Live Nation adds Nickelback

Canada’s Nickelback becomes the latest addition to Live Nation’s growing roster of musicians with long-term, multi-facet deals with the entertainment giant. The hard-rock group’s partnership with Live Nation is worth between $50 million and $70 million, according to Billboard.

Just as other aspects of music-business tradition fall by the wayside, this deal has no specific time frame, but will center on three “touring and album cycles, with an option for a fourth,” according to a Live Nation statement issued Tuesday. It covers 12 areas of Nickelback’s career, from recorded music and touring to retail merchandise, the band’s fan club and literary rights.

Nickelback still owes two albums to its longtime label, Roadrunner. The group, which is expected to embark on a tour of Live Nation-operated amphitheaters next year, joins Madonna, Jay-Z and Shakira on the company’s expanding roster.

-- Randy Lewis