Gene Simmons says artists are treated ‘worse than slaves’ because radio won’t pay them

Gene Simmons testifies before Congress

Gene Simmons recently appeared before Congress to passionately fight for better musician pay standards. He testified at a Senate hearing regarding the gross unfairness of current radio royalty laws.​

This critical issue impacts thousands of struggling recording artists across the entire United States today. Simmons strongly argues that outdated legislation exploits performers by actively denying them rightful financial compensation.

Comparing artists to slaves

Simmons made a shocking comparison by stating that artists are treated worse than slaves today. He told lawmakers that “slaves get food and water” while artists get absolutely nothing.​

This intense rhetoric was used to highlight the severity of the financial injustice involved. He believes that refusing to pay performers for their work is a fundamental moral failure.

The radio royalty loophole

Current copyright laws allow AM and FM radio stations to play music without paying performers. This loophole has existed for decades and only requires stations to pay the songwriters.​

Performers like singers and musicians receive zero cents when their songs air on terrestrial radio. This outdated system completely ignores the contribution of the people who actually record the music.

Songwriters versus performers

It is important to understand that songwriters do receive royalties for radio airplay currently. The problem is that the actual performers on the track are excluded from this payment.​

This creates a massive disparity where the writer gets paid but the singer gets nothing. Simmons argues this distinction is unfair because both contributors are essential to a song’s success.

The American Music Fairness Act

The proposed legislation aims to finally close this loophole and mandate payments to performers. The American Music Fairness Act would require radio stations to pay for the music they use.​

Simmons is urging Congress to pass this bill to ensure fair compensation for all creators. He believes this change is long overdue and necessary for the music industry’s future.

Foreign countries pay better

Simmons pointed out that countries like Russia and China actually pay their artists for airplay. He questioned why the United States is lagging behind these nations in fair artist compensation.​

Advocates argue that because many other countries pay performers for radio airplay, the current U.S. approach leaves American artists at a disadvantage when it comes to collecting international neighboring rights.

This lack of reciprocity also prevents American musicians from collecting royalties earned in other nations.

Legacy artists were cheated

Because U.S. law historically did not require terrestrial radio to pay performers, iconic recording artists such as Elvis Presley and Frank Sinatra did not receive performance royalties from AM and FM radio airplay, even though they earned from other sources such as record sales and licensing.​

Their families continue to lose out on millions of dollars due to these outdated laws. Correcting this issue now is about honoring their legacy and protecting future generations of stars.

George Strait did not know

Simmons shared a story about asking country star George Strait if he knew he wasn’t paid. Strait had to ask his handlers because he was unaware that he received zero radio royalties.​

This anecdote illustrates how even the biggest stars are often unaware of this financial exploitation. It highlights a lack of transparency that has persisted in the music industry for decades.

The broadcasters’ defense

Radio broadcasters argue that playing music provides free promotion that leads to concert ticket sales. They claim that imposing new fees would financially cripple local stations across the country.​

The National Association of Broadcasters has lobbied heavily against this bill for many years now. They insist that the current mutually beneficial relationship should not be disrupted by new federal mandates.

Simmons refutes promo argument

Simmons rejects the idea that exposure is a valid substitute for actual monetary payment. He argues that no other industry expects workers to labor for free in exchange for exposure.​

He believes that radio stations build their entire business model around playing the artists’ creative work. Therefore, they should pay for the core product that allows them to sell advertising.

Impact on small stations

Opponents claim this bill would hurt small, local radio stations that operate on thin margins. However, the bill includes specific exemptions to protect these smaller stations from high fees.​

Stations with low revenue would only have to pay a flat fee of $500. Simmons argues that this small amount is affordable and undermines the claim that it would hurt local businesses.

Economic impact on US

The current lack of a performance right means millions of dollars remain overseas every year. Foreign countries withhold royalties from American artists because the US does not reciprocate the payment.​

Passing this bill would bring that money back into the American economy for our artists. It would ensure that US creators are paid when their music is played globally.

And while radio’s role in music is under scrutiny, those unforgettable 2000s country hits are getting a fresh listen.

Un-American opposition

Simmons boldly stated that anyone who opposes this fairness bill is essentially being “un-American.” He frames the issue as a matter of justice and national pride for our culture.​

He urged lawmakers to put aside partisan politics and do what is right for musicians. This strong language emphasizes the patriotic duty to support the artists who define American culture.

And while Simmons called out the radio’s treatment of artists, Australia is making waves of its own with Taylor Swift, The Wiggles, and some surprising streaming chart moments.

Like if you agree artists deserve better and share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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