The Distribution of Freddie Mercury’s Royalties and Queen’s Music Earnings

Freddie Mercury, the legendary frontman of the legendary band Queen, left behind a musical legacy that continues to generate significant royalties. This article explores the specific distribution of these royalties, particularly after his untimely death. It focuses on the current and future beneficiaries, as well as the trust structures in place to manage and distribute his legacy.

Royalties and Surviving Beneficiaries

The exact distribution of Freddie Mercury’s royalties from Queen’s music, including Bohemian Rhapsody, can vary based on specific agreements and the bands' decisions regarding their collective earnings. Typically, royalties are shared among the surviving members of Queen and Mercury's estate.

Freddie Mercury established a trust to manage his royalties through his company, Mercury Songs. This trust includes all current and future profits and capital from his private limited companies. The main beneficiaries of this trust are Mary Austin, KASH Bulsara, Bomi and Jer Bulsara, each receiving 25%.

Trust Structure and Management

The shares in this trust were bequeathed to Freddie Mercury's trustees to manage. These trustees have the authority to sell, invest, or manage the trust's assets as they see fit, provided it benefits the named beneficiaries. Mary Austin, who has been a company officer since 1992 and her husband a director (1999–2002), has significant influence over how the trust is managed, especially as she is considered Freddie’s main beneficiary.

Beneficiary Distribution

The trustee structure is designed to ensure that the trust's assets benefit Freddie's named beneficiaries. If Freddie's parents died before the vesting day, their share would go to KASH Bulsara. If KASH dies before the vesting day, her shares go to Jim Beach to manage on behalf of her children in equal shares. If KASH's children die, their shares would go to Mary.

The specifics of what happens if KASH dies before the vesting day and one of her children dies before the vesting day can be complex. It is unclear if the surviving siblings or Mary would receive the shares. Similarly, if Mary dies before the vesting day, her shares would accrue to KASH's shares. However, if Mary dies after the vesting day (November 24, 2041), her shares would be bequeathed to whomever she specifies.

This trust model ensures that the assets are managed in a way that protects and benefits the beneficiaries over time. The vesting day, November 24, 2041, marks a significant transition point where the trustees' role ends and the beneficiaries take full ownership of the assets.

Current Distribution

Currently, the royalties from Queen’s music are distributed among the main beneficiaries, with each receiving 50% of the shares. If any of these beneficiaries die before the vesting day, their shares are passed on to the next of kin. Should all named beneficiaries die before the vesting day, Mary Austin would inherit their shares.

From the vesting day onward, the beneficiaries retain their shares outright, and Jim Beach, as the trustee, has no further input or control over the trust. This ensures a clear and secure distribution of the assets to the intended beneficiaries, reflecting Freddie Mercury's wishes as outlined in his will.

Conclusion

The distribution of Freddie Mercury’s royalties and Queen’s music earnings is a complex matter, guided by specific trust structures and agreements. Understanding the beneficiaries and the management of these trusts is crucial for ensuring that Freddie's legacy is protected and distributed according to his wishes.

References and Further Reading

For the most current details on Freddie Mercury's royalties and Queen's music earnings, it is advisable to consult the latest news or official statements from Queen or Freddie Mercury's estate.