Pink Floyd has officially struck a deal to sell the rights to their recorded music to Sony for approximately $400 million. This agreement marks the end of a long-standing internal feud among the band's members over the terms of the sale.
The deal covers Pink Floyd's recorded catalog, including iconic hits like Wish You Were Here and Money. It also grants Sony the rights to use the band’s name and likeness, allowing for potential merchandising and spin-offs in movies and TV.
However, the sale only includes their recorded music rights, not the songwriting copyrights, which means Sony will not control how the songs are written or composed.
This acquisition is part of a broader trend, as major labels like Sony continue to secure the catalogs of legendary artists. Sony has been making high-profile acquisitions, having also picked up some rights to Queen’s catalog for about $1 billion earlier this year.
For Pink Floyd, this sale follows years of internal disputes among band members, especially between bassist Roger Waters and guitarist David Gilmour. These tensions previously stalled negotiations, but the deal’s completion now brings closure to one of the most valuable catalogs still available on the market.
Sony, like other labels, aims to capitalize on the enduring popularity of classic rock music, which has found new life with younger audiences through streaming platforms and media placements. The company plans to maximize the value of these assets through various licensing deals across digital platforms and entertainment industries.
