Karaoke Booms As Recession Bites

Nov. 20, 2008 - PRLog -- With the festive season upon us, Karaoke bars across the UK are set to be the new office party destination according to the Performing Right Society (PRS). The organisation, which collects royalties on behalf of the songwriters and composers, has reported a 10% increase in revenue collected from bars in the past five years, and Christmas 2008 is set to be big as workers search for cheaper parties.  

As recession-weary workers turn to the many new bars that have opened across the country, it is Robbie William’s heavenly Angels, which is the popular song of choice.  Valerie by the Zutons & Amy Winehouse, ABBA’s Dancing Queen and Neil Diamond’s Sweet Caroline take the other top spots.  

PRS member, Guy Chambers, who co-wrote five albums with Robbie Williams and 19 hit singles, including the number one karaoke hit Angels, said: “I think Angels has endured because it is a pop anthem and functions as a prayer at the same time. In an increasingly secular world we still need songs that bring people together.”

Released in 1997 Angels has sold two million copies worldwide and is well recognized by its lyrics, which are similar to a traditional religious hymn.  

Top ten most popular Karaoke songs for 2008 are:

Angels- Robbie Williams
Valerie - The Zutons / Amy Winehouse
Dancing Queen - ABBA
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond
Kingston Town - UB40
The Wonder of You - Elvis Presley
Black Velvet - Alannah Myles
My Way - Frank Sinatra
Suspicious Minds - Elvis Presley
Waterloo - ABBA

Source: PRS

Commenting on the results, Ellis Rich, chairman of PRS, said: “Karaoke (which means ‘empty orchestra’ in Japanese) is the modern take on communal singing, which has been part of British culture for over a century.

Singing is traditionally an uplifting pastime, which genuinely brings people together - whether they can actually sing or not doesn’t matter! In fact, the true enjoyment of Karaoke is enhanced in inverse proportion to the quality of the singing. However, what’s most important is that music is bringing people together.”


The results are based on the most performed Karaoke songs in licensed venues by the Performing Right Society. The PRS collates this data in order to make accurate royalty payments to its 60,000 composer, songwriter and music publisher members whenever music is publically performed or broadcasted. The survey covered bars, clubs, hotels, restaurants and live music venues.

# # #

PRS, the Performing Right Society, is about creating a future for music. As a not-for-profit membership society, PRS ensures composers; songwriters and music publishers are paid royalties when their music is used. Music is everywhere, every day: live performance, TV and radio, CDs, DVDs, downloads, streams and everything in between. Royalties create a future for music by supporting creators while they continue to write.