Sir Elton and UK Music Boss Hit Out at “Thieving” AI Plans That Threaten the Future of Music
Share On
If you thought the battle between musicians and AI was simmering quietly in the background, think again. Sir Elton John has just launched a glittering missile right at the heart of the Government’s latest copyright proposals — and he’s not mincing his words.
Appearing on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg (18th May 2025), the music icon didn’t hold back. Describing the Government as “absolute losers,” Elton said he felt “incredibly betrayed” over plans that could allow tech firms to use the work of musicians to train AI — without permission, and crucially, without payment.
And if that sounds a bit like theft to you, you’re not alone.
“It’s thievery on a high scale,”
Elton fumed. His biggest concern? That young artists, the future of the UK’s creative soul, simply don’t have the financial firepower to take on tech giants.
Joining him in this very public stand was Tom Kiehl, Chief Exec of UK Music, who warned that the Government appears to be serving the UK’s music industry up on a silver platter to Silicon Valley. “It would be a catastrophic mistake to let AI firms steal the fantastic work of our creative industries,” he said. “Sir Keir Starmer holds the dreams of the next generation in his hands.”
All this comes hot on the heels of a dramatic clash between the House of Lords and the Commons. Just last week, the Lords voted in favour of a change to the Data (Use and Access) Bill — a tweak that would have forced AI developers to come clean about exactly whose work they’re hoovering up to train their bots. It was a move meant to protect songwriters, producers and musicians from being exploited in the name of ‘innovation’.
But by Wednesday, the Commons had rejected that amendment. So now, the Bill is being tossed back and forth between the two Houses like a game of ping-pong, with musicians stuck anxiously in the middle.
The Government insists it’s listening. A spokesperson told the BBC: “No changes will be considered unless we are completely satisfied they work for creators.” But with artists, industry leaders and now actual legends like Elton stepping up, the pressure is clearly mounting.
As the UK music scene continues to punch well above its weight on the global stage, this battle could shape the very future of how we protect — and respect — creativity in an AI-driven world.
You can watch Elton’s interview and read more on the BBC website.
