Live music is more important than ever for musicians and bands. It is also one of the top recreational activities for Irish consumers and overseas visitors.
Taking out an IMRO licence for live music in your venue ensures you can legally continue to host unforgettable experiences for your customers while also ensuring the music creators behind the music you use to enhance your business are fairly remunerated for their work.
IMRO have a selection of live music tariffs to suit your individual licence requirements as a live music venue or promoter.
PPI tariffs apply when recorded copyright music is used in such situations where background music is played between acts (Tariff 41a) and where an act uses recorded music on stage/part of the act (Tariff 41b). IMRO will issue such licences on behalf of PPI.
For further queries on our live music licensing tariffs, contact our Live Music Licensing Department at 01 644 8030 or fiona.clancy@nullimro.ie
Licensing for Live Events
IMRO Live Event Tariffs and License
Who is ultimately liable from a licensing and royalty payment perspective for live events with a paid admission? The Musician, the Promoter or the Proprietor of the Premises?
The owner of a building needs to get a licence from IMRO to play copyright music in public, regardless of the source of the music, be it the Radio, CDs, TV’s or On Demand streaming services. They must also pay for the music played at ticketed live music events.
IMRO Live Events Tariffs
- IMRO’s Concert Tariff (LP) applies to any ticketed live music events
- IMRO’s Festival Tariff (MS) applies to multistage music and arts ticketed events
- IMRO’s Classical Tariff (LC) applies to ticketed classical concerts
- IMRO’s Variety Tariff (VT) applies to applies to ticketed theatrical presentations, stage plays or Variety Shows, where music is performed
Licensing for Variety and Theatrical shows
What is the VT Tariff?
The IMRO Variety and Theatrical (VT) Tariff applies to performances of copyright music within the Repertoire controlled by IMRO in theatrical presentations, stage plays or Variety Shows, admittance to which is gained by purchase of a ticket or by subscription.
It does not apply to performances at premises to which there is no admission charge.
Is a license required?
Yes, an application for a license is required in advance of the performance.
Email Fiona.Clancy@nullimro.ie if you require a license.
How is the royalty calculated?
- The royalty per event for Performances at Variety Shows or other Theatrical Presentations is calculated per 5.2.1 of the VT tariff.
- Paragraph 5.2.3 outlines the Box Office Return information that must be submitted to IMRO.
- A Box Office Return template can be provided for the licensee to complete.
Programme Details/Setlist
- the duration of the overall Performance Time (excluding the interval) in hrs: mins: secs
- the duration of each musical work performed during the Performing Time in hrs: mins: secs
- A Setlist template can be provided for the licensee to complete.
Discounts to royalty rate
A discount to the royalty rate may be applicable, per paragraph 5.2.2 (and subject to paragraph 6.2. of the VT tariff).
The licensee must establish to IMRO’s satisfaction that Repertoire Controlled by IMRO is performed during less than 80% of the Performing time (i.e. provision of programme details/setlist, as outlined above).
If applicable, the royalty for the Event as calculated under paragraph 5.2.1 shall be subject to the discounts outlined in paragraph 5.2.2.
Please refer to the relevant tariff for further details.
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The Band
Here's the band. They're busy sound checking for their headline gig tonight at Venue X.
They've stuck their set list to the floor so they can check it easily during the gig. -
The Venue manager
This is Jazz. She's been working with the stage crew at Venue X for six months and part of her role is to return the band's set list to IMRO. Without this information, IMRO would be unable to pay the royalty due to the band for performances of their songs.
She can now email a picture of the setlist and/or setlist details to setlists@nullimro.ie -
IMRO Rep
This is Frank. He looks after set list collection at IMRO.
Once an invoice has been paid by the venue/promoter of the gig, Frank and his team can allocate a specific payment to the set list based on how the songs performed on the night have been registered. -
The Band
Here's that band again, in studio recording their upcoming EP.
They've just received a royalty payment for that gig, and a few others, from IMRO. It's money that's going to contribute to the mastering, production or promotion of their EP. It's money that means they can continue to make a living from the work they do. -
The Songwriter
Finally, this is Steven. He's a songwriter but he didn't play at the gig that night. The band are just huge fans of his and regularly include one of his songs in their set.
He's just received a payment from IMRO for the band's performance of his song. It's money he can put towards his tour next year. He's thinking of checking out that venue that's just appeared on his royalty statement...
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