Question about live music performance

[PollyGlott]

Hi - is there anyone out there who might be able to help with this?

This question relates to a young rock band, in which all the members are aged 18 or younger. They attend a rock school in a nearby town and rehearse in addition. They work hard, have got quite good and are sometimes asked to play at charity events - eg church youth club parties, village fetes, etc. BUT what are the legal implications of this? Do they or the organizers have to pay any kind of public performance licence or royalties for such events? The venues are, by definition, quite small in scale - we're hardly talking Wembley Stadium here - - and after all it's just a bunch of kids who love their music and enjoy entertaining. If a licence IS needed, then what would be the amount of the fee? Obviously if it's more than a few quid then there would be no point in them playing. This kind of information seems to be very difficult to get hold of to those not "in the know".

Any help much appreciated!

bump

In the UK, the Performing Rights Society is the appropriate body 'in the know'. This website has more information.

Basically, it is down to the organiser to pay any royalties, which for most events of the type you mention would be the minimum (£30 I think - might be more now). They would need to provide the PRS with a set list too.

How much do you really think this happens in practice for this sort of event?

Thanks for that link, MrV, and the bump, PR!

As you suggest, I imagine the rules are often overlooked. However, I'm sure most organizers are within the law, as I expect this kind of thing is normally handled through the local authorities who need to be contacted if you want to organize a fete, etc. After all, recorded music playing through PA systems is also licensable.