Today I ran across a group notice in Second Life that said:
Sat10th Nov =DURAN DURAN LIVE= 11.00 AM
.☺/ .: ★Ѡℍ◎: ♫ DURAN DURAN in CONCERT ♫
./▌ .: ★ѠℍΔT: ♫Show ♪ by XXXXXXXX
./ \ .: ★Ѡℍ∈ᴙ∈: ✩XXXXX✩ 11.00 AM
THE POP ROCK GODS OF THE 80'S! DURAN DURAN
WILL PERFORM LIVE THEIR BEST TUNES in THE DESERT!
AMAZING STAGE, INCREDIBLE LOOK ALIKE AVATARS!
BEST DURAN DURAN IN SL!
(names removed)
I have seen these sort of notices countless times. No where on this notice says that it is a recording being streamed into SL or that it is a "tribute" show. The way this notice is written is made to look like Duran Duran is actually performing live, when in actuality, it is a recording of a live Duran Duran show and there is nothing connecting this to the real Duran Duran.
I'm not a newb in SL, I get what it is and what they are doing and my question is... do they have the licensing to use the real Duran Duran's music and likeness? When I inquired to the owner of the company I was told that it was none of my concern.
I'm sure these people put a lot of time and effort into making avatars, doing lighting and putting on instruments. I've noticed that these shows do get people there and I think there is an entertainment value to them. However, they still need to be held accountable for their advertising and licensing.
This is not a live music performance, they should not be listed in Live Music in SL Events because there is nothing LIVE about the music, they should be stating that it is a "tribute" show.... saying "Duran Duran WILL perform live their best tunes" is false advertising because Duran Duran is not performing, it is only a recording of a Duran Duran performance.
I'm by no means saying these people should not do these "tribute" shows. What I am saying is advertise them as what they really are, make sure you can use the music, name and likeness legally and don't list them as Live Music when they are not.
I do encourage everyone to check out real live performers. There is a huge live music scene in Second Life and they need your support. Some of my favorites include Seth Regan (naturally), Maximillion Kleene, Tamra Hayden, The Follow (a 3 person live band) and many others. Just search the live music category in SL Events and you will find a wide variety of live performers of many genres and skill level. Check out several so you can get a feel for what is available.
My business partner, Seth Regan, also wrote on the subject of "tribute" shows: Seth's Blog
I have strong, mixed fellings on the tribute acts in SL. On one hand I have always loved that SL is where you get to live out your dream life including being a rock star! Even if you have no musical talent at all. But I can't stop worrying about all the real artists of which these tribute acts are somewhat of an insult too. It's very easy to put together a tribute act show. Splash a bit of cash on avatars, instruments and stage and buy a live recording of a band performing a gig somewhere and get a stream and your done. Compared to a Real performer who will spend a lot more money on equipment and instruments to steam into SL. Lots of rehearsing real songs and getting a real performance together.
ReplyDeleteI can't say that it's my business at all really what people do although I do remember going through a Linden terms and conditions tutorial when creating an alt, which did say you can't use a RL celebrities image with out permission. And that has to also apply to using someone else's music as well as image. So it just has to be against the Terms and Conditions of SL if not it should be. I totally agree that these acts should not be allowed to post in the Live music events listing. I know that DJ's do, but they are often very clear that they are a DJ.
But I guess that most of all I hope that residents in SL will understand that by not supporting real live music in SL that all the good artists will not be able to afford to be here. And we will not end up with any quality music experiences. For many new people coming into SL, finding your self at a gig with a real person streaming their own music can be an amazing realization of the power of SL. So I guess its down to the residents of SL as to what they want. But tribute acts are harming the real talent in SL and I for one would hate to see more amazing RL artists stop performing in SL and have that replaced with fake bands with no musical talent. It's great to live your SL dream, but please not at the cost of loosing the real deal for the fake wannabe!
These types of events also harm LIVE tribute bands and shows. For example the band I manage, August Moons, does Neil Young tribute shows, but these are live events where they sing, play, and perform their own interpretations of the songs. I know Seth does Pink Floyd tribute shows. If people want to hear covers there are ways to do that while supporting SL's own talented performers, not canned music and fake shows.
ReplyDeleteOur tribute bands have permission from all the real life bands' music they play in Second Life. We made sure to get copyright permission prior to performing in SL and also got the bands' blessing to represent them in SL because they are on tour. Not all go thru the trouble we did but we make sure the bands websites get announced so they enjoy new fans.
ReplyDeleteCeltic Connection Productions
That is great that you took the time to get your legal covered. Many of these "tribute" shows do not, so I applaud you for doing the right thing.
DeleteBrandy, I simply could not agree more. I believe there is a place for these events in SL, but advertise them as such. I realize that SL is a place for people to pretend and to explore and live their "second lives", which is okay. What is not okay is when they do this at the expense of others who do not know they are pretending. Keep it real, folks!
ReplyDelete