Foreigner performing live. Photo Credit: Stefan Brending

Primary Wave has scored a partnership deal with Foreigner founder Mick Jones, who’s sold a piece of his IP and teed up a collaboration covering touring, NIL, and more.

Jones and Primary Wave unveiled their multifaceted tie-up today, and at the top level, the securitization-centered pact extends to the professional’s publishing and recorded catalogs. Just in passing, that includes hits such as “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Dirty White Boy,” all of which were penned by the Rock Hall of Fame inductee.

Also featured are Foreigner’s aforementioned name, image, and likeness rights as well as touring; the band is currently commemorating its 50th anniversary with an extensive concert series, though Jones isn’t part of the live lineup.

Now, Primary Wave is set to leverage its reach and expertise to spearhead “new marketing, branding, digital, and synch opportunities” alongside Foreigner. Additionally, film and TV projects are in the cards, the involved parties indicated.

(Said expertise extends to crowd-based entertainment to boot; Primary Wave had a hand in the Bob Marley Hope Road immersive experience, and earlier this year, Feels Like the First Time: The Foreigner Musical sold out its initial 11-show run.)

As for the exact song rights that are changing hands, according to details shared exclusively with DMN, Primary Wave has scooped up stakes in a few dozen or so recordings and compositions. Among the latter are “Break It Up,” “Headknocker,” “I Need You,” and a “Hot Blooded” remix.

Meanwhile, select artist-share recorded interests, including in live renditions of “Dirty White Boy” and more as well as multiple studio tracks on 1979’s Head Games, have likewise been sold.

Addressing the partnership, Primary Wave founder and CEO Larry Mestel touted Jones’ career and emphasized plans to help Foreigner “take their songs and brand to even higher levels.”

“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,” said Mestel. “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.”

And in remarks of his own, Jones applauded Primary Wave and struck an optimistic tone regarding Foreigner’s future.

“Larry Mestel has created a unique company that focuses on heritage artists and develops them with incredible success,” the 81-year-old said. “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.

“Over twenty years ago, I reformed the band with the finest musicians I could find. 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,” concluded Jones.