In a recent deal, legendary guitarist and songwriter Robbie Robertson of The Band sold his publishing, name/image/likeness, and recorded music interests to Iconoclast, a leading independent music company. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
Robertson, a key figure in the Canadian music scene, is known for his work with The Band, as well as his collaborations with artists such as Bob Dylan, Martin Scorsese, and Van Morrison. His catalog includes classics like "The Weight," "Up on Cripple Creek," and "The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down."
Iconoclast, which has previously acquired music rights from artists such as Quincy Jones and Tom Waits, is known for its focus on acquiring and managing copyrights in music, film, and television. The company's portfolio includes over 100,000 copyrights and 30,000 recordings.
According to Music Business Worldwide, the deal is part of a larger trend of music rights acquisitions, with companies like Hipgnosis Songs Fund, Primary Wave, and Kobalt Capital also active in the market.
The sale of music rights can be a complex process, involving various types of rights such as publishing, recording, and synchronization. Music rights societies like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC help administer and collect royalties for these rights. For more information on music rights and how they work, check out this article from Billboard.