Queen Sells Music Catalog to Sony for £1 Billion in Largest Music Rights Sale in History

Queen has sold its iconic music catalog to Sony Music for approximately £1 billion ($1.27 billion), making it the largest music rights sale in history. The deal includes the band’s recording and publishing rights, name, image, likeness, and potential revenue from musicals, merchandise, and film placements, but excludes live performance revenue. Founding members Brian May and Roger Taylor will retain control over live performances, continuing to tour with Adam Lambert. Disney retains the North American distribution rights, with some royalties transferring to Sony. The deal eclipses previous high-value sales by artists like Bruce Springsteen and Bob Dylan, highlighting the enduring value of Queen’s music catalog.