Do I owe Billy Joel any money if I play "piano man" on my harmonica?

Question

I don't understand copyright law. What about all those "Tribute" bands. Surely they must pay the original band some $

Thanks

Nick

Answer 1

no. copyright law just means you cannot publish the artist's song and sell for profit. If you are just performing the artist song you do not owe the artist money.

Answer 2

If you play it for free, just entertaining friends, you do not need to pay anything. But if you play it at a concert where tickets were sold, you have to pay royalties.

Tribute bands fill out a PRS form (performing rights society) and they do pay royalties, via the organiser of the concert.