Chapter 178 178 A Major Event that Shocked the Music Industry

Chapter 174 174. A big event that shocked the music industry

The sun was shining on the earth. Even though it was only a little after eight in the morning, the summer wind was already very hot.

Although the wind was hot, Howard Stringer seemed not to feel it when it blew on him. His body was cold.

The negative news and the stock price plunge in the past few days made Sony headquarters in Tokyo very dissatisfied with him. They asked him to stabilize the stock price immediately and solve this big problem quickly.

However, things have developed to this point. How can it be solved in just one or two words?

Sony Music has been developing very well in recent years, and Howard Stringer is also very satisfied with Tom Mottola's work ability.

As for the contradictions and disputes between him and Michael Jackson, Howard Stringer is actually very clear. Since he took office in 1997, he has always supported the recovery of copyrights from Jackson.

As for how to operate it specifically, that is Tom Mottola's business. Howard Stringer wants the result.

It is precisely this kind of indulgence that has caused the situation to deteriorate step by step, and finally it has become difficult to reverse the accumulated problems and completely broke out.

Howard Stringer has already thought about it. Tokyo must give an explanation, shareholders and stockholders must also give an explanation, and Michael Jackson needs an explanation even more.

So in today's negotiations, in order to calm Jackson down, Tom Mottola must be thrown out to take the blame when necessary.

Such a big pot is not something that most people can bear, and you are just the right size and height.

As long as Jackson is satisfied, the stock price will definitely go up sharply after the news is released.

As for the copyright issue, at most I don't care, and I will just pass this hot potato to the next person.

This is called believing in the wisdom of future generations.

At the same time, Howard Stringer also noticed something unusual because this series of operations was too smooth.

Sony was obviously targeted, and Michael Jackson didn't look like such a skilled person. There must be someone behind him manipulating it.

Thinking of those details, his eyes naturally fell on MGM, and he would soon know whether it was Eric Cooper.

If it was MGM who was playing tricks, the hatred would be formed, and Sony would definitely find an opportunity to retaliate.

In the dream manor, he was not interested in appreciating the beautiful scenery around him. He soon came to the fountain and walked into the house.

Seeing people coming, Michael shook hands with Howard Stringer and sent away all the irrelevant people.

"Michael, nice to meet you. I am Howard Stringer. You should know me."

Michael nodded: "Mr. Howard, you are willing to come forward at least to show that Sony is still sincere in negotiating. I won't talk nonsense. I think with Sony's current stock price, you are not in the mood to greet me."

Howard Stringer smiled unnaturally: "Then let's start. Talk about your demands. What do you want?"

"No, it's not what I want, but what Sony owes me. Over the years, I have created more than one billion US dollars in profits and wealth for Sony, but your way of returning it makes me feel chilled and uneasy."

Howard Stringer cursed in his heart. Sony's market value has evaporated by billions of dollars in the past few days. Who can I cry to?

But he still said with a serious face: "Michael, you can't believe the various conspiracies circulating in the market. Of course, I don't deny your contribution to the company."

"It's normal for you to be dissatisfied. I can understand, especially the conflict between you and Tom Mottola. I didn't know it before, but now I know it."

"I can promise you on behalf of Sony that the company will conduct an internal investigation. As long as you are willing to announce the settlement to the public, Tom Mottola will be suspended immediately."

"Are you satisfied with this result?"

Michael pointed to his nose: "Mr. Howard, do I look so stupid? The way you deal with it is what Sony should do, not to comfort me or compensate me. We must first understand this logic."

"Tom Mottola persecuted me. I have not filed a criminal lawsuit against him. I have been restrained enough. Firing him is the basis for our negotiation, not a bargaining chip you should take out."

Howard Stringer listened to Michael's expression quietly, feeling a little strange. From the information he learned, Michael Jackson is not such a person.

He should be a very kind and tolerant person. Why is he so sharp today?

However, people have to bow their heads under the eaves, and Howard Stringer can only agree.

"Michael, you are right. Out of respect for you, I promise that Tom Mottola will leave immediately."

"At the same time, in order to compensate for the damage to you, Sony is willing to raise your salary to a higher level, including song recording, distribution, concerts and other aspects."

