Rick Rubin's Move To Columbia Records Is Official

Producer RICK RUBIN's move to Columbia Records is now official, although there are no details yet on what Rubin's exact role at the label will be or where he will be based. The label released a statement this afternoon (May 14) confirming the Rubin hire and stating that he would "form a dynamic and creative executive partnership" with Columbia chairman Steve Barnett, under a new model devised by Sony Music topper Rob Stringer. As part of the deal, Rubin will bring his American Recordings imprint to the company, which previously distributed it in the late '90s and early '00s. American, which for the last year-plus has been distributed by Warner Music Group, has a roster that includes SLAYER and catalog including THE BLACK CROWES, DANZIG. As expected, in addition to producing albums for Sony BMG acts, Rubin will continue his producing activities for artists at other major labels. In this capacity he will work with artists signed to Warner Bros., including METALLICA.