Millions in artists' royalties unclaimed
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The music industry has set up a website called Royalties Reunited to help recording artists claim back millions in outstanding royalties.
Thousands of performers, including big names such as Luciano Pavarotti, Lou Reed, Frankie Valli of The Four Seasons, Ray Davies, David Essex, and Betty Boo, are being urged to register.
About £5m, in fees for music broadcast on radio, TV, and even phone "on-hold" tapes, is not yet claimed, and there are 5,000 "missing" claimants.
The money is in a royalties fund run by Phonographic Performance, a body that collectsdues from clubs and the broadcast media, with half going to record firms and half to performers. In 2001 alone the payments totalled £70m.
Many musicians are unaware of their entitlement. Most of the pay-outs are between £50 and £500, but one performer is due £30,000.
Duncan Mackay, a composer and trumpeterfrom London, retrieved £900 for performances with Richard Ashcroft, Tina Turner, Tom Jones, and Primal Scream. "I was very pleasantly surprised. I presumed it would be pennies rather than pounds."
Artists using the website, which is backed by Equity and the Musicians' Union, search the database of those owed. Dave Rowntree, of the band Blur, said: "If you've ever played on a track that's had airplay, go to the site."
As long as tracks have earned more than £50, artists – who might include clog dancers, aeolian harpists and animal impressionists – can claim, and get interest too.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments