Primary Wave has partnered with Mick Jones of Foreigner in a deal that includes his publishing, master recording catalog, touring, and name, image and likeness. While terms of the deal were not disclosed, nor were specifics given, Primary Wave’s modus operandi typically includes buying a majority stake in an artist’s music assets. In this case, that probably includes Jones’ publishing and his share of Foreigner’s artist royalties from the band’s master recordings from its hit albums, which are not owned by the band. The deal also includes a stake in the later Foreigner albums that Jones owns, including the upcoming In the Eye of the Storm Live, to be released on July 24.
As part of the deal, Primary Wave’s marketing team and publishing infrastructure will work closely with the band and its management team on new marketing, branding, digital and synch opportunities as well as film and TV projects, according to the announcement.
“[Primary Wave CEO & founder] Larry Mestel has created a unique company that focuses on heritage artists and develops them with incredible success,” Jones said in a statement. “I am personally thrilled that he and his team of professionals will be working alongside my long-term friends and managers, Phil Carson and Stewart Young, to build upon the awareness of FOREIGNER and our songs.”
Foreigner’s hits include “Waiting for a Girl Like You,” “Juke Box Hero,” “I Want to Know What Love Is,” “Cold as Ice” and “Feels Like the First Time.”
“Mick Jones is one of the most prolific songwriters of all time, and FOREIGNER is one of the few remaining super groups that continue to provide an amazing live experience,” Mestel said in a statement. “We are honored to partner with Mick, Phil Carson, Stewart Young, and the band to help take their songs and brand to even higher levels.”
According to the announcement, Foreigner has accumulated more than 80 million album consumption units around the globe from its catalog of nine studio albums, 11 live albums and 16 compilations.
“FOREIGNER’s music has become part of the fabric of global culture, and we are honored to welcome this legendary band and song catalog into the Primary Wave Music family,” Primary Wave manager Eric Baker added in a statement. “I look forward to working with Phil Carson, Stewart Young, and the entire team to ensure these timeless songs continue to inspire audiences around the world for decades to come.”
The Foreigner catalog is still generating healthy activity in the U.S., and that activity is growing. The catalog nearly 340,000 album consumption units in 2024, according to Luminate; 375,000 album consumption units in 2025; and what looks to be more than 400,000 album consumption units in the current year, with activity totaling 240,000 units already on the board, versus the 190,000 units it had in the corresponding period last year.
“Over twenty years ago, I reformed the band with the finest musicians I could find,” Jones added. “This year, we will celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the 1977 New York founding with a live album and movie that features original members Lou Gramm and Al Greenwood joining Foreigner for a magnificent concert on Ellis Island. I can’t think of a better home for this and Foreigner’s future than Primary Wave.”
