The Stage

Musicians’ letter to Brown attacks government stance on copyright extension

Published Tuesday 25 November 2008 at 15:50 by Alistair Smith

Ninety-nine musicians have signed a letter to prime minister Gordon Brown calling on him to support their campaign for a copyright extension which would see performers given parity with songwriters and composers.

In the letter, the musicians complain that despite support in Europe for an extension of their copyright from 50 to 95 years, the UK government has so far failed to offer its support for the initiative.

“Our recordings are played all over the world. We have helped make our music industry the biggest in Europe. The least we can expect is that our own government supports us. You say you value the creative industries. Now put those words into action by backing the draft [EU] directive on copyright term,” it added.

The letter was drafted at the annual performers meeting of music rights society PPL and signed by members attending the event.

Trombonist and session player Derek Wadsworth added: “”We operate without pension schemes, without sickness or maternity leave, without paid holidays or expense accounts, and a guaranteed minimum wage would be a wild fantasy. Now that the government has the opportunity to show respect and support - or perhaps even a hint of gratitude - for our fine work, they choose to kick us in the teeth and oppose our extremely hard fought quest for the right to gain equity with other artists. This is disgraceful.”