"As for the stagnation of your album sales, I got the report. It was all Tom Mottola's fault. Sony will return the overdue part to you."

"Here is a contract about your future salary. Take a look. It's really generous. You are still the artist we value most."

Howard Stringer took out a document from his bag and said: "Michael, signing it will benefit us all. This is the best result."

Taking the document, Michael read it carefully. After reading it, he found that Howard Stringer did not lie to him. This is really a very generous treatment, if there is no small print at the end.

Throwing the document on the table, Michael said: "Mr. Howard, Sony wants to renew the contract with me for 15 years, and also has the priority to purchase the copyright in my hands. I don't think this is a good idea."

Howard Stringer explained: "Michael, the conflict between you and the company is actually the conflict between you and Tom Mottola. You can rest assured that I promise that he will never appear in front of you again."

"We will provide you with the best resources like in the 1990s. You can return to the top and defend the title of the world's pop king, and let those challengers lose."

"Enough!"

Howard Stringer's bewitching words were not finished before he was interrupted by Michael.

"Mr. Howard, there is no need to change the concept. We all know that this is not a conflict between Tom Mottola and me. Copyright is the core."

"Sony will not give up, and neither will I. You must know what I want."

"Let's get straight to the point. Sony and I terminate the contract. I will leave with the copyright, and then I will issue a settlement statement to the public to restore Sony's reputation and stock price."

"Michael, you can't."

"I've said enough! This is my only request. If the company doesn't agree, this war will not end."

The atmosphere suddenly became awkward, and Howard Stringer's eyes also turned cold: "Michael, who is helping you behind the scenes, is it Eric Cooper of MGM? Or Plant Donde?"

Michael's eyes did not give in at all: "There is no need to talk about such meaningless topics. I will give you two days to coordinate. I just want the result."

Howard Stringer clenched his fists instantly. He was actually ordered by a singer.

"Michael Jackson, you made a very wrong decision. Sony will never agree to your request, and players will never bow to a poker card."

"Then let the stock price continue to fall. I really want to know if the shareholders will have any objections to the music dragging down the entire group."

Howard Stringer stood up, picked up his briefcase and walked towards the door.

"Michael, do you think you can make Sony compromise by relying on the stock price? You are too naive. We have sufficient funds to protect the market. The stock price will rise over time because your fans and those who claim to be righteous will not pay attention to this matter for a long time."

"After the cold treatment is over, new hot spots will cover your case. The media will only chase traffic. When no one pays attention to it anymore, the stock price will return to normal."

"And that time will be your death. You will be banned indefinitely. I swear that no company will accept you."

"Your records will be removed from the shelves, and all your commercial performances will be cancelled. I heard that you are in debt now, and the bank will not pay attention to you. I will not let you go."

"This dream manor is really nice. When the bank auctions it, I will definitely buy it and invite all the people you hate to have a party."

"Don't forget those charitable organizations. Aren't you a great philanthropist? Don't you like to donate? If the funding chain is broken, what else can you donate!"

"Those children and AIDS patients will never get treatment again. One by one, they will die painfully in the hospital bed. All this is because of your selfishness!"

Having failed to achieve his goal, the disguised mask was torn off, Howard Stringer's demeanor was gone, and he cursed viciously.

Michael didn't care about being scolded, but his behavior of cursing the child made Michael angry instantly.

"Howard Stringer, Sony does hold my economic lifeline, but don't forget that I also hold your lifeline."

"I will exercise half of my copyright power and suspend all commercial activities of all singers under Sony Music. Maybe I will go bankrupt, but Sony Music will not have an easy time."

"I really want to see how many singers dare to sign with Sony in the future. Let's wait and see!"

I didn't expect Michael to dare to use this method to threaten me. Howard Stringer's eyes twitched violently.

"Michael Jackson, if you dare to do this, you will become the public enemy of the music industry!"

"You are wrong, Howard. Sony and I have become the public enemies of the music industry. If I can't get my rights back, then we will die together."

"You"

Howard Stringer's eyes widened.

Michael continued, "I also want to tell you one more thing. I will announce to the public that I am willing to give other singers 5% more of the copyright income I control."

