Cliff Richard's Law extends performers' copyright to 70 years

A new EU ruling will see copyright for music performers extended.

Under the new plans, which have been nicknamed Cliff Richard's Law, musicians who sustain a long career will still be able to profit from their material long after they initially recorded it.

As the current law stands, copyright is in the hands of the original performer for 50 years, but the new EU ruling will see this time period be extended to 70 years, The Independent reports.

The new regulations on copyright will be pushed through the courts before protection on a collection of classic and iconic songs from the 1960s expires.

Roger Daltrey of The Who is pleased to welcome the new regulations, saying: "It's extremely good news. Musicians need to be paid. There are thousands of small musicians whose independence relies on the little bit of royalty, for work they did in the 1960s, they get by way of a pension."

Under current laws, composers are already covered for copyright up to 70 years following their death, but the new law concerns artists who perform those tracks.

This means that bands like The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were already protected, but now iconic entertainers such as Tom Jones and Shirley Bassey will continue to receive performer royalties two decades longer.

On the new ruling, Bassey commented: "Unlike diamonds, copyright is not forever, but I'm happy it will last a little bit longer."

Watch Shirley Bassey perform 'Diamonds Are Forever' live below: