Mick Fleetwood Sells Hit Song Rights To BMG 

Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac is the latest to hop on the bandwagon of selling royalties, following Stevie Nicks’ and Lindsey Buckingham’s footsteps. 

The BMG deal covers Mick Fleetwood’s interests in all of Fleetwood Mac’s recorded work, except for their first two albums. 

“Have You Any Dreams You’d Like To Sell?”

Although the exact amount has not been disclosed, Mick Fleetwood described the deal as “a wonderfully inspiring marriage between two creative partners that understand all aspects of the business”. The label has acquired the musician’s outright royalty interest in over 300 of the band’s recordings across all of their albums, except for their first two LPs – 1968’s self-titled album and ‘’Mr. Wonderful’’.

“Foremost, BMG understands the artistry and puts the artist first,” he continued. “If this partnership is any indication of my past, and now future, working relationship with BMG, it’s that they truly ‘get it’.” Mick Fleetwood co-founded Fleetwood Mac in the 1960’s and is part of massive bestsellers like ‘Go Your Own Way’ and ‘Dreams’. 

This acquisition highlights the value of timeless recordings in a streaming market which is increasingly benefiting established rather than newer artists,” said Justus Haerder, a BMG executive. “Catalogues such as Fleetwood Mac’s, which connect with every generation, are benefiting disproportionately from that growth.”

So what does it mean for an artist to sell their royalties? This means that artists can cash in on the demands of investors. Investors want to capitalize on the value of hit songs during the current streaming era. Owners of the rights receive a cut of the royalties through various ways. Online streaming, being aired on radio, played in department stores, covers etc., are some examples.

Back Under The Spotlight

Mick Fleetwood’s Fleetwood Mac, saw an insurgence last year when their track ‘Dreams’. It also started appearing on TikTok and hit the Billboard charts again. It all started when a skateboarder called Nathan Apodaca, filmed himself skating and lip-syncing to the band’s 1977 track ‘Dreams’ while sipping from a bottle of cranberry juice. 

‘Dreams’ remains one of the most best-selling tracks of the band. It’s truly a timeless song and has been covered by many artists across musical genres. 

By: Aatira Kakroo