people there, but it was

time for change. There was a lot of old blood and not enough listening to the

young execs."

"There are peaks and troughs in any industry,"

Silverman told Reuters. "It’s true this was not the most fortuitous time

for us. But I’m excited that I get to recreate myself with a fresh slate."

Silverman expressed excitement about returning

to indie status. "Major labels can’t turn a profit unless an album sells

a million copies," he continued. "Unless you cut your staff and marketing

costs, there’s no way to lower that break even number."

"In my business, I can be profitable without

having any records sell over 150,000 units," he added. "I can take

more risks and be more creative. You can’t take chances if you need to sell

a million records."

Silverman also hinted to AllHipHop.com that he

was possibly exiting the hip-hop game. Silverman questioned the sluggish sales

of albums despite the enormous amount of airplay records were receiving.