Noel Gallagher has already secretly discussed a valuation of his back catalogue with savvy investors, jokingly saying he might try to make another big profit next year when the rights to his biggest hits revert to him.
The rock superstar recently joked that he would rather collect the royalties himself than leave them to his children.
However, industry sources say he has now been approached by big money investment groups and has expressed interest in holding formal discussions about a valuation of the songs, which could net him a further £250m alongside cash from the Oasis reunion tour.
A source said: ‘Noel has joked about it but behind the scenes he is actually working on making it happen. He is very serious.
‘There are huge sums of money on the table and he is interested in getting that money while he is still alive to enjoy it.
Is this the real reason Oasis are reuniting? Industry insiders have revealed that Noel Gallagher is in talks to sell the band’s back catalogue for £250m amid their sell-out reunion tour
A source said: “Noel has joked about it but behind the scenes he is actually working on making it happen. He takes it very seriously.”
‘Plus, it’s perfect timing because now that his divorce is settled, his ex-wife Sara won’t be getting anything – although she might still have something to say about it!’
Representatives for Noel and Oasis declined to comment.
Selling an artist’s back catalogue means selling the rights to their songs, including the royalties that are paid when their music is consumed and used.
Industry experts also believe that the hype around the upcoming reunion concerts could boost the value of their back catalogue and attract a new, younger audience.
The band’s debut album, Definitely Maybe, has already returned to the top of the charts thanks to sales from the new tour.
The band’s popularity on streaming services has waned in recent years, and the songwriter and Noel realise that new interest from a new generation of music fans will enhance the value of classic tracks including Champagne Supernova, Rock and Roll Star and Wonderwall.
Among those interested is music investment specialist Hipgnosis songs, founded by Merck Mercuriadis and Nile Rodgers.
The song management company has previously bought the rights to songs from superstars including Fleetwood Mac, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Shakira and many more in a portfolio now worth more than £3bn.
There have also been other major deals in recent years, such as Sony Music buying Bruce Springsteen’s entire song catalogue for a staggering £376m.
Industry experts also believe that the hype around the upcoming reunion concerts could boost the value of their back catalogue and attract a new, younger audience.
The song management company has previously bought the rights to songs from superstars including Fleetwood Mac, Justin Bieber (pictured), Ed Sheeran, Shakira and many more in a portfolio now worth more than £3bn.
The source added: “Plus, it’s perfect timing because now that his divorce is settled, his ex-wife Sara won’t be getting anything – although she might still have a say in the matter!”
Meanwhile, rivals Universal Music bought Bob Dylan’s catalogue and Warner Music bought the rights to David Bowie’s works.
A source added: ‘Noel has joked about this sort of thing before, but he is actually very serious.
“He knows that the hype around the Oasis tour will also boost the value of the songs and rekindle interest in those classic songs, which can only help to raise the money further. He is a shrewd businessman and a top-notch songwriter.
“He will be an incredibly wealthy man, even more so than in the past. And this type of deal will allow him to have cash in the bank to spend on whatever he wants.”
Brothers Noel and Liam confirmed a long-awaited return earlier this month, sparking chaos among fans clamoring to get tickets for the run of stadium tour dates next summer.
But the enthusiasm has sparked controversy over high ticket costs and the use of so-called “dynamic pricing.”
Fans who were further back in line to buy tickets online found that prices had skyrocketed by the time they had a chance to purchase them.
The arrangement has sparked intense debate and criticism among fans and politicians, who accused the band of ignoring their working-class roots.
But in a statement the concert promoters defended the practice, suggesting it was an indication of high demand and allowed artists and those involved in productions to realise the “true value” of tickets.
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