Pink Floyd, known for their progressive, psychedelic and experimental music, has finally reached an agreement to sell the rights to their entire recorded music catalogue to the global conglomerate
The legendary British rock band Pink Floyd, known for their progressive, psychedelic and experimental music, has finally reached an agreement to sell the rights to their entire recorded music catalogue. According to a report in the Financial Times, the band has struck a deal with Sony Music worth approximately $400 million. This agreement, which follows years of bitter internal disputes and failed negotiations, not only covers the band’s iconic music but also includes rights to the Pink Floyd name and likeness, granting Sony the ability to control nearly everything related to the band, from merchandise to films.
A representative from Sony Music declined to comment on the agreement, but a source confirmed the accuracy of the report to Rolling Stone, affirming that this is indeed a done deal. Discussions of a potential catalogue sale have been ongoing for years, but the band’s internal disagreements have repeatedly derailed negotiations. Guitarist David Gilmour, who has been an integral part of Pink Floyd since the 1960s, previously hinted at these conflicts. In an interview with Rolling Stone in August, Gilmour stated that the band was “in discussion” about selling the catalogue. He openly expressed frustration with the endless disputes between band members, calling the situation a “veto system” that had stalled decisions over seemingly minor details, such as disagreements on liner notes for reissues.
“To be rid of the decision-making and the arguments that are involved with keeping it going is my dream,” Gilmour told Rolling Stone, revealing how much the band’s infighting had worn him down. “If things were different... and I am not interested in that from a financial standpoint. I’m only interested in it from getting out of the mud bath that it has been for quite a while,” he said. Gilmour’s comment provides a rare glimpse into the toll that managing the band’s legacy has taken on the musicians. For many years, the group’s reissues and projects were marred by internal dissension, resulting in delayed releases and widespread frustration among their fan base. This deal with Sony effectively lifts that burden from the band members, handing over the responsibility to the label, which is expected to make more decisive and efficient moves with the catalogue.
The deal that fell through
This isn’t the first time Pink Floyd has come close to making a significant deal. Just 18 months ago, the band was on the verge of securing an even larger agreement. According to Variety, the band had made substantial progress toward a $500 million sale of their music. However, continued squabbles between band members halted the deal in March 2023. At the time, sources familiar with the situation described the deal as “basically dead.” Many saw this as just another example of the deep-seated differences within the band, particularly between Gilmour and bassist Roger Waters.
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The breakdown of that deal was not surprising given the band’s tumultuous history. The conflict between key members, particularly between Gilmour and former bassist and songwriter Roger Waters, has been well-documented. The two have had a contentious relationship since Waters left the band in the mid-1980s, with both musicians trading public barbs over the years about their respective roles in Pink Floyd’s legacy. Although Waters was not directly involved in the latest catalogue discussions, his shadow looms large over the band’s history and the tussle between Gilmour and drummer Nick Mason, the other surviving member from the classic lineup.
Remembered for their sprawling, conceptual albums, Pink Floyd fused philosophical lyrics with pioneering soundscapes for their albums centred on weighty themes like alienation, madness, and social decay — with a cerebral intensity that set them apart from other rock bands of their era. Their use of long instrumental passages, layered sound textures, and Gilmour’s emotive guitar solos became defining features of their sonic identity. Among their most celebrated works, The Dark Side of the Moon (1973) stands out as an achievement; it dips into existential angst, especially tracks like Time and Money. Wish You Were Here (1975) followed with a tribute to former bandmate Syd Barrett, particularly through the epic Shine On You Crazy Diamond. Meanwhile, The Wall (1979) offered a sprawling rock opera that critiqued authoritarianism and psychological isolation; it is celebrated for the anthem Another Brick in the Wall.
50th-anniversary edition of Wish You Were Here
The sale of Pink Floyd’s catalogue is part of a broader trend in the music industry, where legacy artists are increasingly cashing in on their back catalogues. High-profile deals in recent years, such as Bob Dylan selling his catalogue to Universal Music for a reported $300 million and Bruce Springsteen’s $500 million deal with Sony, have set a precedent for big-ticket artists looking to monetise their extensive bodies of work.
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For Pink Floyd fans, the deal with Sony signals the possibility of a more streamlined process for future releases, free from the internal gridlock that has often plagued the band’s business dealings. Among the most anticipated projects is a 50th-anniversary edition of Wish You Were Here, which is slated for release in 2025. With Sony now holding the reins, the rollout of such releases could proceed without the delays that have plagued past efforts. Pink Floyd’s catalogue is considered one of the most valuable in the industry. Their music has been commercially successful, with millions of albums sold worldwide; it has also influenced generations of musicians and shaped progressive rock in many ways.
