MUMBAI: Indian music publisher Deep Emotions Publishing, which is owned by Universal Music Publishing Group, has acquired exclusive rights for songs by American rock group Van Halen. The agreement will allow Deep Emotions Publishing to represent band in South Asia. The pact was signed by Atlas Music Publishing in New York.

The deal will include the entire Van Halen catalogue (excluding the most recent album- ‘A Different Kind Of Truth’), and includes multiple hit singles and albums that have collectively sold close to 90 million copies worldwide. The rock band rose to fame during the 80’s, but later went on hiatus in 1999, before reuniting in 2003.

Commenting on the agreement, Achille Forler MD Deep Emotions said, "With Eddie’s ground-breaking, blindingly fast technique and Alex’s prodigious talent, Van Halen have rewritten the rules of rock music and changed the course of rock history – in the late 70s they set the template for the hard rock and heavy metal of the 80s and the 90s. We are particularly honoured to represent the songs of these musical pioneers. We will help ensure that new generations of music listeners are keenly aware of just how important Van Halen is to the music world and how incredible their songwriting is.”

In a couple of month’s time, the publisher will start pushing out songs by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee to advertising agencies and radio stations. Forler added, “We want the music of the Van Halen to be played on as many platforms as possible. We will push it by sending selected tracks to advertising agencies and help radio stations with interviews and provide them with more information about the band.”

This means that the publishing company will administer the band’s all-time favourites such as ‘Everybody Wants Some!’, ‘Runnin’ With the Devil’, ‘Hot for Teacher’, ‘Unchained’, ‘Dance the Night Away’, ‘Panama’, ‘Jump’, ‘Ain’t Talkin’ Bout Love’, ‘Eruption’ and many more.

In the past, the music publishing for Eddie Van Halen and Alex Van Halen’s catalogue was held by Warner/Chappell music.