Artists cash in on surge in IMRO royalty payments

Thousands of Irish recording artists such as U2, Hozier, and Christy Moore last year shared a €25m bonanza from the public performance and broadcast of their songs.

In newly filed accounts, the Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO), which collects royalties on behalf of artists, confirmed licence revenues last year increased by €2m to €30.7m.

While all revenue categories showed an increase on 2014; public performance — specifically large concert revenue — online and overseas revenue contributed largely to the rise.