U2 Sign Deal With Live Nation

Irish rock band U2 have signed a 12-year deal with Live Nation, as announced on Monday (March 31). The band's contract with Live Nation includes touring, merchandising and website management, but they will continue to release records through Universal Music. Live Nation has managed U2's concerts since 1980. U2 frontmen Bono said, "We've been dating for over 20 years now. It's about time we tied the knot." Financial details of the deal have not been disclosed.

Last October, Madonna has signed a 10-year deal with Live Nation, including the Madonna brand, albums, touring, merchandising, fan club and website, DVDs, music-related television and film projects, and associated sponsorship agreements. The deal also ends her 25-year relationship with Warner Music. "The paradigm in the music business has shifted and as an artist and a business woman, I have to move with that shift," said Madonna at the time. "For the first time in my career, the way that my music can reach my fans is unlimited. I've never wanted to think in a limited way and with this new partnership, the possibilities are endless."