Elton John, Paul McCartney Seek Review of UK Song Royalty Payment System
A group of songwriters say the British collection agency spends too much on administrative costs
Paul McCartney performs during the Super Bowl halftime show at Alltel Stadium in 2005.
Photographer: Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
Some of the UK’s most famous songwriters, including Elton John, Paul McCartney and Thom Yorke, are demanding a review of how songwriters are paid through the country’s royalty collection service, questioning the amount of administrative costs.
A group of 18 songwriters added their names to a letter sent last week to PRS For Music, asking the group to explain why it sets aside so much money out of royalty collections for business expenses. PRS represents songwriters, composers and music publisher members’ performing rights and collects royalties on their behalf whenever their music is played or performed publicly, like in an arena or bars and restaurants.