End for "Emi Classics" and "Virgin"
Two important traditional labels are disappearing: Warner Music Group is dropping the brand names "Emi Classics" and "Virgin" and is now marketing their products under other - not entirely unknown - names.
Virgin Classics' productions are now to be marketed under the "Erato" label. This will revitalize a brand that was a key player in France in the 1960s.
The EMI Classics works will in future run under the "Warner Classics" label. Warner took over Emi Classics and Virgin months ago.
Industry observers are puzzling over what the strategy behind the move might be. Replacing an old, somewhat dusty label with an even older, even more dusty one seems surprising to say the least.