Gebbia Media Acquires Big Machine Rock From HYBE America

Gebbia Media has acquired Big Machine Rock from HYBE America for an undisclosed price in an effort to move into the rock space.

Big Machine Rock has been part of Big Machine Label Group (BMLG), which was founded by CEO Scott Borchetta in 2005. SB Projects bought BMLG in 2019 and, in 2021, HYBE bought Ithaca Holdings, which included SB Projects and BMLG for $1.05 billion.  

Big Machine Rock’s current roster includes Daughtry, Badflower, Sammy Hagar and Ryan Perdz. Since its move into rock in 2017, BMLG has placed hits across Billboard’s rock charts, including Mainstream Rock Airplay and Alternative Airplay, with past and present acts like Badflower, Cheap Trick, Daughtry, Friday Pilots Club, Ayron Jones, L.A. Rats, Motley Crue, Pretty Vicious, Starcrawler and The Struts.

“Growing up with incredible music by iconic artists like Sammy Hagar, Van Halen and The Doors, I recognize the importance of bringing rock to a new generation of listeners and fans who are ready to embrace it,” said David Gebbia, CEO of Gebbia Media, in a statement. “Big Machine Rock embodies the Gebbia Media approach: bold, cross-generational, and deeply in touch with the culture. This acquisition allows us to further our mission of empowering artists through investment in robust catalogs and cross-platform expansion.”

The move is also expected to expand Big Machine Rock’s global reach.

Heather Luke-Husong will continue to serve as GM of the Nashville-based imprint.

“Gebbia Media’s investment will allow Big Machine Rock to grow into a full-fledged label completely focused on rock,” says Borchetta, who is also chairman of labels for HYBE America. “They will continue to be distributed through our family of labels and will stay connected to the Big Machine mothership.”

Gebbia Media is a subsidiary of Siebert Financial Corp.

“By bringing Big Machine Rock into the Gebbia Media portfolio, we’re aligning visionary talent with the resources and stability of a diversified financial platform, ensuring long-term growth and cultural impact,” said John J Gebbia, CEO of Siebert Financial.

In the music space, Siebert has also formed partnerships with Larry Jackson’s GAMMA and L.A. Reid LLC for the female trio SIMIEN, building on Gebbia Media’s alliance with artist and entrepreneur Akon.

As part of the agreement, Borchetta will join the advisory board of Siebert Financial.

Assistance in preparing this story provided by Keith Caulfield.