Billboard, February 11, 1978

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Billboard

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Arista to distribute U.K. Stiff label


Billboard

NEW YORK — Stiff Records, a leading new wave label in the UK responsible for introducing Elvis Costello, the Damned, Nick Lowe, Ian Drury and others, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the U.S. and Canada with Arista.

First product, a live LP documenting last year's U.K. tour by its roster of artists, is expected later this month. Costello, Drury, Lowe, Larry Wallis and Wreckless Eric are featured. A Drury solo LP is next up, according to Arista.

Founded by Dave Robinson, now co-partner in Stiff with Allen Frey, the label's off-beat, simple advertisements attracted regular interest in the U.K. among retailers and the public.

Costello, for example, who with Lowe has since signed with CBS Records, had cultivated a mystery man image culminating in a series of ads throughout the U.K. music press, each ad carrying a likeness or various parts of his anatomy. The result stirred widespread interest in piecing the various parts together.

The label is also noted for a marketing approach more in line with the progressive tastes of many of its retail accounts, introducing tongue-in-cheek humor and a candid view of profits, following in the footsteps of the U.K.'s Virgin Records, and in some respects, to Wagner Bros. ads in the late 1960s in this country.

The man credited with introducing Stiff's lively image has since left the label to manage Costello and Lowe, whose deals with CBS are attributed to him. He is Jake Riviera, one of Stiffs founders.


Tags: CBS ConventionNew OrleansStiff RecordsNick LoweIan DuryLive StiffsLarry WallisWreckless EricDave RobinsonJake RivieraJerry WexlerThe Damned



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Billboard, February 11, 1978


Billboard reports on Stiff's distribution deal with Arista.


Talent Talk notes EC's appearance at the CBS sales convention, Thursday, January 26, 1978, New Orleans. A photo from the concert runs on page 16.

Images

Photo from Thursday, January 26, 1978, New Orleans1978-02-11 Billboard page 15 clipping 01.jpg
Photo and clipping.


Talent Talk


Billboard

Extract:

1978-02-11 Billboard page 36 clipping 01.jpg

Meat Loaf stole the show at the CBS beginning of the year marketing meeting in New Orleans with a three encore performance. Veterans of previous CBS conventions say it was the most enthusiastic reception to a new act in memory.

Also very well received was Elvis Costello, whose opening remarks to the assembled were: "Thank you to Jerry Wexler and the folks at Warner Bros. Records. I knew the company was in good hands since Clive Davis left."

There were, however, some notable omissions. Though the convention was held two blocks from Bourbon St. where 12 acts were counted playing in clubs along the half-mile strip, not one New Orleans dixieland or any other kind of band appeared at the convention.


Cover and page scan.
1978-02-11 Billboard cover.jpg 1978-02-11 Billboard page 16.jpg

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