Gene Simmons, ‘Kiss’ Starhead, Leads Senate Testimony on Music Royalty Reform

WASHINGTON – Bassist Gene Simmons is set to testify before a Senate committee next week, lending significant star power to renewed efforts for legislation that would address compensation issues in the music industry.

Simmons was scheduled to appear Monday before the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property. His appearance precedes receiving the Kennedy Center Honors by two days.

The musicFIRST Coalition announced the testimony casting Simmons as a leading advocate for the American Music Fairness Act. This proposal, championed by artists including more than 300 performers who signed a February letter urging lawmakers to act, would require radio stations – AM and FM companies included – to pay performers for broadcasting their songs.

Simmons plans to outline why he views this bill as necessary compensation reform for current and future recording artists. He stated: “Having spent my career in the music industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue.” “The American Music Fairness Act represents sound public policy,” he added. “Artists must be properly compensated for their creative work.”

He intends to meet with Republican senators as well as Democrats to advance the cause.

Supporters have flagged what they see as a long-standing loophole that benefits major radio companies at the expense of performers, arguing it is time for traditional broadcast platforms to adopt compensation models more aligned with digital streaming services. Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange (a nonprofit collecting and distributing digital royalties), has been one of the legislation’s leading advocates.

“I’m pleased for the opportunity to testify before the Senate,” Huppe commented. “Recording artists are an essential part of our culture.”

The debate reflects broader concerns about fair treatment in media and entertainment sectors by large corporations, he noted adding: “It’s outrageous that they still aren’t paid fairly for work done.” He urged lawmakers: “I hope the Senate will remedy this inequity… quickly to pass important legislation.”

This push represents a growing bipartisan interest in revisiting legacy media rules as streaming platforms increasingly dominate music distribution.