Gene Simmons Says Artists Treated ‘Worse Than Slaves’ Because Radio Doesn’t Pay Them - Rolling Stone

Gene Simmons Calls for New Legislation to Secure Artist Payments in Radio Play

In a recent statement, Gene Simmons, the iconic bassist and co-founder of KISS, has urged Congress to pass new legislation that would guarantee fair compensation for artists when their music is played on radio. The proposed law aims to address the long-standing issue of underpayment and lack of transparency in the current system.

The Current State of Affairs

For decades, artists have been fighting for a fair share of the revenue generated by radio play. Despite numerous protests and campaigns, many musicians continue to receive meager payments or no payment at all when their music is broadcast on commercial radio stations. This has led to widespread frustration among artists, who argue that they are being taken advantage of by the very industry that once brought them fame and fortune.

Gene Simmons' Call to Action

In a passionate plea to Congress, Gene Simmons emphasized the need for reform and called for immediate action to address the issue. He declared that under the current system, artists are treated as "second-class citizens" who are denied fair compensation for their creative work.

"We've been waiting too long for change," Simmons said in his statement. "It's time for Congress to take action and pass legislation that will ensure artists receive fair payment for their music when it's played on radio."

The Problem of Lack of Transparency

One of the major concerns driving Simmons' push for new legislation is the lack of transparency in the current system. Radio stations are not required to disclose how much money they pay per song, making it impossible for artists to track their earnings.

"This lack of transparency is a major problem," said Simmons. "Artists deserve to know exactly how much they're being paid when their music is played on radio."

The Importance of Fair Compensation

Fair compensation is essential for artists, who rely on royalties from their work to support themselves and their families. Without fair payment, many musicians are forced to struggle financially, even after achieving significant success.

"The current system is unfair and unsustainable," said Simmons. "Artists need a fair share of the revenue generated by radio play. It's time for Congress to take action."

Proposed Legislation

Simmons' statement did not provide specific details on the proposed legislation, but it emphasized the need for comprehensive reform.

"Congress needs to pass legislation that will guarantee artists receive fair payment for their music when it's played on radio," said Simmons. "We can't wait any longer for change."

Impact on the Music Industry

The impact of new legislation on the music industry would be significant. If passed, it would provide a much-needed boost to the careers of many musicians and artists.

"For too long, artists have been taken advantage of by the industry," said Simmons. "It's time for Congress to step in and ensure fair compensation is paid."

Conclusion

Gene Simmons' call to action highlights the need for change in the way radio plays music. The proposed legislation aims to address the lack of transparency and underpayment that has plagued artists for decades.

As the music industry continues to evolve, it's essential that Congress takes action to ensure fair compensation for artists. With Simmons' support and advocacy, there is hope for a better future for musicians everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • Gene Simmons is calling on Congress to pass new legislation that would guarantee fair payment for artists when their music is played on radio.
  • The current system underpays artists and lacks transparency, making it impossible for them to track their earnings.
  • Fair compensation is essential for artists to support themselves and their families.
  • The proposed legislation aims to provide a much-needed boost to the careers of many musicians and artists.

Recommendations

  1. Support Gene Simmons' Call to Action: Encourage your representatives in Congress to take action on the proposed legislation.
  2. Stay Informed: Follow updates on the proposed legislation and stay informed about the music industry's response.
  3. Advocate for Change: Share your support for fair compensation for artists on social media and with friends and family.

By working together, we can create a more equitable system that rewards creativity and supports the careers of musicians everywhere.

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