Rock and roll icon Gene Simmons is trading the stage for the witness table next week. The KISS co-founder is scheduled to testify before the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee’s Intellectual Property Subcommittee on Tuesday, December 9, lending his voice to a renewed legislative push for fair compensation in the music industry.
At the heart of the hearing is the American Music Fairness Act (S.326/H.R.861), a bipartisan bill designed to close a decades-old exemption known as the “radio loophole.” Under current U.S. law, terrestrial radio stations (AM/FM) are not required to pay royalties to the performers whose music they broadcast, a practice that sets the United States apart from nearly every other developed nation.
Simmons, who has spent over 50 years in the entertainment business, argues that this policy is outdated and unjust.
“Having spent my career in the music and entertainment industry, I understand the vital importance of this issue,” Simmons stated ahead of the appearance. “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.”
The hearing marks a significant moment for the legislation, representing the first time in over ten years that the Senate has formally examined the issue. Joining Simmons at the witness table will be Michael Huppe, president and CEO of SoundExchange. As the head of the nonprofit responsible for collecting digital performance royalties, Huppe has long criticized the disparity between traditional radio and digital platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and SiriusXM, all of which pay performers for their content.
“I’m pleased for the opportunity to testify before the Senate next week,” Huppe said. “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.”
Proponents of the bill frequently point out the global anomaly of the U.S. stance. Currently, the United States is the only major democracy that fails to secure performance royalties for radio play, placing it on a short list of nations that includes North Korea, Iran, and Cuba. Even countries like China and Russia have established payment structures for artists.
For Simmons, the appearance on Capitol Hill comes during a week of high-profile recognition. The bassist is also set to be honored at the prestigious Kennedy Center Honors on December 7. Earlier this year, he joined a coalition of over 300 artists in signing a letter to Congress urging them to rectify the radio royalty imbalance.
