Five Finger Death Punch’s Masters Sold Without Their Knowledge: A Deep Dive

In a recent interview with Rock Feed, Five Finger Death Punch revealed a shocking development regarding their music. The band discovered that their album masters had been sold without their awareness, a move that has left them contemplating their next steps.

The Revelation from Zoltan Bathory

Diving into the details, guitarist Zoltan Bathory addressed the situation when asked about the sale of their masters. He clarified that they were not involved in the transaction, stating, “Not exactly,” in response to inquiries about the sale.

Bathory elaborated on the nature of their relationship with their record label, explaining, “From the very beginning, we had a personal partnership with the label. I don’t know if you remember a time when the bands used to get 360 deals and profit-sharing contracts. You could produce the first record, deliver it, and just put it out. So that’s the kind of deal we had. We owned the masters with the label.”

However, the situation took a turn when Bathory revealed, “So we are co-owners of the masters, and the label sold it without telling us.” He emphasized the lack of communication from the label, expressing frustration that they weren’t even given the chance to purchase their own masters. “Like why? You know, like it’s our masters, at least ask me,” he lamented.

Parallels to Taylor Swift’s Journey

During the conversation, the idea was floated that Five Finger Death Punch could become the “Taylor Swift of Metal,” drawing parallels to Swift’s well-publicized battle with her record label over her own masters. Swift faced challenges when her label changed ownership and attempted to regain control over her music, ultimately leading her to re-record her earlier albums under the “Taylor’s Version” banner.

Bathory responded to this comparison, saying, “We found out just as you found out. So we’re thinking about the response. Nothing’s off the table. Obviously, that’s a response and that’s not off the table.” He hinted at the potential for a similar strategic move, noting, “It’s a chess game, business, life, it’s always a chess game. You know, I could be pissed and hit the board or they made their move, now we’re gonna make our move.”

Looking Ahead: Five Finger Death Punch in 2025

While the band navigates the complexities surrounding the sale of their masters, they are also focusing on their upcoming plans. Five Finger Death Punch has a series of tour dates scheduled for 2025, starting with a performance on July 17 at Milwaukee’s Fiserv Forum. They are also set to appear at various festivals, including Rock Fest, Inkcarceration, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and Rocklahoma.

Fans can find all tour dates and ticketing information on the band’s official website.

Conclusion

The sale of Five Finger Death Punch’s masters without their knowledge raises significant questions about artist rights and the music industry’s practices. As the band considers their options moving forward, the situation serves as a reminder of the complexities artists face in maintaining control over their work. With their upcoming tours, the band remains focused on their music while navigating the challenges ahead.

FAQs

What happened to Five Finger Death Punch’s album masters?

The band discovered that their album masters were sold by their label without their knowledge or consent.

How did Zoltan Bathory react to the sale?

Bathory expressed frustration over the sale, noting that the band was co-owners of the masters and should have been consulted before the sale took place.

Could Five Finger Death Punch follow a similar path as Taylor Swift?

Bathory mentioned that while they are considering their response, nothing is off the table, and they could potentially pursue a similar strategy to re-record their music.

What are Five Finger Death Punch’s future plans?

The band has several tour dates scheduled for 2025 and is focusing on their performances at various festivals.