Among the remaining high-profile music-catalog deals, the rights to Pink Floyd’s recordings and name/likeness have been the most contentious. This catalog has been on the market for several years, with a reported asking price of $500 million. A deal seemed imminent in 2022, but internal disputes within the band, particularly surrounding Roger Waters’ controversial political statements against Israel and Ukraine and in support of Russia, have significantly complicated negotiations and deterred potential buyers.
However, recent reports and sources from *Variety* indicate that Sony Music, which has invested over a billion dollars in catalogs from Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, and Queen’s non-North American rights in recent years, is in “advanced” talks to acquire Pink Floyd’s recorded-music rights. The deal is expected to be valued between $400 million and $500 million, with backing from investment firms such as Eldridge Industries.
Details on the potential deal for Pink Floyd’s catalog remain unclear, with representatives for the band and Sony Music either declining to comment or not responding to inquiries from *Variety*. If the reported price aligns with the high end of the $400 million to $500 million range, it would suggest that Roger Waters’ controversial political views have had minimal impact on the catalog’s value. Conversely, if the price is closer to the lower end, it might indicate a devaluation of up to 20% due to Waters’ statements.
Other potential buyers have reportedly been put off by the catalog’s annual earnings. The ongoing feud between key band members Roger Waters and David Gilmour, who have publicly clashed over various issues, including Waters’ political views, has also complicated the situation. Waters’ comments have included comparing Israel to Nazi Germany and making contentious statements about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, which led to the cancellation of his 2022 concerts in Poland. These statements have fueled public criticism, including from Gilmour and his wife, Polly Samson.
Gilmour has expressed a desire to sell the catalog more for peace of mind than for financial gain, citing the ongoing disputes and decision-making challenges as reasons for wanting to move on. The companies that were close to finalizing a deal in 2022—Hipgnosis, Warner Music, and BMG—have since experienced leadership changes, and BMG has dropped Waters from its roster. While these factors, alongside rising interest rates, tax issues, and the devaluation of the British pound, contributed to the deal’s collapse, Waters’ controversial remarks were a significant factor.
Despite the complications, the Pink Floyd catalog remains highly valuable, with classic albums such as *Dark Side of the Moon*, *The Wall*, and *Wish You Were Here*. Given the substantial sums paid for other high-profile music catalogs in recent years, it is among the most lucrative and desirable on the market. The surviving members of the band—Waters, Nick Mason, David Gilmour, and the estate of late keyboardist Rick Wright—are all in their 70s or 80s, which adds a layer of urgency related to estate planning.
Nick Mason has expressed disappointment over the ongoing discord among the band members, highlighting the complexity of resolving such high-stakes negotiations amidst personal and professional conflicts.
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