Image credit: BMG

Music publishing Giant BMG snaps up Mick Fleetwood’s interests in all of Fleetwood Mac’s recorded work, except for first two albums.

The co-founder and drummer of the infamous band Fleetwood Mac has become the latest start to sell away the rights to their biggest hits. He joins an ever-growing list of artists selling their rights, such as Neil Young, Shakira and Bob Dylan. 

Fleetwood’s rights have been sold to the BMG, one of the worlds largest music publishers. The deal covers more than 300 songs, including Fleetwood Mac hits such as ‘Dreams’, ‘The Chain’ and ‘Go Your Own Way’, taken from their biggest-selling album, ‘Rumours’. 

Mick has now joined bandmates Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham in selling his rights. Although Lindsey sold his for an undisclosed amount to Hipgnosis.

Like previous deals its value hasn’t been revealed but generally they equate to roughly “25 years of royalties up front”, according to Hipgnosis founder Merck Mercuriadis. However, the deal covers drummer Fleetwood’s interests in all of the bands recorded work, except for the first two albums. 

BMG will now collect a fee every time of the songs is streamed, played on the radio or used in a film or video game.

Speaking on the transaction Fleetwood, 73 said: “This is a wonderfully inspiring marriage between two creative partners that understands al aspects of the business. Foremost, BMG understands the artistry and puts the artist first.” He adds: “If this partnership is any indication of my past, and now future, working relationship with BMG, it’s that they truly ‘get it.’”

BMG chief executive Hartwig Masuch said: “Mick Fleetwood is the bedrock of one of the greatest bands in rock, he has a unique talent to bring together musicians of all genres and of course he is one of rock’s greatest drummers.”