They Are the Champions: Queen’s Music Catalog Could Sell for a Record $1 Billion

Queen’s music impacted the world with theatrical, anthemic hits that still inspire music acts to this day. The legendary rock band’s work is still making headlines, with the news that it may sell sometime soon for an unprecedented sum.

Talks around a Universal Music Group acquisition of the band’s music catalog from Disney Music Group are “well underway,” a source familiar with the deal told CNN. The sale may exceed a whopping $1 billion and the transaction is reportedly “expected to close within one month.”

More from Robb Report

• An Auction of Freddie Mercury's Private Possessions Reveal the Original Name of 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

• Afrojack's Swanky New Recording Studio Was Inspired by His Love of Superyachts

• Kendrick Lamar's 'To Pimp a Butterfly' Is Getting an Ultra-Limited Rerelease With Gucci Packaging

Disney and Universal did not immediately respond to Robb Report inquiries. However, a spokesperson for Disney Music Group told CNN that they had no plans to sell the catalog.

In December 2021, Bruce Springsteen sold his entire catalog of music to Sony Music Entertainment in a blockbuster deal reportedly worth $500 million, The Los Angeles Times reported. The Boss’s sale is currently the highest ever paid for a music catalog, but the potential deal for Queen’s music could easily surpass it.

CNN reported that the sum may be partially attributed to the 2018 Oscar-winning film Bohemian Rhapsody, starring Rami Malek. The biopic told the story of the band’s formation, centering on frontman Freddie Mercury. It led to renewed interest in the band’s songs including the film’s namesake, “We Will Rock You,” and “We Are The Champions.”

Of course, Springsteen and Queen aren’t the only artists exploring sales of their catalogs. Other big names such as Justin Timberlake, Neil Young, and John Legend have also done so, ABC News reports. At only 28 years old, Justin Bieber reportedly sold his catalog for $200 million.

Rolling Stone reported in 2021 that one of the reasons why selling a music catalog might be alluring for a musician is the Covid-19 pandemic. The inability to tour and conduct other music deals during the pandemic caused financial strain.

There are also personal circumstances, the magazine reported. For instance, older musicians might feel that separating a lump sum for their children might be easier than trying to navigate a patchwork of copyrights.

Sign up for Robb Report's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Click here to read the full article.