Gene Simmons Talks Of Royalty Injustice At US Senate Session

Kiss Bassist Gene Simmons recently launched a strong appeal before the US Congress. The call is aimed at defending the rights of musicians, especially regarding radio broadcast royalties.

On Tuesday, December 9 yesterday, Simmons was present before a Senate subcommittee hearing on the American Music Justice Act (AMFA).

This regulation, if passed, will require radio stations to pay royalties to each musician when recording their songs are played.

According to data from the Sound Exchange, currently only songwriters receive royalty payments when their work is airborne. Meanwhile, those who sing or fill out the vocals (both the main vocals and supporters) do not get a penny in return.

Simmons stressed how crucial AMFA's endorsement was by pointing to historical music icons such as Frank totaling, Bing Crosby, and Elvis Presley.

He asserted that the legends never got a penny, even though their music has been played millions of times on the radio.

"If you are against this bill, you are not (people) Americans," Simmons said.

He then added a sharp emphasis, "You can't let this injustice continue. It looks like a small problem... But our envoys to the world are Elvis and Frank total. When they found out we didn't treat our stars properly in other words, worse than slaves; slaves got food and water. Elvis andmen Crosby's Bing got nothing for their performance. You have to change this now for our children and for the children of our children."

During the hearing, Simmons and other supporters also discussed the policy of paying radio royalties in other countries. They gave special praise to Russia and China for paying royalties to songwriters and performers when their recordings were broadcast.

He even noted that several countries hold royalties from US artists because US musicians themselves are not paid for playback on radio in their home countries.

"Darely we are in second place behind Russia?" said Simmons. "A country that is said to be led by a depot, but they are doing a better job of paying our Rock & Roll King, and we will remain silent and not pay for the artist of the present and future artists?"

Simmons' appearance before Congress comes just two days after Kiss received recognition and award from President Donald Trump at the Kennedy Center Honors.