Who Earnings Money from 'Bohemian Rhapsody': Royalties and Modern Music Business

The iconic song 'Bohemian Rhapsody' by Queen continues to be a major revenue stream for the band's estate and surviving members, decades after its release. As we explore who benefits from these earnings, it's important to understand the complexities of modern music royalties and the management of financial interests in legacy songs.

The Earnings Distribution from 'Bohemian Rhapsody'

Since the passing of Freddie Mercury in 1991, the rights and earnings from his music have been managed through his estate. While the original record label, EMI Records, was primarily involved in the distribution and promotion of the band's music, the lion's share of the royalties from streaming sales and licensing typically go to the band members, their estates, and their associated companies. This presents an interesting question: who receives the money every time Queen's music, such as 'Bohemian Rhapsody', is played or used?

Freddie Mercury's Estate and Royalties

Freddie Mercury's beneficiaries, particularly his estate, have played a significant role in the continuation of his legacy. His estate not only benefits from the royalties but also inherits the rights to his future royalties. This detail is crucial in understanding the financial landscape of the band's legacy.

Surviving Members and Royalties

The surviving members of Queen, including Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor, are also earning from their co-written songs. They are entitled to a significant portion of the royalties, as they are primary or co-songwriters. It is a testament to the financial astuteness of the band that they have managed to secure such favorable contracts for themselves and their estates.

Key Details of Freddie Mercury's Estate

Freddie Mercury was known for his savvy business decisions, as signified by his will. He left 50% of future royalties to Mary Austin, the girlfriend he had met at Biba, who he had planned to marry. The remaining 50% was left to Jim Beach, the band's longtime manager. This arrangement ensures that those who were close to him continue to benefit from his legacy. Both Mary Austin and Jim Beach have received significant financial rewards from this arrangement.

Authorship and Publisher Rights

A search through the Canadian Reproductive Rights agency shows that 'Bohemian Rhapsody' is listed as having one sole author: Frederick Mercury. The publisher is Queen Music Ltd., which may include the members of the band and possibly an administrator or two. It is also possible that the rights have been sold to another publisher, meaning that the present publisher gets a portion of the royalties. This highlights the complex nature of music publishing rights and the potential for changes in ownership over time.

Typical Royalty Distribution

While specific details of the division of royalties are speculative, it is commonly understood that publishers typically received 50% of the royalties, while the authors would split the remaining 50%. If this is the case, the estate of Freddie Mercury would benefit from his share, while the present publisher, which may include the surviving members of the band, would receive their portion.

Further Breakdown of Royalties

Assuming the publisher and authors split 50% each, and if Freddie Mercury was one of the publishers, his share would increase to 62.5% (50% to the estate 12.5% from the publishing share). However, administrative fees would be subtracted from this amount. Therefore, each surviving member of the publisher, Queen Music Ltd., would receive a quarter of 50%, or 12.5%, minus the publisher's expenses. If any of the members are deceased, their estates would continue to receive the royalties until the copyright expires, which is typically 70 years after the author's death under international law.

Conclusion

The earnings from songs like 'Bohemian Rhapsody' continue to be a significant source of income for the band's legacy. The distribution of royalties is complex and depends on various factors, including the original contract terms, current ownership, and the specific arrangements made by the band and its members. Understanding these nuances is crucial for both musicians and music enthusiasts alike.