In a surprise move, the European Commission has revealed plans to extend the term of copyright protection for European performers from 50 years to 95 years.

Performing artists, such as Cliff Richard, and session musicians would
get copyright protection on their recordings for 95 years instead of
the current 50, under plans put forward yesterday by Charlie McCreevy,
the EU’s internal market commissioner.

McCreevy took issue with the
Gowers report in Britain which rejected such a change despite intensive
lobbying from long-standing artists such as Richard. "I disagree with
Gowers," said McCreevy, who has been lobbied hard on the issue.

The commissioner, who admitted to an eclectic taste for music from the
late 50s and 60s, said: "I have not seen a convincing reason why a
composer of music should benefit from a term of copyright which extends
to the composer’s life and 70 years beyond, while the performer should
only enjoy 50 years, often not covering his lifetime."

He
added: "It is the performer who gives life to the composition and,
while most of us have no idea who wrote our favourite song, we can
usually name the performer." McCreevy is seeking commission blessing
for his plan this spring and said he aimed to help thousands of
anonymous session musicians who no longer get airplay royalties under
the current system. "These royalties are often their sole pension."

His
scheme would see record companies set up a fund, with at least 20% of
it reserved for session musicians. Featured artists would no longer
have to pay back advances during the extended term.

McCreevy’s
scheme includes a "use it or lose it" provision under which record
labels refusing to re-release recordings would be forced to allow
performers to move to another company.

He insisted his plans
would not raise consumer prices or have an impact on Europe’s external
trade balance - and won backing from the recording industry.

EMI
chairman Guy Hands said: "We welcome today’s proposals by Commissioner
McCreevy. If implemented, these measures are excellent news for
thousands of artists, many of whom rely on income from sound recordings
for their long term financial security."

"EMI has long believed
that the significant imbalance in the protection provided to performers
compared to composers is unjustified and unfair. Like composers,
artists should enjoy recognition for their work throughout their lives.

John
Smith, Musicians’ Union leader, said: "This is great news for thousands
of musicians. Whilst clearly all recording artists will stand to gain
from increasing the term of copyright protection for performers, there
can be no doubt that the countless number of session musicians who have
contributed so significantly to the musical heritage of the UK will
greet this recognition with delight and relief.

Via The Guardian