MÖTLEY CRÜE's TOMMY LEE Signs Solo Deal That Bypasses Record Labels

Handleman Company today announced it has entered into an agreement with MÖTLEY CRÜE drummer Tommy Lee to be the exclusive distributor of Lee's new solo album, "Tommyland: The Ride", scheduled to be released in August 2005. Lee is represented by Carl Stubner, CEO of Sanctuary Artist Management. Launching a new distribution model, the deal marks the first time that Lee will release an album without using the traditional major label infrastructure, and the first time that Handleman will act as the sole distributor for a major recording artist.

This direct relationship between Lee and Handleman will streamline the supply chain and allow the album to be offered at an attractive cost to consumers, while enabling retailers to achieve a fair profit margin. "From the very beginning, I wanted to do something different with this record, something groundbreaking," said Lee. "I wanted to get great new music to my fans without charging them fifteen or sixteen bucks for a CD. And Handleman is helping me do that, so I couldn't be happier."

"Tommyland: The Ride", Lee's third solo recording, will be released in conjunction with his new NBC reality show, "Tommy Lee Goes to College". Produced by Scott Humphrey, who along with Carl Stubner played an instrumental role with Handleman in constructing the new distribution concept, "Tommyland: The Ride" features guest performances by such established artists as Chad Kroeger of NICKELBACK, Carl Bell of FUEL, Deryck Whibley of SUM 41, Butch Walker, Joel Madden of GOOD CHARLOTTE, and Nick Carter of the BACKSTREET BOYS.

"We are excited about this new business partnership with Tommy Lee, who's a proven seller," said Stephen Strome, Handleman Company Chairman and CEO. "This initiative is an example of how Handleman Company can add value to the music supply chain. Given our high-quality people, systems and experience, we are confident this relationship will be beneficial for everyone involved, including consumers, retailers, Tommy Lee, and Handleman Company."

Ron Lund, Handleman Company Senior Vice President of Product Management and Logistics, commented, "Tommy Lee is a dynamic artist who remains very relevant in the industry, and who has built a solid brand name. We're very excited to work with Tommy on this project and deliver his music to the marketplace in a new and beneficial way."

To complement its sales capabilities, Handleman Company has also partnered with a third party sales consultant firm, Rocket Science LLC, to handle sales solicitation, retail marketing and retail account interaction activities for "Tommyland: The Ride".