There's already a bill in the California senate on the seven-year issue (Henley and Crow led a field trip to Sacramento in January to lobby lawmakers), and the RAC hopes to persuade Congress to enact a seven-year rule nationwide. Meanwhile, if the courts rule for Love, whose suit against Universal also challenges California's contract-limit exemption, it could set a precedent affecting all artists, argues her lawyer, A. Barry Cappello. The RAC also plans to fight for further changes in copyright law, and to support penalties to prevent what it sees as the pervasive shortchanging of royalties. ''That's a stupid charge,'' says Rosen. ''I don't think anyone can or wants to justify cheating, but broad charges are not productive.''
Right or wrong, the RAC's mission will take time, and more importantly, funding -- which is what the concerts were all about. ''From what I know, Don Henley and Sheryl Crow put out hundreds of thousands of dollars out of their own pocket,'' says Beck. ''To get bills written, it costs a lot of f---in' money. I don't know if you've been to the headquarters of any of the five multinational record companies recently, but their offices look a hell of a lot better than my house. We have a mighty giant to contend with.'' (Reps from the major labels declined to comment for this story.)
But the idea of rich rock stars throwing concerts for their own benefit doesn't sit well with some. Says Elvis Costello, who considered performing but ultimately declined: ''There are an awful lot of other things in the world that you could lend your energies to which are not about 'I'm me and give me some more money.'... I just did the Concert for a Landmine Free World, and in the long run that seemed a little bit more important.''
RAC artists protest, however, that they're not just looking to boost their bottom line. Holland, for instance, says he has no immediate stake in a contract limit because his band is close to fulfilling its label deal. ''The Dixie Chicks are doing this for the next generation,'' says Simon Renshaw, the Chicks' manager. Ark 21's Copeland calls that argument ''utter nonsense,'' insisting that by cutting successful artists' contracts short, a seven-year limit would end up starving labels of the revenue that supports young acts.
In any case, the battle's on. The RAC's issue slate is expanding and Beck says more benefit concerts are likely. Still, expect a few dissonant notes in the all-star chorus of ''Solidarity Forever.'' ''It's not that I don't believe in the cause,'' says Melissa Etheridge, who's listed as an RAC member. ''But I have deeper issues that I'm fighting for. When I call the congressman, it's going to be 'Dammit, let me get married.'''
(Additional reporting by Chris Willman and William Keck)
