Sebastian Bach discovered that vocal range means nothing when lawyers control the setlist. The former Skid Row frontman wanted to demolish Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’” and Europe’s “The Final Countdown” on “The Masked Singer,” but both bands blocked the performances through their rights management. For Bach’s full account of the situation, read the Sebastian Bach interview on Alternative Nation.
The Clearance Contradiction
Bach’s frustration illuminates a growing tension in music television. Music licensing experts warn artists to “be prepared for a lot of rejection” when submitting songs for TV placement, but rejection from fellow rock legends stings differently than network budget constraints. Bach’s situation reflects a broader pattern among rock legends from the 80s who’ve maintained tight control over their catalogs even as younger generations of musicians seek to reinterpret their work.
Licensing fees for TV usage can range from free exposure to $3,000 for popular songs, making Bach’s blocked performances particularly puzzling since “The Masked Singer” represents valuable promotional exposure for classic tracks. Journey particularly guards “Don’t Stop Believin’,” despite it being one of history’s most licensed songs. For a deeper look at the complexities and costs of music licensing on TV, review ASCAP’s official guide.
Your Favorite Songs Aren’t Always Available
This licensing maze affects more than reality TV contestants. TV shows sometimes face such prohibitive clearance costs that entire series get delayed or cancelled from DVD and streaming release—classic examples include “The Wonder Years” and “WKRP in Cincinnati.” For a detailed look at how TV show music clearance issues have shaped the entertainment industry, read The New York Times’ coverage.
The practice particularly stings for artists like Bach, whose theatrical delivery and powerful range could introduce these songs to new audiences. This gatekeeping mentality validates some of the wild industry rumors about musicians that were true—stories of established artists becoming increasingly protective of their legacy work as they age. Instead of celebrating musical interpretation, the industry often prioritizes control over creativity.
Your streaming playlists might include these blocked songs freely, but live reinterpretation remains locked behind legal barriers that serve corporate interests more than musical community.