"I don't need to tell you what this means. Whether it's the singers or the fans, they will only be grateful to me. You will always be the bad guys. Can Sony do this?"

"I'm just a person. Sony is a multinational listed company. You are talking about profits. You have to be responsible to shareholders."

Howard Stringer suddenly felt a chill in his heart. He was 100% sure that this was a premeditated action and Sony had been trapped in it.

Michael also stood up: "Howard, there are only two options for Sony now."

"The first is that we both perish, but Sony's loss will be much greater than mine."

"The second is that we break up peacefully. Sony lets me leave with the copyrights, but I will abide by the rules and use these copyrights reasonably."

"And I can guarantee that I will not switch to Universal and Warner. You will still be the three major players in the music market, and the pattern will not be broken."

"On the other hand, if we die together, the only ones who will benefit in the end are other companies."

"Mr. Howard, you are an excellent businessman, and excellent businessmen will make the most appropriate decision."

"But I still say that. I will only give you two days to consider. If you don't give a clear answer after two days, then I will regard Sony as choosing the first option."

After saying that, Michael opened the door. Howard Stringer stared at him for a while, then left without saying a word.

Watching Howard Stringer leave, Michael couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. The decision just now was the result of a long discussion between him and Eric. If Sony is still stubborn, the result will be disastrous.

After leaving the Dream Manor, even though the air conditioner in the car was turned on, Howard Stringer still felt hot and uncomfortable.

It was a mistake. I thought I could easily control Michael Jackson, but I didn't expect to be shocked by the other party.

The most important thing is that the other party only gave two days, and it was not enough to deal with it coldly.

Patting his forehead in annoyance, Howard Stringer said, "Go to the airport, I'm going to fly to Tokyo right away!"

At the same time, Michael let in all the media gathered outside the Neverland Manor and told the reporters that there would be a result in two days, which would be a big event that would shock the music industry.

Everyone was anxiously waiting, and two days passed in a flash.

During this period, Japanese media photographed Sony holding a shareholders' meeting, and many wealthy people who held shares attended the meeting.

Eric and Michael also talked on the phone several times. He had prepared all kinds of revelations in his hand, and once things went in a bad direction, he would release them all at once.

As the black Cadillac drove into Neverland Manor, Howard Stringer, who was obviously in a bad mental state, walked into the room again and negotiated with Michael as he did two days ago.

Messerio lawyer walked in halfway through, and the negotiation lasted until the evening, and the three still did not come out of the room.

Looking at the food that had already gone cold, the black aunt Siti sighed.

Squeak

After a while, the door finally opened and three people walked out.

"Michael, have something to eat. You've been hungry for a day."

"Wait for Siti, I'll be back soon."

The reporters who had been waiting for a day were let in again. In front of everyone, Michael and Howard Stringer held hands.

The reporters hurriedly pressed the shutter and captured this moment.

Howard Stringer cleared his throat and said, "After friendly negotiations, we are sure that everything is a misunderstanding and Tom Mottola's personal behavior."

"Sony and Mr. Jackson have reached an agreement to end their contract with him in advance."

"From this moment on, he is already an independent musician, but we are still good friends and will continue to be close partners in the future."

The reporters looked at him in confusion. Do you want to listen to what you are saying? Aren't you going to court? Aren't you fighting to the death?

At this time, Michael looked at Meserio. He was still not thick-skinned enough to lie with his eyes open.

Meserio spoke for him: "Mr. Howard Stringer is right. It was all Tom Mottola's fault. He will be punished accordingly."

"Sony is a great company. They chose to let Michael leave with his copyrights. This is a manifestation of abiding by the spirit of the contract."

"We thank Sony for its grace and generosity. We also hope that the rumors will stop. It's time to end this fight that hurts both sides."

At this moment, Howard Stringer's heart was bleeding. I'm so graceful, I'm so generous. That's all money, worth billions of dollars.

The reporters were all shocked to see all this. Michael Jackson left Sony with half of the copyrights. Doesn't that mean he won?

It's unheard of to force capital to compromise with personal power.

And does Michael, who holds these copyrights, mean the rise of a new giant in the music industry?

As he said, this is a big event that shocked the music industry.