Angel Air Records

Angel Air Records is an English independent record label established in February 1997 by Peter and Shirley Purnell. The label was created primarily to bring older pop and rock recordings back into circulation, with particular attention to albums originally released during the 1960s and 1970s. Its catalogue is associated with classic rock, progressive rock, pop and related strands of British popular music, and includes both studio-album reissues and selected live recordings. The label occupies a specialist position within the recorded-music business. Rather than functioning mainly as a contemporary artist-development imprint, Angel Air has focused on identifying, licensing, packaging and promoting historically notable recordings that may have become difficult to obtain or received limited exposure in the mainstream catalogue market. This approach has made the company relevant to collectors, archival-music listeners and audiences interested in the work of established or overlooked artists from earlier decades. Angel Air's output has not been limited exclusively to archival material. The label has also released new albums by known artists, including projects extending into the twenty-first century. Its catalogue therefore combines retrospective reissues with selected later recordings, while retaining a strong identity rooted in the preservation and commercial presentation of classic popular music. According to the label's referenced biographical material, Angel Air had issued more than 500 albums and 30 DVD titles by the time its 500th release was reached. That milestone was marked by the two-CD live album The Final Bow by Stackridge. The scale of this catalogue reflects a substantial long-term commitment to reissue publishing rather than a short-lived boutique operation. Angel Air was connected to other music businesses operated by the Purnells. Peter and Shirley Purnell also owned CeeDee Music UK, a publishing company reported as representing more than 3,000 songs, and CeeDee Management, which handles artist business affairs and royalty collections. On 18 February 2019, the Purnells sold their shares in Angel Air Records and CeeDee Music UK to Brian and Terry Adams, trading as The Store For Music Ltd. The Purnells retained ownership of CeeDee Management. This transaction changed Angel Air's ownership while leaving the label's specialist catalogue and reissue-oriented identity intact.

Angel Air Records was established in England in February 1997 by Peter and Shirley Purnell. Its original mission was to reissue classic pop and rock albums that had first appeared largely during the 1960s and 1970s. By concentrating on catalogue material rather than relying primarily on new artist signings, the label developed a specialist role in the preservation, repackaging and renewed distribution of recordings from earlier phases of British and international popular music. The label's catalogue has covered classic rock, progressive rock and pop, as well as associated styles represented by established or historically under-recognized performers. Its releases have included studio-album reissues, live recordings and video titles. Angel Air has also issued some new albums by known artists, particularly as its activities extended into the twenty-first century, but archival and reissue work has remained central to its public identity. The business grew into a substantial catalogue operation. Reference material states that it had released more than 500 albums and 30 DVD titles. The 500th album was The Final Bow, a two-CD live release by Stackridge. This milestone illustrates the label's emphasis on documenting and maintaining artist catalogues through physical releases and archival projects. Angel Air operated alongside businesses associated with the Purnell family. The Purnells also owned CeeDee Music UK, a publishing operation reported to administer more than 3,000 songs, and CeeDee Management, which provides artist business-affairs and royalty-collection services. The management company has represented members and former members of acts including Mott The Hoople and Saxon, although those management relationships belong to CeeDee Management rather than necessarily to the Angel Air label catalogue. On 18 February 2019, the Purnells sold their shares in Angel Air Records and CeeDee Music UK to Brian and Terry Adams, operating as The Store For Music Ltd. The Purnells continued to own CeeDee Management. The transaction transferred Angel Air's ownership to a different music-business group while preserving its status as a specialist independent label. Publicly available reference material does not establish a detailed chronology of individual licensing agreements, offices, staffing changes or release-by-release commercial performance.

1. 2019Ownership transfers to The Store For Music Ltd

   On 18 February, Brian and Terry Adams acquire the Purnells' shares in Angel Air Records and CeeDee Music UK, trading through The Store For Music Ltd.

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2. 1997Angel Air Records is founded

   Peter and Shirley Purnell establish the English independent label in February, initially concentrating on reissues of classic pop and rock albums.

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3. The label reaches 500 album releases

   Angel Air marks its 500th album with Stackridge's two-CD live release The Final Bow. The exact year of this milestone is not specified in the supplied reference.

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A specialist independent label serving collectors and listeners of historically significant pop and rock recordings through archival reissues, live material and selected later releases.

• Classic pop reissuesMusic reissues1997

  Reissued pop albums originally released mainly during the 1960s and 1970s. These releases form part of Angel Air's archival mission, returning older recordings to circulation for collectors and listeners seeking historically important catalogue material.

• Classic rock reissuesMusic reissues1997

  Reissues of classic-rock albums and related catalogue recordings. The label's rock programme emphasizes the continued availability and preservation of music that may have disappeared from regular retail distribution.

• Progressive-rock reissuesMusic reissues

  Archival releases drawn from progressive-rock and adjacent catalogues. These products serve specialist audiences interested in historically significant albums, extended compositions and recordings associated with the development of progressive music.

• Live recordingsLive music recordings

  Live albums and concert recordings that supplement studio-album reissues with performance documents. The label's catalogue includes the Stackridge live release The Final Bow, which served as its 500th album release.

• Music DVDsMusic video releases

  Video titles connected to the label's artist and archival catalogue. Reference material reports more than 30 DVD releases, although a complete title list and detailed format history are not established here.

• 2019Sale of Angel Air Records to The Store For Music LtdM&A

  After more than two decades under the ownership of founders Peter and Shirley Purnell, the label and the related CeeDee Music UK publishing business changed ownership.

  What changed. On 18 February 2019, the Purnells sold their shares in Angel Air Records and CeeDee Music UK to Brian and Terry Adams, trading as The Store For Music Ltd.

  Aftermath. The Purnells retained CeeDee Management, while Angel Air and CeeDee Music UK moved to the Adams-owned business. No reliable public financial terms were supplied.

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• 2019Purnells sell Angel Air Records to The Store For Music

  On 18 February 2019, Peter and Shirley Purnell sold their shares in Angel Air Records and CeeDee Music UK to Brian and Terry Adams, trading as The Store For Music Ltd.

  M&ALeadership change
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• 1997Angel Air Records established

  Peter and Shirley Purnell established Angel Air in February 1997 as an independent label focused on reissuing classic pop and rock recordings.

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• Angel Air reaches its 500th album release

  The label's 500th album release was the two-CD Stackridge live set The Final Bow, demonstrating the scale of its reissue and archival catalogue.

  Product launch
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1. Angel Air Records