Recently, alt-metal icons Slipknot made headlines by selling a majority stake in their extensive catalog to HarbourView Equity Partners. The announcement, confirmed exclusively to The Hollywood Reporter, marks a significant moment in the music industry as the partnership aims to amplify the band’s impressive legacy.
While both Slipknot and HarbourView have remained tight-lipped about the financial specifics of the agreement, industry speculation suggests that the deal could be worth approximately $120 million. This arrangement encompasses both publishing rights and recorded royalties, solidifying HarbourView’s foothold in one of the most influential heavy metal catalogs of our time.
This deal had long been the subject of speculation, with early reports surfacing as far back as August. Slipknot, formed in 1995, has cemented their status in the heavy metal genre with multiple accolades, including 11 Grammy nominations over their nearly 30-year career. Notably, the band clinched a Grammy for Best Metal Performance in 2006 for their hit single, “Before I Forget.”
Slipknot’s discography is nothing short of impressive. The band boasts 11 gold and platinum records, including their eponymous triple-platinum debut album. Each of their subsequent six albums has debuted in the top three on the Billboard charts, with three reaching the coveted number one spot. These include the powerful releases All Hope Is Gone, .5: The Gray Chapter, and We Are Not Your Kind. Additionally, Slipknot has maintained a massive following, attracting 15 million monthly listeners on Spotify.
M. Shawn “Clown” Crahan, one of the band’s founding members, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “After 25 years of taking on the music business, we find ourselves with a partner that is willing to sign onto continuing what Slipknot started. Only they want to go even bigger. Get ready. Hail The Knot.” This sentiment reflects the band’s commitment to their legacy while also signaling excitement for future projects and expansions.
The agreement with HarbourView is but the latest in a series of strategic moves made by the company. Earlier this year, HarbourView struck deals with various iconic artists, including a notable arrangement with Songwriters Hall of Fame member Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins, and a stake in Kelly Clarkson’s catalog. This trend underscores HarbourView’s aim of diversifying its portfolio with significant cultural touchstones in music.
In their statement, Sherrese Clarke, Founder and CEO of HarbourView Equity Partners, praised Slipknot’s profound impact: “Slipknot’s music has redefined heavy metal and created a global cultural phenomenon. Their catalog is a testament to their influence, passion, and enduring artistry within the genre.” Clarke elaborated on the importance of understanding audience engagement, emphasizing the cultural significance of Slipknot’s work from the 1990s to the present. “The enduring and relevant proof points with Slipknot remain core to our investing thesis,” she noted, indicating that HarbourView is committed to preserving and enhancing the group’s legacy for future generations.