The latest in an ever-increasing list of superstar musicians to seel their music catalogue, Queen has reportedly agreed to a £1 billion deal with Sony Music.
The iconic group’s founding members Sir Brian May and Roger Taylor have been in discussions for years about their catalogue of songs and full lengths, and according to Variety, the music and other rights are “in the process of being acquired” by Sony for the massive sum.
Following an initial $10,000,000 licensing deal in 1991, in the 2000’s Queen’s recorded music rights in the United States and Canada were bought by Disney (for an undisclosed price) who will keep hold of those rights in perpetuity.
The legendary band’s distribution deal with Universal will move over to Sony in all territories outside the US and Canada, but not until that agreement expires in 2026 or 2027.
Since Freddie Mercury’s passing in 1991, John Deacon has stepped back from the limelight, while Brian and Roger still tour with singer front man Adam Lambert. Earlier this year, it was suggested that Deacon (who’s not taken part in any public work for the group since the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert in 1992,) – will not include his share of the assets in a potential deal.
Classic tracks in the Queen catalogue include such iconic songs as ‘Radio Gaga’, ‘We Are The Champions’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Another One Bites The Dust’, ‘Crazy Little Thing Called Love’ and ‘Somebody To Love.’ The UK band released 15 studio LP, including 1995’s final ‘Made In Heaven’ collection, which features recordings Mercury made prior to his death at the age of 45.
Keep up with the latest trending music news by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Author: Al Denté
Photo: Christopher Hopper; distributed by Elektra Records – Public Domain