Gene Simmons: Artists & Radio Pay – “Worse Than Slaves”

Gene Simmons Testifies too Senate, Calls US Treatment of Artists “Worse than Slavery”

A new battle is brewing over artist compensation in the United States, as KISS bassist Gene Simmons delivered stark testimony before a US senate Judiciary subcommittee on December 9, advocating for the Music Fairness Act. The proposed legislation aims to ensure artists receive royalties for the public performance of their work on terrestrial radio.

Simmons’ impassioned plea centered on what he described as a basic injustice within the American music industry. “Let’s call it for what it is indeed – an injustice that has been going on for decades,” he stated. “When you work hard and you get to the top, what do you got? Zipperooney. That’s not the American way.”

Currently, US radio stations only compensate songwriters and publishers for airplay, leaving performers and record labels without direct payment.This means that while the creators of a song’s composition are financially rewarded, the musicians who perform on the recording – and the labels that invest in them – are not.

The rocker didn’t mince words in his assessment of the situation.”If you are against this bill, you are un-American,” he declared. He further emphasized the historical irony, stating, “Slaves get food and water. Elvis, Bing Crosby and Sinatra got nothing for their performance.” Simmons argued that failing to address this disparity diminishes America’s cultural standing,as iconic artists like Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra would be appalled to learn of the current system.

Did you know? – The Music fairness Act seeks to align US royalty practices with many other countries where performers do receive royalties for radio airplay. This change could considerably impact artist income.

Beyond the legislative push, Simmons recently addressed a personal matter publicly. He retracted earlier statements regarding the passing of his former KISS bandmate, Ace Frehley. Initially, he suggested that “bad decisions” contributed to Frehley’s death at age 74, a claim that contradicted reports of a peaceful passing following a recent fall. “On reflection, I was wrong for using the words I used,” Simmons admitted. “I humbly apologize. my hand to God I didn’t intended to hurt Ace or his legacy but upon rereading my words, I see how it hurt everyone. Again, I apologize. I’ve always loved Ace. Always.”

Simmons’ eventful year also included a car accident in Malibu in October, where he reportedly told authorities he had fainted while driving.He subsequently recovered in time to attend the Kennedy center Honors earlier this month, an event hosted by Donald Trump.

Adding to the excitement surrounding the rock legend, a long-awaited KISS biopic is in advancement, with director McG promising a film that is “going to kick your fuckin’ ass.”

The debate over fair compensation for artists is likely to intensify as the Music Fairness Act moves forward, with Gene Simmons’ powerful testimony serving as a rallying cry for change within the industry.

Pro tip: – The core of the debate revolves around “performance rights.” Songwriters currently receive these rights, but performers generally do not when their work is played on AM/FM radio.

Why: Gene Simmons testified before a Senate subcommittee to advocate for the Music Fairness Act,which aims to provide royalties to artists for radio airplay.
Who: Gene Simmons, KISS bassist, testified.The bill impacts all performing artists and record labels. Ace Frehley was also involved due to Simmons’ apology.
What: The Music Fairness Act proposes a change to US royalty laws, currently favoring songwriters and publishers over performers. Simmons also publicly apologized for comments made about Ace Frehley’s death.
how did it end?: Simmons retracted his initial statements about Ace Frehley’s passing, offering a public apology. The Music Fairness Act is still under consideration by the Senate, with Simmons’ testimony intended to galvanize support.