KISS fame Gene Simmons to testify in support of musician royalty bill

Dec. 2 (UPI) -- Gene Simmons, the lead singer of KISS, announced on Tuesday that he plans to visit Capitol Hill next week to advocate for a bill aimed at guaranteeing fair compensation for musicians when their songs are broadcast on radio.

In a statement, Simmons said he will provide testimony before a Senate Judiciary subcommittee regarding the American Music Fairness Act, a bipartisan proposal that has been previously introduced in Congress but faced opposition from broadcasters. The legislation seeks to address a gap that allows AM/FM radio stations to avoid paying royalties that digital platforms and streaming services, like Spotify and SiriusXM, are required to provide.

"Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue," Simmons said.

The bill faces resistance from the National Association of Broadcasters. Its president and CEO, Curtis LeGeyt, told The Hill earlier this year that "local stations already pay millions in copyright and streaming fees." He added that imposing additional charges could threaten the ability of stations to provide free news, emergency alerts, and a platform for artists to reach listeners.

Earlier this year, Simmons, along with over 300 other musicians and their estatesincluding Celine Dion and Tom Morellosigned a letter supporting the legislation. The letter argues that radio stations earn billions in advertising revenue while artists receive no payment for their work. The bill also proposes a provision for smaller broadcasters, allowing unlimited music plays for $1.37 per day.

The absence of royalties in the U.S. additionally causes American artists to miss out on nearly $300 million annually, as foreign countries do not pay for the use of their music overseas, according to the letter.

Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange, the nonprofit responsible for collecting and distributing streaming royalties, expressed hope for Senate action. "Recording artists are an essential part of our culture," Huppe stated. "Its unacceptable that, in 2025, they still are not fairly compensated for their work. I hope the Senate will act quickly to pass this crucial legislation."

Author: Sophia Brooks