The Rolling Stones Leave EMI For Universal

The Rolling Stones have become the first big name act to jump the EMI ship after signing a new record deal with Universal.

The band have signed a one album deal with the label that with takeover the five year EMI deal when it expires in May.

A spokesman for The Rolling Stones said, “The band are looking forward to working with Universal Music and are excited about this new venture.”

The deal will involve The Rolling Stones producing the soundtrack for the new Martin Scorsese film ‘Shine A Light’ which is set for release in April this year.

The film follows the band’s performance at the Beacon Theatre in New York two years ago and includes appearances from Buddy Guy, White Stripes’ Jack White and Christine Aguilera.

The album will be released in the UK by Polydor.

A representative for the band told Gigwise that the band are currently "keeping their options open" with regards to any future record deals.