Rod Stewart Sells His Song Catalog to Iconic Artists Group for $100 Million

British rock legend Rod Stewart has agreed to sell his extensive song catalog to Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group for the sum of $100 million. The catalog includes beloved classics such as Maggie May and Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?, encompassing Stewart's impressive solo career, as well as his earlier work with Faces and the Jeff Beck Group.

A Storied Music Career

At 79 years old, Stewart's career has seen significant success, boasting 10 No. 1 albums and multiple studio albums with over a million copies sold each. His enduring popularity is a testament to the timeless quality of his music.

Strategic Industry Movements

Iconic Artists Group has been proactive in the music industry, raising over $1 billion for future catalog acquisitions through partnerships, like that with HPS Investment Partners. Stewart joins a prestigious group of artists under the IAG umbrella, including the Beach Boys, Cher, and Linda Ronstadt.

Upcoming Projects and Legacy

Rod Stewart is not slowing down, with his 32nd studio album, Swing Fever, set to release soon, and he is currently in the midst of a world tour. He emphasizes that his 'life's work is in safe hands' with Irving Azoff and IAG. The company aims to add value to song catalogs by leveraging ancillary projects for additional revenue streams.

Backing Out and Moving Forward

Prior to the IAG deal, Stewart was in negotiations with Hipgnosis, but decided to withdraw, citing concerns about the company's suitability to manage his songs and legacy. As the market for music rights remains attractive despite fluctuating interest rates, Stewart's discography continues to be a lucrative asset.

The Eternal Appeal of Music

As Irving Azoff expressed, 'Music is forever,' a sentiment reflected in the market's appetite for music rights. Successful strategies have shown that older songs can still captivate audiences, evidenced by IAG's success in reviving Linda Ronstadt's 1970 single Long, Long Time through its feature on HBO's hit series The Last of Us in 2023.

Stewart, Azoff, Music