PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.

Subject: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: GUEST,Piers
Date: 24 Jan 03 - 05:21 AM

Hello – I've just seen this on Robb Johnson 's website.

A message from Robb:
Probably you know already about the proposed licensing act which will seriously affect live music - you don't need a license for a dog, but you will for a musician - but anyway, I'm on Music Matters on Radio 3, 12.15pm next Sunday (January 26th), bothering Dr Kim Howells, from the ministry of Kultur, about it, along with the Bishop Of London. the alarming thing - as even the bish noticed - is that whilst the government are being relatively sympathetic to the concerns of churches, they are refusing point blank to listen to concerns expressed by musicians - as the programme makes clear. If you felt like using the programme to write to Howells &/or your local MP that would maybe help the campaign against this ridiculous piece of legislation. The address I have for Kulturfuhrer Howells is:
Department For Culture, Music & Sport, 2-4 Cockspur St, London SW1Y 5DH, www.culture.gov.uk

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: The Shambles
Date: 24 Jan 03 - 06:05 PM

Robb has informed me that a new song has emerged from this experience.

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: The Shambles
Date: 25 Jan 03 - 09:39 PM

You can hear it live or later on the following link.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio3/classical/musmatt.shtml

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 04:18 AM

Anyone else noticed a scary parallel between the P.E.L. and the ethics of Terry Pratchett's Ankhmorpork Musicians Guild policies from his Discworld series? Most noticably 'Soul Music' where they will actually assasinate someone to stop them playing music for free.....

Big Brother is out there and he reads popular fiction!

LTS

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: Piers
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 04:38 AM

I heard Robb Johnson sing the song last night, it begins "have you got a licence for that song?".

Piers

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: The Shambles
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 06:23 AM

Robb has kindly agreed for his new song to be circulated.

A New Song (Have You Got A License?)

Have you got a license for that song, sir,
Is it one the quaint old people used to sing,
That we've collected stuffed & mounted in a museum,
Like a butterfly with pins stuck through each wing.
But if you want the very latest culture
we promise you big screens in every bar
& you can watch the latest entertainment
& sing along la la la la la la.
But a new song…
that could be dangerous…
something might go wrong…
Have you got a license
for that song?

No, we've no objection to you talking,
But the things the quaint old people used to say,
We keep them safe & sound in universities
Though you can't afford to go there nowadays.
But if you want the very latest wisdom,
we promise you a media filled with stars
& you can learn the art of being famous:
the secret is you just go blah blah blah.
But a new song
might start you thinking
there's more to life than sport…
Have you got a license
for that thought?

No, we've no objection to you dreaming
But the dreams the quaint old people used to share
Have all been topped & tailed to fit the adverts
& the chance you might become a millionaire.
Now if you want the very latest model,
Now if you want the very latest style,
repeat this after me now, all together:
I am not a number, & don't forget the smile..
But a new song
might start you singing
in your own voice,
& that would never do.
Have you got a license
to be you?

Words and music by Robb Jonhson 2003

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: harvey andrews
Date: 26 Jan 03 - 06:38 AM

Nice one Robb, I shall be listening!
Herewith my own rhyming thoughts;

"So, what did you do?" one of them asked
There were six of us locked in a cell.
"I sang a song in a pub," I said
"Didn't know they'd not paid for a PEL."
"You bastard!" they cried, as they all backed away
The burglar said "You should swing!"
The rapist just sneered,
The pimp spat and jeered
"Put him in 'high security' wing.
They'll make sure the low-life won't sing!."

Subject: RE: PEL – Robb Johnson on R3, 1215h, 26/1.
From: The Shambles
Date: 31 Jan 03 - 09:31 AM

Full transcript of Robb and Howells on Radio 3 can be found on PEL Exemptions