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Bands set for longer music rights | Bands set for longer music rights |
(40 minutes later) | |
Music performers could see a big boost to their lifetime earnings under planned changes to music rights proposed by the European Commission. | Music performers could see a big boost to their lifetime earnings under planned changes to music rights proposed by the European Commission. |
The Commission wants to extend the copyright period for music performers from 50 years to 95 years. | The Commission wants to extend the copyright period for music performers from 50 years to 95 years. |
British stars like Cliff Richard and Roger Daltrey have been pushing for such a move, but the UK government has resisted changing the rules. | British stars like Cliff Richard and Roger Daltrey have been pushing for such a move, but the UK government has resisted changing the rules. |
The Commission says it will also benefit less well known musicians. | The Commission says it will also benefit less well known musicians. |
Musician's money | Musician's money |
The European Union's internal market commissioner Charlie McCreevy said that "copyright protection for Europe's performers represents a moral right to control the use of their work and earn a living from their performances". | The European Union's internal market commissioner Charlie McCreevy said that "copyright protection for Europe's performers represents a moral right to control the use of their work and earn a living from their performances". |
"It is the performer who gives life to the composition and while most of us have no idea who wrote our favourite song, we can usually name the performer," he said. | "It is the performer who gives life to the composition and while most of us have no idea who wrote our favourite song, we can usually name the performer," he said. |
The copyright for a song or piece of music, and the money that earns, is split into two parts. | The copyright for a song or piece of music, and the money that earns, is split into two parts. |
Performance and sound recording rights usually go to the singer, band, musicians and technicians. | Performance and sound recording rights usually go to the singer, band, musicians and technicians. |
Publishing rights, which cover the lyrics and sheet music will either be owned by the writer, or a music label. | Publishing rights, which cover the lyrics and sheet music will either be owned by the writer, or a music label. |
They last for the lifetime of the writer plus 70 years. | They last for the lifetime of the writer plus 70 years. |
'No pensions' | 'No pensions' |
Thursday's proposal was highly significant for the musicians and technicians "who only receive a small share of performance income from the exploitation of recordings for a limited period of time," said Lee Gage of lawyers Harbottle & Lewis. | |
He added that "session performers and other non-featured musicians" would especially benefit from the changes. | He added that "session performers and other non-featured musicians" would especially benefit from the changes. |
The Who singer Roger Daltrey, and Sir Cliff Richard are among the artists who have spoken out against the UK government's decision not to extend music copyright laws. | The Who singer Roger Daltrey, and Sir Cliff Richard are among the artists who have spoken out against the UK government's decision not to extend music copyright laws. |
Mr Daltrey said thousands of artists had "no pensions and rely on royalties". | Mr Daltrey said thousands of artists had "no pensions and rely on royalties". |
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