Is it illegal to play a cover song?
<p>A group decides to cover a protected piece of music. In this example, lets say "<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1nGx4DX83U" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen</a>". </p>

<ul>
<li>Is the act of playing this song violate any copyright law? </li>
<li>Does it make a difference if they make money off playing a cover?</li>
</ul>

<p>Unless they have permission or pay the required royalty: <strong>yes</strong>.</p>

<p>If they are playing it for personal entertainment or at a private function then they can make a fair use/dealing defence.</p>

<p>There are generally two copyrights for a song: </p>

<ol>
<li>First, the copyright on the composition (song in the abstract).</li>
<li>Second, the copyright on the actual performance of the song. </li>
</ol>

<p>If you're playing a cover, then the copyright on the original performance doesn't apply, but there's still the copyright on the composition. You are generally allowed to cover a song without permission of the writer, as long as you pay a rate set by statute. This is known as "compulsory license": <a href="https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-compulsory-license-in-music-2460357" rel="nofollow noreferrer">https://www.thebalance.com/what-is-a-compulsory-license-in-music-2460357</a></p>

copyright