Queen has reportedly agreed to sell their recording, publishing, and other rights to Sony Music for $1.27 billion.
According to Variety, Sony Music is set to buy Queen’s music catalog. The deal includes Queen’s songs, logos, music videos, merchandise rights, publishing, and other business opportunities. However, revenue from live performances will still go to founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor.
Queen was in talks in early June about the deal. Now that the agreement is official, it is bigger than Sony’s reported $500 million purchase of Bruce Springsteen’s catalog in late 2021. This makes it the largest deal of its kind.
Who Else Sold Their Catalog To Sony?
The band is now the latest rock band to sell their catalog rights. They join other artists like Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, Blondie, Chrissie Hynde, Journey, Nikki Sixx, Steve Winwood, and several others.
Earlier this year, Sony also bought a 50% stake in Michael Jackson’s music from his estate for at least $600 million.
