Iconic artists selling their music catalogs for big-money deals has become a common trend in the music industry. However, legendary artist Sir Mick Jagger of The Rolling Stones recently confirmed that he has no plans to sell his music rights. In a rare interview with The Wall Street Journal, Jagger hinted at a more philanthropic approach, suggesting the possibility of donating the catalog to charity. He expressed the belief that his children don’t need $500 million to live well and that it would be more impactful to do some good in the world. Jagger’s comments come as The Rolling Stones release their new single, “Sweet Sounds of Heaven,” featuring Lady Gaga and Stevie Wonder.
The decision of Jagger and his band to hold onto their post-1971 catalog stands in contrast to the recent trend of artists selling their music rights for hefty sums. Artists like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Stevie Nicks, and Neil Young have all made big-money deals for their catalogs in the past few years. These deals have reached hundreds of millions of dollars, with some even surpassing the $500 million mark. However, Jagger’s stance highlights a different perspective, emphasizing the potential to make a positive impact through charitable donations rather than personal financial gain.
Jagger’s refusal to sell his music rights echoes the sentiment expressed by David Furnish, CEO of Rocket Entertainment and long-term partner of Sir Elton John. Furnish stated that it would be “unthinkable” for Elton John to sell his catalog, highlighting the importance of maintaining control over one’s art. Both Jagger and Furnish’s statements challenge the prevailing narrative of musicians cashing in on their catalogs and instead focus on the artistic and philanthropic value of their work.