Backing Track Stem Use in Live Shows (Buyout)

The following minimum rates are for the use of commercial audio recordings, as a backing track to a Commercial Live Performance*.

* “Commercial Live Performance” means a Live Performance in front of a paying audience. This does not include theatre shows, ballet/dance shows, opera or pantomimes. 

Key information

Rates can only be used for Non-Classical** commercial audio recordings.

If a Classical Recording*** is required for backing track use in connection with a Commercial Live Performance, the fees should be negotiated directly with the Musicians’ Union (rb@themu.org) on a case-by-case basis.  

** “Non-Classical Recording” means an Audio Recording which does not constitute a Classical Recording. 

***“Classical Recording” means an Audio Recording of repertoire which would qualify for inclusion in the Official Charts Company Classical Chart. 

Rates are separate to those within the BPI/MU agreement, which states that a Commissioning Record Label shall pay a fee for use of an Audio Recording as a Commercial Live Performance “backing track”, at a rate agreed between the Commissioning Record Label and the MU (on behalf of the Musician). These minimum rates are options for that agreed rate between the parties. 

If the Buyout option is taken, the Buyout rights only apply to the use of commercial audio recordings as a backing track to a Commercial Live Performance*. The Buyout will not apply to any other uses of the recording.  

Minimum rates

Dual table includes an option for up to 20 concerts on a per player, per concert basis (unlimited tracks), and an option for a live stem use Buyout (unlimited concerts) per player, per track. Both can be decided and payable at any time and available for older tracks. 

Backing track stem use in up to 20 concerts (per player)

• £40 minimum, per player, per concert for 1-9 players
• £32.50 minimum, per player, per concert for 10-49 players
• £25 minimum, per player, per concert for 50+ players

Backing track stem use (only) Buyout (per track), in perpetuity

• £70 minimum, per player, per track for 1-9 players
• £55 minimum, per player, per track for 10-34 players
• £45 minimum, per player, per track for 35-48 players
• £40 minimum, per player, per track for 50+ players

Buyout option

£2,200 per track cap