Performing a cover at a one-time event

"The Last Goodbye" at the Highland Games

[Dustysmusic]

I am in a Celtic ensemble that plays mostly traditional (no known composer) Irish and Scottish jigs and reels, as well as some traditional ballads. However, we will be performing at an upcoming Scottish Highland games festival, and would like to play a cover of "The Last Goodbye," Billie Boyd's song from the end credits of the last "Hobbit" movie. We will be paid for the gig, but it will not be recorded or broadcast.

My question: do we need to worry about some sort of copyright infringement regarding this song?

Thank you for your replies.

[Leosghost]

Normally ..Yes ..You'd need "performing rights" permission..I'm pretty sure..in the UK that would've been ( in "my day"..but my day was a long time ago ) from "the performing rights society"..that may have changed..

There is at least one member here who I think would know for sure..piatkow..

ps..read your "sticky mail"..
pps.."break a leg" ..have great gig :)

[Dustysmusic]

This is in the U.S. if that helps.

[Leosghost]

In that case there are a few people here who should be able to advise..
Tangor comes to mind..and maybe lawman "Foo Mod" ( his son is a musician )..he ( lawman himself ) also plays guitar..
[webmasterworld.com...]

There are other US musicians around on WebmasterWorld..

BTW..welcome to WebmasterWorld ..:)

[tangor]

Stage performance of cover tunes is generally protected (US). the venue covers such, not the performer. The venue does so by a different route of rights/royalties.

So, play your tune, have fun, no worries!

*I am a performer/musician with 50 years in grade in the USA. And that's the way it has been during that time.

[Dustysmusic]

Thank you, tangor. My worry is that this is not a music festival, just a Scottish games festival. I don't know if such a festival would have taken care of that license.

[tangor]

Usually built into the venue permit/license. In most cases, as a performer, you can play what you like, when you like, wherever you like.

Live performance is treated differently than other methods of reproduction. (In the USA)

[Dustysmusic]

Thank you very much. This helps.

[tangor]

Looked back again to your OP to see why so reluctant.... Don't worry about Jackson (or the studio) coming after you. :)

Cover tunes from movies played in public and private places by musicians is okay. As stated earlier, live performance is treated differently in the USA.

[Dustysmusic]

Great! Thank you.