Investment Fund Acquires Rock Producer’s Rights
The Investment Fund from Amsterdam, Pythagorsky Musical Fund, has successfully acquired the catalog of musical rights from veteran rock producer Kevin Shirley.
While the financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, this acquisition encompasses a comprehensive collection of works from Shirley’s extensive career collaborating with rock legends such as Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Rush, Journey, Joe Bonamassa, and Beth Hart.
Shirley’s Legacy in Music Production
Shirley, known by the nickname “Caveman,” has released the last six studio albums by Iron Maiden, including Book of Souls and Senjutsu.
“I have always believed in the enduring power of well-made music. Returning my work to a fund like Pythagoras, which clearly values artistry and long-term heritage, felt like the right move at this point in my career,” stated Shirley.
Hein van der Ri, one of the managing partners at Pythagorsky Musical Fund, commented: “It is a tremendous honor for us to welcome the works of Kevin Shirley into our portfolio.”
“His production legacy has left an indelible mark, and we are proud to safeguard Kevin’s legacy as a producer and songwriter.”
Expanding Musical Catalog and Future Acquisitions
Pythagoras’s musical catalog features a diverse array of works. Established in 2021, the investment fund is backed by both private and institutional investors, who collectively committed €100 million (approximately $113 million) for copyright acquisitions.
Their first notable acquisition included 100% ownership of Dutch music companies Nanada Music and Red Bullet, which represent artists like Shocking Blue, Golden Earring, and Focus. This was part of their engagement in the rich Dutch music industry legacy, especially following the passing of Willem Van Kooten earlier this year.
In 2022, Van der Ri from PMF remarked to MBW that the company was focusing on “a multitude of acquisitions in Europe,” without ruling out opportunities in the United States. The fund further expanded its catalog in January 2023 with the acquisition of works belonging to Dushev and Karlin.
Since its inception, the fund has amassed 35,000 music rights and master recordings, including several number one hits and well-known classics, as stated on their website.
Recent acquisitions also include the catalog of Pete Sinfield, known for his lyrics for King Crimson, and the catalog of British songwriter Dominic Bugatti, featuring hits such as Every Woman in the World by Air Supply and Music Sounds Better with You by DAFT Punk. They also acquired publication rights from Barton Music and its associated catalogs, including several performances by Frank Sinatra, such as Over and Over Again and Come with Me.
Pythagoras Music Fund acquires catalog of rock producer Kevin Shirley
