Deftones sell music rights to Warner in a multimillion-dollar legacy deal
Deftones have sold a major portion of their music rights to Warner Music Group in a deal worth tens of millions. The California band, known for albums like White Pony and Ohms, will continue touring while the label takes control of most royalties. The move follows a growing trend of artists selling their back catalogues for large sums.
The agreement covers master recording royalties and publishing rights from four of the band's five members. Estimates place the deal's value between $40 million and $75 million. Warner Music Group will now earn the majority of royalties from Deftones' extensive discography, which includes 10 studio albums since their 1988 formation.
Frontman Chino Moreno reflected on the band's history, noting that their music has always carried a sense of vulnerability. Their latest release, Private Music (2025), received strong reviews and added to a catalogue featuring fan favourites like Around the Fur and White Pony.
Despite the sale, Deftones remain active on the road. They will co-headline a tour with Interpol across Australia and New Zealand in May. In 2026, the group will return to Europe for arena shows, including a February date at London's O2. They are also set to headline All Points East presents Outbreak Fest in London that same year.
The deal secures Warner Music Group's control over Deftones' legacy recordings and future earnings from older material. Meanwhile, the band's touring schedule shows no signs of slowing down, with major festival slots and international dates already confirmed. Fans can expect new performances even as their back catalogue changes hands.
