assuming the venue is licenced That's the kicker.

many, maybe even *most* public spaces aren't licenced.

And though the onus is normally on the venue to pay the performance fees - the agencies have been known to take issue with performers. and win.


You will notice I have been saying "technically"; in practice unless it is a top hit song and a widely successful performance one wouldn't have to worry about it. But under the letter of the law it is illegal to perform a copyrighted song in public unless *someone* has paid the performance fee. On the other hand "the mouse" (hack, spit!)has at least threatened lawsuits against individuals that were overheard singing one of "their" songs on public transportation.

Public domain songs of course are public domain - and thus not subject to such restriction.