Queen is set to make music history with the sale of their extensive music catalogue for one billion dollars.
Yes, you read that right – One BILLION USD!
The iconic rock band is rumoured to be in negotiations with the Universal Music Group who are keen on acquiring the rights.
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Currently, Queen’s catalogue is owned by Disney Music Group which purchased the rights for a reported $10 million in 1991.
Speaking with CNN, a source close to the acquisition revealed that the discussions were “well underway” and the deal would be finalised “within one month.”
If the sale goes through, and the Universal Music Group does indeed spend one billion dollars, it will be the biggest single artist music catalogue sale in history.
It will include everything from their self-titled debut album in 1973 to their last album to feature the vocals of Freddie Mercury in 1995 titled Made in Heaven.
The billion-dollar sale price will also almost double the amount Bruce Springsteen sold his music and publishing catalogs to Sony Music Group in late 2021 for $550 million USD.
Whilst the remaining two original band members will not be able to enjoy the insurmountable payday from the sale of the rights to their music catalog or any future royalties, they are still extremely wealthy.
Guitarist and vocalist Brian May has an estimated net worth of $210 million USD whilst drummer Roger Taylor has an estimated $200 million USD to his name.
Despite retiring in 1997, bass guitarist John Deacon is estimated to be worth an impressive $170 million USD.
At the time of his death in 1991 at the tender age of 45, lead singer Freddie Mercury was estimated to be worth $50 million USD.
Brian, Roger, and John (as well as the Freddie Mercury estate) also own equal shares in Queen Productions Ltd, which still owns the rights (and thus reaps the royalties) to Queen’s music catalog outside the United States of America and Canada.
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