Rock's most beloved and seminal band, The Beatles, may finally be available on streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music, come Christmas Eve, according to a Billboard report.
While it's not yet clear which streaming service will get the coveted catalog grab, Billboard says sources familiar with the negotiations say early signs indicate it could be all available services -- or at least the most popular ones.
Billboard also says reports the Dec. 24 release date is not confirmed.
Apple was the first to introduce the Fab Four to a digital marketplace when the band made its full catalog available on iTunes in 2010, selling more than 2 million songs in its first week. But that was no easy grab, and earlier this year rumors were swirling about whether the catalog would transfer to the company's Apple Music streaming service.
Talks of a six-month exclusive on Apple Music surfaced to the public earlier this year but fizzled over the summer. Now, the discussions are back on but with all of the services on the table. Billboard reports that papers were signed mid-September.
It would be a great last-minute Christmas gift for music lovers everywhere, especially since it's not clear the remaining members and the estates of the deceased really need the money. Ringo Starr and Yoko Ono have remained active over the years, and Paul McCartney continues to make music under his own name or most recently with Kanye West on the tracks "Four Five Seconds" and "Only."
Music streaming services have long been criticized for not paying artists enough, so whatever deal is being hashed out is almost certainly being designed to maximize the payout to the band. Ultimately, it's likely more about providing more accessibility to the music for a younger generation.
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