Rod Stewart, the rock icon whose voice has serenaded us through decades of heartbreaks and hookups, has decided to cash in on his auditory gold mine. In a move that’s more rock’n’roll than a leopard print jumpsuit, Stewart has offloaded the rights to his musical legacy for a cool nearly $100 million. Yes, you read that right. While you’re over here rummaging through couch cushions for spare change, Rod’s making bank in a deal with Iconic Artists Group.
This isn’t just any sale, folks. We’re talking about a treasure trove that includes bangers like “Maggie May,” “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?” and other hits that have probably graced your drunken karaoke sessions. Iconic Artists Group, led by music mogul Irving Azoff, is now the proud custodian of Stewart’s publishing catalog, recorded music, and some name and likeness rights. It’s like adopting a unicorn, except this one comes with a six-decade legacy and a pair of the tightest pants in showbiz.
Stewart, now 79 and apparently not slowing down, sees this as a strategic move to ensure his music continues to slap across generations. He’s quoted saying, “The time is right,” which could either be a profound reflection on his illustrious career or him just realizing he’s got enough cash to buy Scotland.
Azoff is equally jazzed about the deal, aiming to blast Stewart’s tunes into the ears of unsuspecting youths everywhere. And why wouldn’t he be? With Stewart ranked as the 15th greatest artist of all time by Billboard and a two-time inductee into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, it’s safe to say he’s got the goods.
This rockstar yard sale puts Stewart in the company of other musicians who’ve recently cashed out, including Katy Perry, who reportedly handed over her hits for $225 million. It’s like a high-stakes game of Monopoly, but instead of hotels on Boardwalk, it’s rights to “Teenage Dream.”
In the end, Rod Stewart’s deal is a reminder that in the music biz, the hits you’ve belted out in the shower could one day be worth a small fortune. So, next time you’re jamming to “Sailing” or “The First Cut Is the Deepest,” remember you’re listening to a piece of that $100 million pie. And to Rod, if you’re reading this, drinks are on you, mate.
