>>>>Just out of interest, what legal hoops do you have to jump through, and what does it cost to be able to cover a Beatles song?
>>>
>>>Same as all songs. No hoops - you don't need permission. Just pay the standard royalty rate on sales.
>>
>>Thanks - that got my Googling on the right track.
>>
>>Some good information at http://cdbaby.net/dd-covers
>
>The title should probably make clearer that it refers to onesown cover version not others.
>Also, AFAIR, the songwriter has control over who *first* records the composition in question.

I notice the links I've read talk about "mechanical" royalties. Does this refer to tangible recordings on to CDs etc.?

I'm wondering about live performances. Suppose you sell 10,000 tickets at an arena, and you cover a song once during the show. Does that mean you owe the songwriter 9.1 cents? < g >