UPDATE: Rock legend Gene Simmons is taking urgent action to ensure artists receive fair compensation for their music. After being honored at the Kennedy Center Honors on Sunday, Simmons spoke exclusively with Scripps News about his push for the American Music Fairness Act, a crucial bill that mandates U.S. radio stations pay artists every time their songs are aired.
Under current U.S. law, musicians receive no performance royalties from traditional radio broadcasts, an injustice Simmons argues has persisted for decades. “The artist is not getting anything and that’s an injustice that needs bipartisan support,” he stated emphatically during the interview with anchor Maritsa Georgiou.
Simmons is set to meet with lawmakers on Tuesday at Capitol Hill, advocating for the passage of the bill. “This is not just about the past, Elvis and Sinatra, this is about the future,” he insisted, highlighting the importance of recognizing America’s musical legacy, including genres like rock, blues, jazz, and hip hop.
The American Music Fairness Act was introduced in January and remains stalled in the House Judiciary Committee. However, Simmons expressed optimism that bipartisan cooperation could lead to the bill’s advancement. “This is about what’s fair for America and our stars,” he added, reinforcing the urgency of the matter.
The rock icon’s advocacy is not just a personal crusade; it reflects a broader struggle for artists who deserve to be paid for their craft. “We need to remind ourselves that America invented, created the music of planet Earth,” Simmons declared passionately.
For those interested in the full interview and additional commentary from Simmons on media bias, be sure to watch the conversation with Scripps News above. As the situation develops, all eyes will be on Capitol Hill to see if lawmakers respond to his call for action.
Stay tuned for more updates on this critical issue affecting artists nationwide.
