Sting has joined the likes of other superstars like Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Paul Simon in the big Song Publishing Sweepstakes.
The erudite rocker has sold the rights to his songs to Universal Music in a deal worth $300 million. The deal covers all the Police hits like “Roxanne” and “Every Breath You Take” as well as his solo hits like “Fragile” and “Fields of Gold.”
Last year, “Every Breath You Take” became the most played song in the world, eclipsing even former record holders “Yesterday” and “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” In a 2020 interview, Paul McCartney named “Fields of Gold” as the one song he wished he’d written.
Sting remains an active performer and huge draw in the touring world as well. He’s about to go on tour in Europe, followed by a residency in Las Vegas at Caesar’s Palace, and then a big summer tour. His new album, “The Bridge,” included in the deal, is as resonant with great new tunes as ever.
Sting says in a press release: “I am delighted to have Jody[Gerson] and the team at UMPG curate and manage my song catalog. It is absolutely essential to me that my career’s body of work have a home where it is valued and respected—not only to connect with longtime fans in new ways but also to introduce my songs to new audiences, musicians and generations. Throughout my career, I have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with UMG as my label partner, under the watchful guidance of Lucian [Grainge], so it felt natural to unite everything in one trusted home, as I return to the studio, ready for the next chapter.”
