Pink Floyd is the latest music artist to agree to sell their catalog to Sony.
The deal was considered one of the biggest in recent years and ended despite a long-running bitter war of words between the band members, specifically Roger Waters and David Gilmour as well as drummer Nick Mason and the estate of keyboardist Richard Wright and founding singer. -musician Roger “Syd” Barrett.
Diversity reports that the legendary rock group has sold their catalog for $400 million. The signed agreement includes music recording rights but does not include songwriting. In addition, the agreement includes name and image rights, including merchandise, theatrical and similar rights. The artwork on their famous albums is also included in the deal, the label reported.
Representatives for the band members and Sony have not commented on the matter.
Pink Floyd has one of the most prominent catalogs in music. Over the years, the group has released several classic albums such as Dark side of the moon, Wall And Wish you were here.
The “Comfortably Numb” hitmakers have had their catalog for several years. Diversity reports that the group was close to signing a deal worth $500 million in 2022, but fierce infighting within the group prevented the sale from going through.
The newspaper claims that Waters’ past controversial comments included saying the United States was “the cruelest country”. [country in the world] of all by a factor of at least 10″ scared away buyers and caused tension within the group. Furthermore, Waters compared Israel to Nazi Germany and argued that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was “not unprovoked” .
Gilmour’s wife, novelist Polly Samson, responded to Waters after his comments were made public.
“You are anti-Semitic to your corrupt core,” Samson tweeted.
“Also a Putin apologist and a liar, thief, hypocrite, tax evader, lip-switcher, misogynist, jealous, paranoid. Enough of the nonsense,” she said more.
Sadly @rogerwaters you are protesting your corrupt core. Also an apologist for Putin and a liar, thief, hypocrite, tax evader, lip syncer, misogynist, jealous, paranoid. Enough of your nonsense.
— Pollysamson (@PollySamson) February 6, 2023
The group is the latest major music artist to sell their catalog to Sony. Previously, the estates of Bob Dylan and Michael Jackson sold their catalogs to the music group. Rocker Bruce Springsteen also sold his catalog to Sony for $550 million in 2021, Fast company report.
Jackson remains one of the company’s biggest earners Billboard reports that Sony has purchased a stake in its portfolio for $600 million. The deal includes half of the late star’s catalog of recordings and publications.
Tags Pink Floyd, News, Sony