Cover Songs (live)

[Rebel Son]

I've got a question. :? Some of y'all have pointed out that an artist gets paid if someone covers their song in a live concert. But this was news to me. When does this start becoming an issue for artists?

I mean, there are a million bar bands that play nothing BUT cover songs, and I'm sure they don't pay a penny. :? Then, some of those bands are good enough to start touring on the night club circuit. And then some of them move on up, and start opening for bigger shows, and then one day they may be the headliner in a big arena.

I have personally seen bands take this journey, but I never knew they were paying royalties. ;scr Does Hank Jr pay royalties to ZZ Top when he plays La Grange? Does Hank III pay royalties to Johnny Cash's estate when he plays Cocaine Blues? How early does this start?

[Bocephusfan07]

Say What??? I thought that only happens if you record it and make money off of it. I think you can do them Live, but got me couldn't say I know for sure.

[good ol' boy]

I've got a question. :? Some of y'all have pointed out that an artist gets paid if someone covers their song in a live concert. But this was news to me. When does this start becoming an issue for artists?

I mean, there are a million bar bands that play nothing BUT cover songs, and I'm sure they don't pay a penny. :? Then, some of those bands are good enough to start touring on the night club circuit. And then some of them move on up, and start opening for bigger shows, and then one day they may be the headliner in a big arena.

I have personally seen bands take this journey, but I never knew they were paying royalties. ;scr Does Hank Jr pay royalties to ZZ Top when he plays La Grange? Does Hank III pay royalties to Johnny Cash's estate when he plays Cocaine Blues? How early does this start?
johnny's version of cocaine blues is a cover too, not sure who did it 1st. btw i'm with never knew this before. and get this found out a couple years ago, we couldn't sing i saw the light in church, cause of copy write laws. seems stupid imho. but as you know money talks.

[good ol' boy]

just looked it up & cocaine blues was 1st done by w.a. nichol's western aces. cash's version's the 4th one. plus forgot to say all royalties on cover songs go the writer(s). but then again you probably already knew that.

[BoogieWoogie]

I imagine this is a technicality. I mean, seriously, is someone representing the estate of Jimmy Martin gonna come charging in and demand my dad's bluegrass group pay a royalty when they do Hit Parade of Love? Doubtful.

[Rebel Son]

OK, maybe I was mistaken. ;scr I thought somebody had posted that once. :?

[BoogieWoogie]

You may not be mistaken, Rebel Son, but if it's an actual law, it's asinine.