Credit: Far Out / YouTube Still
Tue 28 July 2026 15:45, UK
Bernie Taupin has insisted that he and Elton John will not be following the music industry legacy act trend of selling their publishing rights.
The legendary songwriter has created a prolific pairing with the Rocketman over the past 60 years, but unlike other artists of their certain vintage, they don’t see the need to be profiting off their back catalogue more than they already are at this point in time.
Taupin reflected on this in a new interview with Rolling Stone ahead of the release of his first solo album since 1987, The Sea Has No Mercy, in October this year.
Aside from the excitement of gearing up towards his first new music in decades, Taupin also took the time to reflect on the partnership that has made him most famous, and why he and John won’t be persuaded to rock the boat.
When asked directly if they ever would sell their publishing rights, the songwriter replied: “Nothing right now. Not really interested. No point. Why would I?”
Going on to explain the pair’s lack of financial motive for this, he added, “We don’t need the money. We both have offspring, and why don’t we leave it up to them?”
Taupin noted his difference in opinion from other artists in this respect, as he continued, “Who knows if it’s going to change tomorrow, but I don’t know why those people are selling the catalogs. I mean, it’s clichéd, but it is a bit like selling your children, isn’t it?”
The writer insisted that he is “not precious” about his work being used for commercial purposes, such as in advertising, but that he and John simply have no interest in parting ways with their discography, despite the possibility having been discussed by their respective partners and managers, David Furnish and Heather Kidd.
“If we were incredibly greedy and we just wanted to make billions of dollars, which we probably could if we sold it, what’s the point? We don’t need to. I’m comfortable, man,” Taupin said.
With a range of collaborations including John’s longtime friend Brandi Carlile, as well as Lee Ann Womack, Taupin’s The Sea Has No Mercy is set for release on October 23rd, 2026.
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