Pink Floyd writes an open letter on streaming services titled 'Pandora's Internet radio royalty ripoff'

Pink Floyd are continuing their crusade against online music streaming. Band members Roger Waters, David Gilmour and Nick Mason have published an op-ed in USA Today stating that Pandora’s music streaming service is ripping off the artist and musicians they claim to want to help. Pandora has been sending a letter to musicians, asking for their support.

“Of course, this letter doesn’t say anything about an 85% artist pay cut,” the band writes. “That would probably turn off most musicians who might consider signing on. All it says about royalties is “We are all fervent advocates for the fair treatment of artists.” And the only hint of Pandora’s real agenda is the innocent sounding line “We are also fervent supporters of internet radio and want more than anything for it to grow.” The petition doesn’t mention that Pandora is pushing the growth of its business directly at the expense of artists’ paychecks.”

The rockers feel the letter is vague and untruthful to artists who don’t understand the repercussions of the type of legislation Pandora is trying to get passed. The op-ed cites Pandora’s misleading claims that they pay too much in royalties to even make a profit.

“But a business that exists to deliver music can’t really complain that its biggest cost is music,” the piece continued. “You don’t hear grocery stores complain they have to pay for the food they sell. Netflix pays more for movies than Pandora pays for music, but they aren’t running to Congress for a bailout. Everyone deserves the right to be paid a fair market rate for their work, regardless of what their work entails.”

The members of Pink Floyd say they would be open to discussing a truly fair compromise between online radio services and artists.

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