McCartney's back catalogue heading online: EMI

Beatles fans awaiting the chance to download the iconic band's music online could get their wish granted soon, as the music of Paul McCartney gets set for digital distribution.

EMI Music, McCartney's former, longtime record label, released a short statement on Monday announcing plans to release his post-Beatles oeuvre from his solo work to his Wings albums "across all digital platforms."

"Paul McCartney's post-Beatles catalogue, spanning four decades, is one of the great treasures of popular music. EMI is proud to be introducing Paul's music to the digital marketplace," Tony Wadsworth, chair and CEO of EMI Music UK, said in a statement.

EMI did not not elaborate on a specific date when the McCartney material would be available for download.

Officials also made no comment about when the Fab Four's catalogue might become available on the web, although McCartney himself has hinted recently that a deal to distribute the Beatles' musiconline was close to completion.

Last week, McCartney announced that his upcoming new studio album Memory Almost Full would be available online for downloading and streaming.

The rock album, which will be the first release from coffee giant Starbucks and Concord Music Group's new record label, will hit traditional and online music retailers June 4.