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Now that’s what I call the end of an era
Friday 28th September 2012 | David
The massive compilation album may well be on its last legs following the takeover of EMI by Universal.
EMI have been forced to sell their share of the Now That’s What I Call Music! compilation album, leaving the well-known brand in danger of disappearing completely. This follows the takeover of EMI by Universal Music Group for £1.2 billion. The news has been met with disappointment from many in the industry. Peter Hart, editor of the Top Of The Pops magazine, said that “these song collections are nearly as important a part of British pop heritage as Top Of The Pops itself, and it would be devastating to see them disappear for good”.
Artists like Katy Perry and Tinie Tempah, as well as bands as big as Pink Floyd and Coldplay, have been left out in the cold because of the change of hands at EMI, with dozens of acts now without a record label. With a lack of funding, the album that millions grew up with seems set to receive similar treatment, but with less chance of getting a reprieve, and is unlikely to be produced any more from the end of this year onwards. The latest instalment features songs from Nicki Minaj and Ed Sheeran, among many others, but unless any investment is made, the brand may be off our shelves forever.
Now! 83, likely to be the final record, is set to be released in November.
By Dave Rees
