Sony Music has made a monumental acquisition, purchasing Queen’s music catalog for an impressive £1 billion GBP, roughly $1.27 billion USD.
Sources revealed to Variety that the deal includes a number of unspecified rights in addition to the band’s catalog. However, HITS Daily Double reported that profits from live performances won’t be part of the package. Founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor, who currently tour with Adam Lambert, will retain those rights. Additionally, Queen’s worldwide licensing deal with UMG will transfer to Sony Music when it expires in 2026 or 2027, making Sony the official worldwide distributor and owner of all their content.
Sony Wins $900M Bidding War
Sony Music reportedly won the deal after a competitive bidding war, with the opposing party bowing out when the price hit $900 million USD.
