Sting has become the latest high-profile artist to sell off his back catalogue, in a deal with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) that comprises both his solo work and his songs with The Police.
The sale of Sting’s work consists of hits like ‘Every Breath You Take’, ‘Fields of Gold’ and ‘Roxanne’, in a deal reportedly worth up to $300million (£225million), according to the New York Times.
It makes the 70-year-old artist, who rose to prominence as the lead singer of The Police in the late 70s and early 80s, the latest in a series of megastars to have cashed-in on their previous work.
‘It is absolutely essential to me that my career’s body of work have a home where it is valued and respected,’ Sting said in a statement. ‘Not only to connect with long-time fans in new ways but also to introduce my songs to new audiences, musicians, and generations.’Â
The sale of back catalogues has been big business for artists in the past eighteen months, with sales including Universal’s acquisition of Bob Dylan’s back catalogue for a reported fee of more than $300million (£225million); Bruce Springsteen’s sale of his back catalogue to Sony for $500million (£367million); and BMG’s £225million purchase of Tina Turner’s back catalogue.
In total, it’s been a billion-dollar boom for the industry, with Sting’s sale now adding to the pile.
Jody Gerson, chairman and chief executive of UMPG has said: ‘So many memories from my youth are tied to the great songs written by Sting – whether it was first seeing The Police perform in Philadelphia or hearing his music on the radio or playing those albums until I wore them out.
‘I could never have imagined that someday I would get to lead a company that will be the guardian of Sting’s remarkable song-writing legacy.
‘Every one of us at UMPG looks forward to this work with a sense of honour, responsibility and enormous excitement about what we can achieve for his music in the future.’
We’ll see how that can be fulfilled – or whether there’s a sting in the tail yet to come.
