David Bowie’s back catalogue has sold for a reported $250 million

Virgin Radio

4 Jan 2022, 10:13

Ahead of what would have been David Bowie’s 75th birthday later this week, the late singer’s estate has sold his publishing catalogue to Warner Chappell Music for an absolutely huge amount of money.

Bowie’s incredible body of work, spanning from 1968 until to 2016, during which he released 26 solo studio albums, as well as two albums from his Tin Machine project, has sold “for a price upwards of $250 million” according to Variety.

The deal also encompasses various other singles and projects, and Bowie’s lost album Toy, which finally gets a release this Friday (January 7th).

Toy mixes new songs and reimaginings of Bowie’s lesser-known tunes from 1964-71. It was originally due to be dropped in 2001 or 2002, but after a disagreement with his label, it never saw the light of day, but will be out in time for Bowie’s birthday on the 8th. 

In a statement regarding the new deal, Warner Chappell Music Co-Chair and CEO Guy Moot said: “All of us at Warner Chappell are immensely proud that the David Bowie estate has chosen us to be the caretakers of one of the most groundbreaking, influential, and enduring catalogues in music history. These are not only extraordinary songs, but milestones that have changed the course of modern music forever.”

He continued: “Bowie’s vision and creative genius drove him to push the envelope, lyrically and musically – writing songs that challenged convention, changed the conversation, and have become part of the canon of global culture. His work spanned massive pop hits and experimental adventures that have inspired millions of fans and countless innovators, not only in music, but across all the arts, fashion, and media.

“We are looking forward to tending his unparalleled body of songs with passion and care as we strive to build on the legacy of this most extraordinary human being.”

Along with the imminent arrival of the previously unreleased Toy, the Bowie 75 celebrations include a pop-up store in London and the previous release of the Brilliant Adventure (1992-2001) box set.