The comedian shares surprising details about licensing a Taylor Swift track for his latest stand-up project.

Marc Maron Dishes on the Cost of Using Taylor Swift’s Music

 July 29, 2025: Marc Maron is known for his unfiltered comedy and candid storytelling — and that includes behind-the-scenes industry truths. In a recent interview, the veteran comedian revealed just how expensive it was to include a Taylor Swift song in his upcoming HBO comedy special, and the number might shock you.

Taylor Swift Doesn’t Come Cheap

According to Maron, licensing a Swift song for a few seconds cost nearly $60,000, a price that left even the seasoned comic in disbelief. “It’s insane,” he said. “Just for a snippet — not even the whole track.” He joked that the cost was “more than I’ve spent on cars in my lifetime.”

Why Use the Song Anyway?

Despite the high price, Maron explained that the moment in his special where the song plays is “too perfect to cut.” He felt the Swift track added a layer of emotional or comedic punch that couldn’t be replaced. “It fit the bit in a way nothing else could,” he insisted.

Fans and Fellow Creators React

The revelation sparked discussions across social media, with fans and fellow comedians reacting to the steep cost of music licensing — especially for mega-stars like Swift. “It’s wild,” one user tweeted. “Imagine spending $60k for 10 seconds of music.”

A Peek Into the Comedy Business

Maron’s story offers a rare look into what it takes to produce a high-quality comedy special — especially when it involves top-tier music rights. It also highlights just how much value music labels and artists place on their catalogs, especially when tied to cultural icons like Taylor Swift.

Still Worth It? Maron Thinks So

Even with the eye-popping fee, Maron said he doesn’t regret the decision. “Sometimes you gotta pay to set the tone,” he quipped. “And if it takes a Taylor Swift song to do it, so be it.”

While fans wait to see how the pricey moment plays out in his HBO special, one thing’s clear: Taylor Swift’s influence extends far beyond music charts — even into the world of stand-up comedy.