Zappa estate agree licensing deal

Frank Zappa’s family have announced they’ve reached a licensing agreement with Universal Music Enterprises.

The deal gives UME the rights to new products, film and theatrical productions and trademark licensing, while a long-term global contract covers Zappa’s entire back catalogue.

The first product will be a remastered edition of Zappa And The Mothers Of Invention’s 1974 album One Size Fits All, out on 180g vinyl on August 14.

Other planned releases include Joe’s Garage: The Musical, the release of The Roxy Movie, and an orchestral performance of 200 Motels.

Zappa’s widow Gail says: “This is literally an opportunity of a lifetime for me. I am universally thrilled with this partnership because the fans will have unparalleled access to Frank Zappa’s works. The doors to the vault are now officially wide open.”

His final album Dance Me This was released in June. It was completed just before he died of cancer in 1993 and was his 100th official release.

Zappa is the cover star of the latest edition of Prog. Available now in print, digital and via TeamRock+.

Scott Munro
Louder e-commerce editor

Scott has spent 36 years in newspapers, magazines and online as an editor, production editor, sub-editor, designer, writer and reviewer. Scott joined our news desk in 2014 before moving into e-commerce in 2020. Scott maintains Louder’s buyer’s guides, highlights deals, and reviews headphones, speakers, earplugs and more. Over the last 11 years, Scott has written more than 11,000 articles across Louder, Classic Rock, Metal Hammer and Prog. He's previously written for publications including IGN, Sunday Mirror, Daily Record and The Herald, covering everything from news and features, to tech reviews, video games, travel and whisky. Scott's favourite bands are Fields Of The Nephilim, The Cure, New Model Army, All About Eve, The Mission, Cocteau Twins, Drab Majesty, Marillion and Rush.