Posted by: Great One
- [523121411] Thu, May 11, 2006, 20:27
So I have often wondered what it would take for CM Punk to keep using his AFI "Miseria Cantare" entrance music in the WWE (of course they won't let him use it, that would be too cool, but thats not the point of this).
Does anyone know what the process is to acquire the rights to music? And why i.e. ECW used songs by "real artists" like AC/DC and Metallica (and ROH does the same)?
I am trying to think back of anyone in WCW/WWE that used a pre-established song and all I can come up with is NWO w/ Voodoo Chile. Did that have anything to do with the fact that its an older song? perhaps the rights to a song expire after a certain number or years or whatever?
I also remember WCW used ripoffs of the current hits - like DDP's obvious "Smells Like Teen Spirit."
1
Perm Dude Dude
ID: 030792616 Thu, May 11, 2006, 20:43
The rights to recorded songs are controlled by the music publishers, in conjunction with the record companies.
Most venues have site licenses from BMI and ASCAP to play ASCAP and BMI member songs--the fees for the licenses range by quite a bit, depending upon the size of the venue, the type, whether admission is charged, and so on.
In fact, the venues where pro wrestling is likely to be are among the places with the highest licensing fees, because many of those places make their money based partyly upon the pre-recorded music.
In addition, there is almost certainly a licensing arrangement with particular wrestlers (through their wrestling organization) and the music publishers for particular songs, not only to cover venues not already with a site license, but the fact that the song would be attached to a particular person.
Song rights can last for quite some time, so pretty much any recorded music is probably covered by one or more copyrights.
2
Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 4923198 Thu, May 11, 2006, 20:59
I'd think agreement specifically between the record company and the event producer (WWE) are necessary whether there is a pre-existing license with the venue or not. What I imagine really jacks up the fees are that TV and video distribution rights have to be included.
3
Mattinglyinthehall
ID: 4923198 Thu, May 11, 2006, 21:15
Also I'd bet that Vince is saving a bundle of cash by using songs that are produced specifically for his wrestlers. In some cases, as when wrestlers like Cena and the Guerreros record their own entrance music, WWE might even be the rights-holder - or at least will have his clearance provisions worked right into the artists' record deal - assuming big Vince hasn't formed his own record company yet.
4
Perm Dude Dude
ID: 030792616 Thu, May 11, 2006, 21:24
I'm not familiar with the songs, but even if they are previously recorded songs, a new recording of the song can be done without permission. You would merely pay a statutorially-set royalty fee.
5
Great One
ID: 523121411 Thu, May 11, 2006, 21:44
Miseria Cantare
6
Great One
ID: 523121411 Thu, May 11, 2006, 21:49
So WWE could in theory have someone else re-record the song and just pay the royalty (one time)? Again, this is my dream of keeping the song and Tree's dream and hell Blue Hen loved it it... so of course Vince will have Punk come out to something completely different and horrible.
I wonder what they will do with ECW... a staple of their shows were the great entrances - Sandman with... well.. Enter Sandman. And Raven had Come Out and Play and a few guys used AC/DC if I recall.
7
Mike D Leader
ID: 041831612 Thu, May 11, 2006, 21:57
Everything here is well-founded, except that stuff from PD, who obviously knows nothing about PERMissions and copyrighting (lol).
GO---shame on you! You can't think of any WWE "real" songs??!?! There was this guy named......what was it.....oh yeah, Hulk Hogan! And how about Randy Savage? Ric Flair? Wendy Richter?
8
Mike D Leader
ID: 041831612 Thu, May 11, 2006, 21:58
And the biggie............the Road Warriors.
9
Great One
ID: 523121411 Thu, May 11, 2006, 22:05
"Real" American? I guess you can't go wrong with Ironman. Pretty sure every high school football used that too.
10
Mike D Leader
ID: 041831612 Thu, May 11, 2006, 22:16
Nah, before Real American.
11
Perm Dude Dude
ID: 030792616 Thu, May 11, 2006, 22:24
Yeah, MD. When deciding on a name, it was a tossup between Perm Dude and Talking Out of My Ass Dude.
Couldn't fit the other one, unfortunately...
12
Mike D Leader
ID: 041831612 Thu, May 11, 2006, 22:28
I think I saw you post as TOOMAD once. That's actually pretty cool.
13
blue hen Leader
ID: 710321114 Wed, May 17, 2006, 14:21
I'm a state bird.
I do know that WWE Headquarters in Stamford has a recording studio, and a lot of songs were written specifically for WWE - Brock Lesnar, Kurt Angle, etc. And I'll bet that Kid Rock probably paid Vince to popularize American Badass.
14
beastiemiked
ID: 18301915 Wed, May 17, 2006, 14:59
What was Hulk's theme before Real American?
15
Motley Crue Dude
ID: 439372011 Wed, May 17, 2006, 15:20
I authorize anyone to use any of my songs at any time. As long as they aren't used to perpetuate WWE or any other form of predetermined entertainment event resembling sports.
16
Great One
ID: 523121411 Wed, May 17, 2006, 18:01
Hulks theme prior to Real American was Eye of the Tiger I believe.
17
Mike D Leader
ID: 041831612 Wed, May 17, 2006, 21:09
Yes indeedy.....after he had the role in Rocky. When wrestling exploded.
18
GoatLocker Sustainer
ID: 060151121 Wed, May 17, 2006, 21:54
Dang MC, Does that mean I can't use one of your songs when I make my WWE Debut.
And I was so stoked ;)
Cliff
19
Mike D Leader
ID: 041831612 Wed, May 17, 2006, 22:03
I can think of so many others that will work with your schtick......um, whatever it may be. ;)
20
blue hen Leader
ID: 710321114 Mon, May 22, 2006, 12:55