Cherry Red Records acquires Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment

16 December 2025 - Press release

Cherry Red Records is proud to announce the acquisition and representation of three significant and culturally influential catalogues: Gull Records, State Records, and Uproar Entertainment. Each brings a unique catalogue to the Cherry Red roster, expanding the label’s repertoire in the pop, soul, comedy and rock genres.

Gull Records, established in 1974 by Derek Everett, Monty Babson and David Howells, carved out its own distinctive niche within the UK rock and pop landscape. The label is historically best known for issuing the first two albums by Judas Priest before the band moved on to CBS. Distributed by Pye Records and Decca Records, Gull released a wide range of notable titles throughout the 1970s, including music from Arthur Brown, Seventh Wave and Isotope, before winding down in the mid-80s. Alongside its recording legacy, Gull also built a strong publishing catalogue. This includes the worldwide hit “Barbados” by Typically Tropical - for which Cherry Red now represent both the master and publishing rights - a UK No.1 and top ten single in seven other countries in 1975, as well as the publishing rights to “We’re Going to Ibiza” by The Vengaboys, the 1999 UK No.1 and one of the year’s biggest-selling singles.

State Records, founded in 1975 by Wayne Bickerton, Tony Waddington and John Fruin, stands as one of Britain’s key independent labels of the late 70s and early 80s. Renowned for its rich blend of pop, soul and disco, the label delivered chart success for artists including Mac & Katie Kissoon, Gary Benson and Delegation - whose track “Oh Honey” became a top ten US R&B hit in 1978. Across its run, State released over 100 singles and numerous albums.

Through a partnership with MVD Entertainment, Cherry Red also welcomes celebrated stand-up comedy label Uproar Entertainment. Home to comedy heavyweights such as Brian Regan and Margaret Cho, Uproar has spent decades championing the full spectrum of stand-up – from trailblazing pioneers to exciting new voices. With a reputation for unfiltered, fearless and diverse comedy, the label’s catalogue captures everything from razor-sharp observational humour to late-night, club-level chaos.

Cherry Red managing director Adam Velasco says: “Since the very beginning, Cherry Red has been about embracing variety and backing music with character, wherever it comes from. These catalogues reflect that spirit perfectly - they’re distinctive and culturally important in very different ways. We’re delighted to be taking them on and making sure they’re properly looked after, properly heard, and continue to find new audiences.”

These acquisitions further reinforce Cherry Red’s ongoing commitment to preserving, celebrating and revitalising timeless catalogues across the musical and cultural spectrum.