Bloomberg Talks Gene Simmons Talks American Music Fairness Act
Dec 10, 2025
Musician Gene Simmons, co-founder of the iconic rock band KISS, passionately discusses the American Music Fairness Act and its critical role in ensuring artists are compensated when their music is played on AM and FM radio. He highlights the unfairness of radio profits while performers receive nothing, particularly hurting new artists. Gene shares insights from his Capitol Hill testimony, meetings with lawmakers, and expresses optimism for bipartisan support. He also warns about the risks of unregulated AI in the music industry, urging the need for protective measures.
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U.S. Origin Of Global Music And Pay Gap
- Gene Simmons argues American music genres were invented in the U.S. and deserve fair compensation worldwide.
- He highlights that recording artists receive no payment when AM/FM radio plays their performances in the U.S.
Other Countries Pay Terrestrial Radio Royalties
- Simmons notes other countries (e.g., Russia) pay performing artists for terrestrial radio while the U.S. does not.
- He frames the lack of payment as particularly harmful to new artists for whom every penny matters.
Lobby For The American Music Fairness Act
- Push Congress to pass the American Music Fairness Act so artists earn performance royalties from AM/FM radio.
- Gene Simmons says legislative action is necessary and expects presidential support once Congress acts.