While the public divorce and ensuing battles between Paul McCartney and Heather Mills have been vicious and painful to them, it has initiated a response from Paul McCartney that all Beatle fans will be thankful for: the release of the back catalog on Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iTunes.
There are reports that the entire catalog will eventually be put on the popular download site to help McCartney recoup whatever money he loses in the upcoming decision by a London judge on what Heather Mills will receive. That decision is due on March 17.
Conjecture is Mills could possibly end up with between £20 to £30 million, according to a recent report in the Evening Standard, although some of the circumstances surrounding the entire debacle may reduce that amount. We'll have to wait to see what the judge says.
With all the other legal requirements surrounding the entire catalog having been settled, the divorce decision is the final loose end to resolve before McCartney releases the catalog.
It sounds like the music will be released gradually over a period of time, rather than all at once.
McCartney won't be the only beneficiary of Beatle music sales though, as Michael Jackson and Ringo Starr will receive a percentage, along with families of deceased Beatles John Lennon and George Harrison. Music companies Sony, EMI and Apple Corps (not to be confused with Steve Jobs Apple) will also get a percentage, as along with Jackson, they own the rights to some of material.
Related Stories.
iTunes to strike deal over Beatles' hits
Sir Paul McCartney is expected to release the Beatles back catalogue for download on the internet in a deal which could be worth up to £300 million.
Former hits from albums such as Sergeant Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, the White Album and Help will be available on the popular iTunes website and are expected to top the download charts for several months on release.
=====
Apple Corps spokesperson who I spoke to after seeing the story. "There's no date set," she said. "The story isn't correct.
=====
Paul McCartney Confirms Beatles Deal 'Ready To Go'
McCartney has been negotiating with iTunes for some time to release the Fab Four’s songs, which have never previously been available online.
However, he now confirms, “It's happening soon. The whole thing is primed - ready to go.”
=====
Divorce settlement spurs Paul McCartney iTunes marriage
Sir Paul McCartney, 65, is dipping deep into his Beatles' past to help finance his divorce to Heather Mills.
The former rock star is said to be releasing the Beatles back catalogue to iTunes to help pay for his multi-million dollar divorce, which should be finalized in Britain's High Court in about a week.
Comment Preview