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Gene Simmons, renowned bassist, co-founder, and co-lead vocalist of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted band KISS, is scheduled to provide testimony before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Intellectual Property next Tuesday, December 9. This hearing will focus on the American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R.861), legislation aimed at closing the radio loophole and mandating that radio broadcasters compensate performers for their music, as reported by blabbermouth.net.
Simmons will appear alongside Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, a non-profit organization authorized by Congress to collect and distribute digital streaming royalties to artists. Huppe has been instrumental in advocating for the bipartisan bill, which seeks to establish equitable royalty payments across all music distribution platforms.
Currently, AM/FM radio remains the only major music platform in the United States that does not pay performers for their work, unlike digital services such as Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SiriusXM, YouTube, and TikTok, which all provide royalties to artists. The radio industry generates billions of dollars annually without offering fair compensation to performers, placing the United States in a unique position among democracies, as it is the only country that does not ensure artist remuneration. In contrast, countries like Russia and China, as well as North Korea, Iran, and Cuba, do pay artists royalties, highlighting the disparity in international practices regarding artist compensation.
Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue. The American Music Fairness Act represents sound public policy. Artists must be properly compensated for their creative work. I look forward to meeting with both Republican and Democratic Senators to discuss why this legislation is crucial for thousands of present and future American recording artists. – Gene Simmons
I’m pleased for the opportunity to testify before the Senate next week. Recording artists are an essential part of our culture. It’s outrageous that, in 2025, they still are not paid fairly for the work they do. I hope that the Senate will remedy this inequity and act swiftly to pass this important legislation. – Michael Huppe
Simmons, who began his career as a musician performing in small venues and is scheduled to be honored at the Kennedy Center on December 7, is among over 300 prominent artists who previously sent a letter to Congressional leaders advocating for the passage of the American Music Fairness Act. His endorsement has revitalized the initiative, with the upcoming hearing representing the first Senate session on the bill in over ten years.
The American Music Fairness Act is sponsored by Senator Marsha Blackburn and Congressman Darrell Issa. The legislation aims to establish equitable compensation for artists when their music is broadcast on AM/FM radio, mandate large radio corporations to contribute their fair share, and support the sustainability of small independent broadcasters.
The bill garners backing from a broad coalition comprising artists, broadcasters, record labels, and music enthusiasts. Key supporter organizations include the Alliance for Community Media, Common Frequency, Media Alliance, the National Federation of Community Broadcasters, Prometheus Radio Project, and REC Networks, all representing a wide spectrum of community broadcasters.
In the previous month, over twelve prominent artists appealed to Congress to refrain from enacting legislation that mandates AM radio in new vehicles without simultaneously addressing the radio loophole affecting artists. Additionally, in February, a collective of more than 300 artists submitted a letter to Congressional leaders advocating for the enactment of the American Music Fairness Act. Country music legend Randy Travis notably provided testimony before the House last year, advocating for the legislation’s adoption.
