Idolator

Rednex—the Swedish band whose Velveeta-like cover of "Cotton Eye Joe" is a staple at sports events around the U.S.—has put itself up for sale on eBay, with an opening bid of $1.5 million:

The buyer will get 100% of the shares to the Swedish company Rednex AB (equivalent to Ltd.), which owns the trademark, all recordings, all contracts and negotiating rights and is in full power of the artistry. Rednex AB is owned today by 3 individuals who founded the group and who have personally initiated this world's first online sale of a pop band, as well as this web site.

Rednex AB has been spotlessly run for 12 years, is debt free and carrying open books, which will be made fully available for the buyer. The company holds an administrative responsibility towards royalty holders on previous recordings. The running administrative costs average $ 4,000-5,000 in total per year.

The owner of Rednex AB has, as he pleases, the right to record, release, style, tour and manage one of the most successful party bands of our time. The company owns the band, which actually works in a similar way to a company. Over the years performers have come and gone as employees. Rednex, the band, has had 16 performers all in all during the years (though never more than 5 at the same time).

While the prospect of buying a debt-free business should be tempting to anyone, the high price tag makes us think that there are two potential bidders in the running: The New York Yankees, who can now have a band on hand at all times to play "Cotton Eye Joe" when the team needs a kick in the pants; or a slightly evil opportunist who will license the song so aggressively, it'll be nearly unavoidable to the point where asking another person "Where did you go?" will send her into a panic attack at the prospect of being subjected to it yet again.

Rednex - The Band Is For Sale! [eBay, via Paper Thin Walls]