----- Original Message ----- From: "Jan" <dasfestistzuendeaus@yahoo.de>
To be korrekt: It depends. If the composer is the owner of the performing rights, you are right.
When I used the word "composer" I could have added "or other owner of the music" but tried to make it less complicated.
But if he gives the rights to a publishing company (which he normally does) or his work is copyright controlled by ASCAP, GEMA, SACEM etc., he has nearly no chance to stop unwelcome cover versions or live performances of his composition.
The chance is there, however small.
If a composition is once published, any musician is allowed to perform it on stage or record without any special permission of the composer; at least in most European countries.
"Allowed" as long as the proper fees are paid. The "permission" is given by the composer/owner indirectly when the song is published through a publisher. But we are getting awfully technical here.
Off cause he has to be aware that there's a copyright existing.
It is not just something that exists, but it must be acted in accordance to. glenn