Nikki Sixx Sells Motley Crue's Entire Catalog

I'm sure he made a nice chunk of change.

I know Sixx was the primary songwriter, so he may have worked out rights with the rest of the band based on that.

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I've heard of other bands doing this. No one's buying music anymore and a band like Motley Crue probably doesn't have a lot of options as far as licensing songs for commercials or movies. Might as well take the money up front if someone is offering it.

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I'm sure it was a nice chunk of change. as you point out no one is buying. Plus those guys are getting older. Sixx and Mars are in their 60's now so probably not too many years left to make some hay. Take the deal and retire.

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The Motley Crue bassist has reportedly sold the group's entire catalog of songs to a music publishing company.

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This article is lacking several details mentioned in the official press release from a few days ago.
It was announced that Sixx sold HIS portion of the "writer's share" of PRO and Sound Exchange income.

While Nikki was the main songwriter in Crue, he did not write everything. It would be impossible for him to sell Mick, Tommy and Vince's share of the Crue catalog without their approval.

In addition, there is no mention of publishing rights. It appears he may still even control his copyright share (unless those things were already sold off before). What is mentioned in these articles are the royalties from PRO and Sound Exchange. PRO (Performance Rights Organization) royalties are ASCAP, BMI, and in Sixx's case, SESAC. This is money generated from public performances of the works. There is a writer's share and a publisher's share. So in essence, the PRO royalties he sold are HALF of the royalties he would get from a public performance of his work (only half because there is no mention the deal includes the pub share). Sound Exchange is similar for the digital rights. Until there is further clarification, I would assume Sixx would also still receive sync and master license income. For example, if a movie wanted to license Looks That Kill, Sixx would still receive the license fees for use of the composition (SYNC) and the master recording (MASTER). He would also receive the publisher's share of the royalties when that movie is broadcast on TV in the US (Tv and in movie theaters around the world) but would NOT receive the writer's share.




Variety Article