Beatles to release back catalogue online

by Joanne Payne, Brand Republic 12-Apr-07, 12:15

LONDON - The Beatles back catalogue will now be available to download after the band settled its royalty dispute with record label EMI.

Apple Corps, the band's organisation, is now able to negotiate its own royalties deals with EMI about download services such as iTunes. There has not yet been an indication of a potential date when downloads will be available.

The band and its representatives began legal proceedings against EMI in December 2005 when it claimed EMI had underpaid them by £30m between 1994 and 1999. However related legal proceedings have been active between the parties for many years.

It is thought that when The Beatles back catalogue, including albums 'Abbey Road', 'Help!', 'Rubber Soul' and 'Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band', is for sale through download, the collection will reap millions in royalties for Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and relations of George Harrison and John Lennon.