Hi Joe.

I admit to knowing very little about the Elektra label, or the company, so, could you tell me more.

1. Is Elektra still in existence as a label? If not, and has ceased to be (as Monty Python might put it!), do you know who bought them out?
2. Are the artists who recorded on Elektra still around today? (hopefully so), and if they are, would they like to see their early work available?
3. Would these artists wish to buy back all the rights to the original recordings, including publishing, etc, etc, with a view to putting them out themslves, even if it would make little commercial sense? (for old times sake)
4. If so, would the present owners of the Elektra catalogue be willing to discuss a deal with said artists to both sides mutual satisfaction?

I've said it before, but it bears repeating.
After the demise of Dingles records here in the UK, I was contacted by the ex MD of the company, and after a bit of a chat, managed to buy back the rights to my first recording. (Master tapes, Multitrack, All legal rights etc, etc).

The LP was recorded in 1980,I bought the stuff about ten years ago, and as yet, haven't done anything with them (complete tardiness on my part, I'm afraid!!)

The point being, that at least I could if I wanted to, and out of common human decency, if it became a million seller (I wish!!), I would be only too happy to include Roger (Dingles supremo) in a cut of the profits for believing in the band at the outset, and paying the initial recording costs. (I don't think he's holding his breath!!!!)

In other words, an amicable agreement was made.
Could the Elektra artists acheive this if they wanted too?

As far as the Bulmer saga is concerned, there are quite a few artists over here in the UK, who would be only too happy to pay hard cash for their early works, but negotiation....zilch.

The fact that all of these threads have been resurfacing over the years, is to let Mr Bulmer know that he hasn't been forgotten.

The (in his case) unwanted publicity, has at least prevented him from putting out anymore short runs of CDs which benefit the artists not one jot.

I hope this posting doesn't sound too angry.
(oh, and Joe, I'd really like to know about the Elektra story)

Regards Ralphie