Steven Tyler Demands Copyright Reform in Open Letter

After sending a cease-and-desist letter to Donald Trump, asking the Republican presidential candidate to stop using Aerosmith's "Dream On" during campaign events, Steven Tyler has penned an open letter explaining his views on U.S. copyright laws -- and how they need to change.

"My intent was not to make a political statement, but to make one about the rights of my fellow music creators," the "Love Is Your Name" singer writes in his open letter, first published on Huffington Post. "But I've been singing this song for a while now."

Tyler explains that, in February, he signed on as a founding member of the Grammy Creators' Alliance, which aims to "bring hope. To try and change laws that are hindering the music biz. To make sure that songwriters and artists can practice their art without threat of extinction. To make sure those who practice their craft get paid fairly when others use their work."

In conjunction with the program, more than 1,650 allies spent Wednesday (Oct. 14) urging their local congressmen and -women to help bring about change to copyright laws.

"Big changes are happening right now in copyright reform as a result of massive technology changes and with the way fans pay for music and consume music. These changes can be a good thing for songwriters and up-and-coming artists, if we are paid fairly by those who make money using our work," Tyler notes. "Everyone deserves to be able to pay their bills, support their families and do the work they love. Too many can't because we are being shortchanged by new and old technology companies.

"The laws need to change ...," he continues. "Just as my record label sister, Taylor Swift, wrote her letter to Apple in June, this is my open letter to everyone. We need change. Songwriters, producers and artists can't survive on what they are being paid.

"We know you love our music," Tyler concludes. "Now is the time to show us some love by supporting the effort to reform outdated copyright laws, do away with government standard for artist compensation and make sure creators are paid fairly when other business use our work."

See Steven Tyler + More Artists' Yearbook Photos