METALLICA Mourns Passing Of MUSIC FOR NATIONS Founder MARTIN HOOKER

November 21, 2019

METALLICA has paid tribute to Martin Hooker, the founder of the influential British record label Music For Nations.

Launched in 1983, Music For Nations' importance cannot be underestimated. The label signed, exclusively distributed or collaborated with such artists as METALLICA, TOOL, SLAYER, OPETH, CRADLE OF FILTH, ANATHEMA, ENTOMBED, POISON, W.A.S.P. and Frank Zappa. They also entered into licensing agreements with some of the seminal labels, including Metal Blade, Peaceville and Rise Above.

Earlier today, METALLICA tweeted: "We were deeply saddened to hear that Martin Hooker, the man who formed Music For Nations - our first UK record label - back in 1983, had passed. Thanks to Martin's unwavering support, 'Kill 'Em All', 'Ride The Lightning'and 'Master Of Puppets' all went gold in the UK, and just as importantly, he and MFN helped make England a warm and welcoming place for us at a vital time in our career. Thank you for the love, support and memories Martin, rest in peace."

Music For Nations' catalog was absorbed by Sony subsidiary Zomba Records when it folded in 2004.

Sony revived Music For Nations in 2016, hiring Visible Noise founder Julie Weir to run the imprint.

We were deeply saddened to hear that Martin Hooker, the man who formed Music For Nations - our first UK record label - back in 1983, had passed. pic.twitter.com/InvInkabdV
— Metallica (@Metallica) November 21, 2019

Thanks to Martin’s unwavering support, KEA, RTL and MOP all went gold in the UK, and just as importantly, he and MFN helped make England a warm and welcoming place for us at a vital time in our career. Thank you for the love, support and memories Martin, rest in peace.
— Metallica (@Metallica) November 21, 2019

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