Andrew Lloyd Webber renews 40 year deal

Lord Lloyd-Webber's music has sold in the tens of millions

Theatre supremo Andrew Lloyd Webber has renewed his record contract with Universal making it one of the longest continuous deals in the music world.

Lord Lloyd-Webber has worked with the recording giant for 40 years and has agreed another long-term deal.

The contract covers his entire back catalogue, as well as digital and CD sales and publishing rights.

The composer said he was "delighted" with the deal, calling Universal "wonderful custodians" of his music.

The renewal comes ahead of his eagerly-anticipated sequel to The Phantom Of The Opera, Love Never Dies, which premieres in the West End next month.

In a statement Lord Lloyd-Webber said: "I am delighted to have renewed my partnership with Universal Music.

"They have been wonderful custodians of my music for over three decades, and it is a relationship that I and my colleagues at RUG [his production company Really Useful Group] value most highly.

"Together we have taken the music around the world."

Lord Lloyd-Webber's music has sold in the tens of millions over the past four decades.

The star's hit productions have included Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Cats.