Effective April 1st, 2025, “Sweet Caroline” by Neil Diamond has been officially retired from public performance due to excessive overuse at weddings, parties, and sporting events.
To all mobile DJs, wedding hosts, and event professionals: The Performing Rights Society (PRS) and the UK Mobile DJ Standards Authority (UKMDJSA) have declared that the song’s cultural saturation has led to “Severe Lyric Fatigue Syndrome” (SLFS) among audiences. Research indicates that 97% of event guests can no longer tolerate the “So good! So good! So good!” chant without an involuntary eye-roll.
What This Means for DJs:
Immediate Removal: DJs must remove “Sweet Caroline” from all playlists to avoid stiff penalties. To play “Sweet Caroline,” DJs will need to apply for an event-specific permit, proving the song is essential to the occasion. Applications will be reviewed case-by-case by the newly formed Sweet Caroline Review Board (SCRB). DJs are advised to transition to less overplayed singalong classics, such as Come On Eileen or Living on a Prayer (until further notice).
What Happens If You Still Play It?
Random spot-checks will be conducted by the Event Music Compliance Officers (EMCOs). DJs caught playing “Sweet Caroline” without a valid permit may face a temporary playlist suspension, a fine of up to 3 pints of beer (payable to the complainant) or at worst, being forced to play the Birdie Song on loop for 20 minutes.
Statement from PRS Representative:
“While we acknowledge the cultural significance of ‘Sweet Caroline,’ we must ensure a fair and diverse event music experience. The overuse of this song has reached critical levels, with some wedding guests reporting symptoms of ‘preemptive groaning’ whenever they hear the opening notes.”
What You Can Do Next:
✔️ Please share this update with fellow DJs and event organizers as soon as possible
✔️ Sign the petition to reintroduce “Sweet Caroline” in a controlled manner
✔️ Join our upcoming webinar: “Life After Sweet Caroline – Finding New Crowd Anthems”
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