A group of U.K. musicians has delivered a video message to prime minister Gordon Brown, urging the government to support proposals to extend the copyright term for performers and record companies.
The video was filmed at Abbey Road Studios in London and features 28 session musicians who have recorded with artists including The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Madonna.
It is the latest phase in a campaign spearheaded by PPL, the U.K.’s licensing body and collecting society for recorded music. The campaign recently saw 40,000 performers sign a petition in support of the European legislation to extend the term.
The European Commission has proposed an extension in copyright term in sound recordings, from 50 to 95 years. The European Copyright Term Directive has been drafted and is now being debated by the European Parliament and the European Council of Ministers. It has the support of the French and German governments and numerous MEPs, although the U.K. government is not currently backing the proposed change.
As it stands, the copyright period for performers and record companies is limited to 50 years from the release of the recording, while other creators such as composers, authors, photographers and graphic artists have been granted copyright for life plus 70 years.
The U.S. has already extended the copyright term for performers and producers from 50 to 95 years.
“This government prides itself on its sense of fairness,” said Tom McGuinness of Manfred Mann in a statement. “And, put bluntly, the current situation regarding performers’ rights simply isn’t fair. That’s why we are demanding action.”
