Rock band Queen may sell its catalogue—include hits such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Another One Bites the Dust”—to Sony in a deal potentially worth $1 billion.
If finalized, the purchase will give Sony the rights to all of Queen’s music, as well as any related intellectual property such as logos, merchandise, publishing, music videos and more. The deal has reportedly been in the words since last year.
If the $1 billion price tag goes through, the sale would be the largest of its kind. The previously record was held also by Sony, who purchase Bruce Springsteen’s catalogue in 2021 for $500 million. The company also acquired a 50% stake in the late pop star Michael Jackson’s music for $600 million earlier this year.
Queen Productions LTD earned $52 million in the year ending September 2022, the most recent financial statements available. Revenue from the Sony deal would be split equally between Freddie Mercury’s estate, guitarist Brian May, drummer Roger Taylor and bass player John Deacon.
