Veteran rockers to keep receiving royalties under new EU scheme
18 Jul 2008, 1539 Hrs

Add comment          Mail          Print          Write to Editor

London, July 18 (ANI): Veteran rockers Sir Cliff Richard and Roger Daltrey will not have to worry about not receiving royalties for their old recordings after their copyrights expire, for under a new European Union plan they will continue to reap the benefits of their creations for the rest of their lives.

The EU has come up with a plan for copyright on recordings to last for 95 years instead of the current 50 years.

However, it still has to be approved by EU governments and the European Parliament, reports the BBC.

Under the current system, the first rock 'n' roll recordings will go out of copyright in a matter of a few years. This means that artists, producers and record labels will no longer get any money for sales or airplay.

There is also the added threat that the songs could be released cheaply by any record label.

Under the 95-year term of the new scheme, the income gap that performers face when they turn 70, would be protected.

"A 95-year term would bridge the income gap that performers face when they turn 70, just as their early performances recorded in their 20s would lose protection," said European Commission Single Market Commissioner Charlie McCreevy, who unveiled the scheme.Invisible' musicians

The move has been welcomed by the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Cliff Richards and former Undertones singer Feargal Sharkey, now chief executive of British Music Rights.

Sharkey said: "I am especially pleased that the announcement focuses on the 'invisible' members of our industry - the musicians, engineers and session players whose names are hidden away in the liner notes and credits.

"It is they, and not just 'featured' artists and record labels, who could derive real benefits from this move - and at a time in life when their earning power would be severely diminished." (ANI)