Vinyl and CDs are manufactured on mainland Europe leaving the UK supply chain vulnerable to a no-deal Brexit
Albums by Ed Sheeran, Liam Gallagher and Coldplay are being stockpiled in a secret “Brexit bunker” amid music industry fears that a no-deal exit could deprive fans of new releases by their favourite artists.
A chaotic Brexit could leave stores without the blockbuster Christmas releases – a new Adele album is rumoured – due to hit stores around the Government’s stated October 31 departure date.
Coldplay and Sheeran warehouse
Albums from Sheeran, Coldplay, Liam Gallagher, expected to be the season’s biggest vinyl seller, and The Greatest Showman soundtrack are being stored in a “Brexit bunker”, under a contingency plan drawn up by Warner Music.
“We’ve been working hard and planning for a potential no-deal Brexit for quite a while now,” said Derek Allen, SVP, commercial, told Music Week. “We’ve secured a warehouse in the UK which is stocked with all our key peak season releases and this year’s top sellers.”
Sony contingency plan
A spokesman for Sony Music UK, Adele’s label, said: “We have moved forward manufacturing on Q4/November releases where possible. We have built up stock held in the UK to a greater level than normally – to allow for potential delays at ports.”
“We have made detailed arrangements not only to import stock for UK demand but also to supply Ireland.”
UK Music: Ministers must ensure fans get albums
Michael Dugher, CEO of UK Music, warned: “The Christmas market is crucial for the music industry when it comes to sales. With Brexit looming, music fans want to be reassured they will be able to get their hands on their favourite vinyl – whether that’s Liam Gallagher, Jess Glynne, Dave or a fantastic up and coming new talent.”
Dugher added: “The Government must ensure that there will be a continuous supply from Europe and that there will be no shortages. The UK music industry contributes billions of pounds every year to our economy. We cannot let that be put at risk by the threat of a no-deal Brexit.”
Frozen 2 and Rod Stewart
Hotly-anticipated releases threatened by a no-deal include Disney’s soundtrack to Frozen 2, set to hit stores on November 15, Celine Dion’s “comeback” album, as well as stocking-fillers from Rod Stewart, Westlife and Ball & Boe.