In 2015, private equity firm KKR & Co. reportedly acquired a significant stake in Lindsey Buckingham's music catalog, which includes his solo material and songs from his tenure with Fleetwood Mac. The price for this investment was undisclosed.
Buckingham, a singer-songwriter and guitarist, has written and recorded numerous hits for Fleetwood Mac, such as "Go Your Own Way," "Second Hand News," and "Tusk." His solo career also produced successful albums like "Law and Order" and "Out of the Cradle."
Music rights can take various forms, including publishing rights, master recording rights, and mechanical rights. Music rights societies like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC help manage and collect royalties for these rights.
Who owns the right to music can be a complex issue. In the case of Buckingham, his ownership of the compositions (lyrics and melodies) is separate from the recordings (master recordings). He retains ownership of the compositions, while the record labels or distributors often hold the master recordings.
Understanding what are music rights and how do music rights work is crucial for artists and investors alike. Music rights can generate substantial revenue through various avenues, such as sync licensing, performance royalties, and mechanical royalties.
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