Sting sells his entire back catalogue of music to Universal in a deal reportedly worth £183million

Sting sells his ENTIRE back catalogue of music to Universal in ‘deal worth £183million’


Sting has sold his entire back catalogue of music to Universal in a deal reportedly worth £183million ($250m). 

The publishing group’s now owns both his solo work and albums with The Police – encompassing hits such as Roxanne, Every Breath You Take and Fields Of Gold.

Universal Music Group (UMG), which has been the North Tyneside-raised musician’s label home throughout his career, will now represent both his song catalogue and recorded music catalogue.

Sold: Sting has sold his entire back catalogue of music to Universal in a deal reportedly worth £183million ($250m) – pictured 2018

It comes after the group acquired Bob Dylan’s entire back catalogue in December 2020 for a reported £220m ($300m).

Sting, 70, said: ‘It is absolutely essential to me that my career’s body of work have a home where it is valued and respected – not only to connect with long time fans in new ways, but also to introduce my songs to new audiences, musicians and generations.

‘Throughout my career, I have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with UMG as my label partner, under the watchful guidance of Lucian (Grainge), so it felt natural to unite everything in one trusted home, as I return to the studio, ready for the next chapter.’

Fields Of Gold: The publishing group¿s now owns both his solo work and albums with The Police - encompassing hits such as Roxanne, Every Breath You Take and Fields Of Gold (pictured 2019)

Fields Of Gold: The publishing group’s now owns both his solo work and albums with The Police – encompassing hits such as Roxanne, Every Breath You Take and Fields Of Gold (pictured 2019)

Born Gordon Sumner, Sting found fame as songwriter and bassist for new wave rockers The Police from 1977 until 1984 after which he left to pursue a solo career.

He has won 17 Grammys, including song of the year for Every Breath You Take in 1984, three Brits and various other accolades.

Sir Lucian Grainge, chairman and chief executive of Universal Music Group, said: ‘I’ve had the privilege to work with Sting for over 20 years and I’m so thrilled to expand our relationship to now include music publishing.

Band: He has won 17 Grammys, including song of the year for Every Breath You Take in 1984, three Brits and various other accolades

Band: He has won 17 Grammys, including song of the year for Every Breath You Take in 1984, three Brits and various other accolades

‘Sting is a songwriting genius whose music permeates global culture. We are honoured that by choosing UMPG for his music publishing, Sting’s entire body of work as a songwriter and recording artist – from the Police to his solo work – will all be within the UMG family.

‘It’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly, as well as a great validation of what we have built for artists at UMG.’

Sting was represented in the deal by American entertainment lawyer, Allen Grubman, who also represented the David Bowie estate during negotiations over Warner Chappell Music’s lucrative acquisition of the late musician’s publishing rights.

Artists including Mick Fleetwood, Neil Young and Blondie singer Debbie Harry have all also sold interests in their music in the past two years. 

Every Breath You Take: Sting has won 17 Grammys, including song of the year for Every Breath You Take in 1984, three Brits and various other accolades

Every Breath You Take: Sting has won 17 Grammys, including song of the year for Every Breath You Take in 1984, three Brits and various other accolades

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