Coldplay responds to Joe Satriani lawsuit: Are you convinced?

david Sat, Jul 11, 2009 at 05:20 AM EST

Yeah, and another thing - if 'musical variations' are so limited, how come there has been over 1000 years of consistently different and evolving music?

david Sat, Jul 11, 2009 at 05:18 AM EST

I think Joe's right to sue Coldplay, but he has been hounding them a bit too much.

Tim Sun, Jun 28, 2009 at 05:28 PM EST

Are you kidding me? They didn't steal it? Yeah, and Vanilla Ice didn't steal 'Under Pressure' then get off for it, and laugh and admit it on a later interview. OH WAIT! He did...

Joe is an established musician and one of the greatest guitarists anywhere. Obviously the teenagers here are into Coldplay, and have no knowledge of what came before, but let me assure you, Joe doesn't need the money, it's all about the principle.

As a matter of fact Joe is in the middle of Launching a major tour with a new band Chickenfoot, consisting of Sammy Hagar, Michael Anthony,Chad Smith, and himself. I'm sure if you don't know who 'Satch' is though you'll have NO idea who Van Halen or The Red Hot Chili Peppers are. So the point will be totally lost on you.

Jaeh Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 11:06 AM EST

coldplagiarist - coldplay asked permission for the Talk one.

Jaeh Wed, Jun 10, 2009 at 10:54 AM EST

I love coldplay, and some of Satriani's stuff sound awesome, but effin big deal! I remember playing around with some piano keys once, made that, wrote it down and actually composed a mini-song to it. I should sue colplay too, then - or satriani can sue me!

Jules Vern Sat, Jun 6, 2009 at 01:24 PM EST

"There's no denying the similarities between the two compositions. But so what? ...And even though that signature riff overlaps... Similar is not the same. So unless we're talking about Coldplay wholesale jacking an entire song, music and lyrics, and republishing it under their own name without any credit — something which they obviously did not do here..."

Because unless you steal the entirety of the other person's work, it's 100% ABSOLUTELY original. That's why MC Hammer's "Can't Touch This" is COMPLETELY DIFFERENT from Rick James' "Superfreak".

Coldplay's "Viva la Vida" is a blatant ripoff of Satch's "If I Could Fly". Why is there even a debate? Coldplaygiarist stole the song from Joe Satriani. If they want to steal and make a huge profit off of an actual musician, I say that now they've been caught, they should fork those profits over to the original composer.

CousinEddie Sat, Jun 6, 2009 at 07:49 AM EST

I recently read that Cat Stevens is also suing Coldplay for the same song. My question is why isn't Cat Stevens suing Satriani? The simple answer is that Satriani isn't selling a gazillion records.

Like the author said, there are only so many combinations of music. This style of music - guitar-based - has been around for 60 years. If you try hard enough, I'm sure you can find similarites of Satriani's music to some of the early rockers. These musicians think they are so special, that they are doing something nobody has done before. They really need to get over themselves. He's a guiter player for crying out loud; not Mozart of Beethoven.

Coldplagarist Thu, Jun 4, 2009 at 01:35 PM EST

Coldplay copies everybody; hardly any of their stuff is original if you know a wide range of music. Viva La Vida = If I Could Fly (Joe Satriani), Talk = Computer Love (Kraftwerk), they copy everybody and get away with it. Clocks and Yellow and The Scientist were great songs, but since then I feel like all they do is unofficially remix songs.

Shut up!!! Wed, May 27, 2009 at 12:23 AM EST

All of you.....SHUT UP!!!!!........
LISTEN TO both MUSIC AND STOP TALKING BULLSHITS!!!!

Eric Mon, May 18, 2009 at 01:17 AM EST

Au contrair, the songs are in different keys, have a completely different tone, instrumentation and styles. The only true similarity between the riffs is about six notes at the beginning of the chorus. After that, the melodies do two completely different things. You can't call it a copy if both notes ascend or descend. After all, you can really only go up, down, or stay the same. I like both of these artists, but Satriani needs to lay off.

scott Tue, May 5, 2009 at 03:20 PM EST

Nate-I agree with you in general- except that unlike Stevens and so many others- the song is identical in EVERY musical element (except the instrument) If you play one on top of the other, they match up PERFECTLY-he even raises his voice when Satriani bends a note up.Not only is the timing the same, but the rhythm is IDENTICAL- the only way you can get that close is to play over a recorded version of the same rhythm.They just substituted strings for the downbeat. The chord progression is IDENTICAL- even down to the millisecond that the chord changes-the scale that is being played over the chord progression is in the exact same mode. Yes, there are only 12 notes, BUT there are also 7 different modes that can be derived from every one of those 12 notes-in otherwords,84 different ways to write this song in the same key-It impossible for this not to be plagiarism-here..http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5tgeaBhbtE&feature=related

nate Tue, May 5, 2009 at 01:00 PM EST

I've talked enough about the sheer stupidity of this that I had to do something:
http://theninthdragonking.wordpress.com/2009/05/04/coldplay-plagiarists-of-the-world/

scott Tue, May 5, 2009 at 12:42 PM EST

mumbler, I have to disagree, I am also a songwriter (and lead guitarist), and in order for Coldplay to "accidently" write a song with Identical Melody,rythm,chord progression,AND is in the same mode, (Lydian is what it sounds like) he basically would have to have been writing it while sleepwalking thru a room playing "if I could fly" on the stereo. I have written MANY songs, and for that many key elements (everything exept the timbre) to line up at once- either Coldplay stole the melody, or God really doesn't like their music, because THAT much coincidence just doesn't happen...

mumbler Tue, Apr 21, 2009 at 05:50 PM EST

It's tricky

I'm a songwriter and it's easy done. There are after all only twelve notes in the scale and limitations to how much you can cut the rythmn up. I remember as an eager youth rattling off three verses of a 'new' song before someone pointed out it was just the Beatles' 'Something' with different words.

I've heard youtube mashups of Coldplay and the Satch and there does seem to be an uncommon coincidence between them. It does still fundamentally come down to the three notes of each tunes 'hook', however, which has quite a distinctly latin feel to it to my ears. I wonder if there's some truly obscure third tune at the root of them both? I still swear that somebody once played me a latin tune whose intro was, verbatim, the start of 'Stairway to Heaven'. Alas I was too drunk to note the artist. And don't get me started on Led Zeppelin: Lemon Song / Killing Floor anyone?

Anyways. Come listen to my tunes at http://www.myspace.com/musicmumbler and see if you spot any anticendents!

asdfjkl;;lkjasdfjkl; Thu, Apr 16, 2009 at 04:17 PM EST

Your argument is clearly flawed.
According to what you wrote: If I copy and paste a huge chunk of someone's written work but delete and substitute a few words, then that would not be plagiarism.

The reality is that I took someone's work w/out crediting them and presented it as my own. This is plagiarism.

Would you be happy if someone took your song's melody, added some lyrics, AND end up getting more recognition JUST because it appeals to the majority of the population (who, might I say, have aboslutely horrible taste in music. I don't need to justify my last statement, if you don't think so, then just turn on the TV)

I think not. You clearly haven't 'created' anything original in your life to feel territorial or even UNDERSTAND the simple logic/sentiments of what Satriani is feeling.

flyerdog Sun, Apr 5, 2009 at 04:56 PM EST

The worst thing is that these buffoons in Coldplay can't even admit that coincidental or not, the melodies are identical. Hell even George Harrison (yes the BEATLE) was sued for copyright infringement, even the Mighty Led Zeppelin has been sued for infringement..but Coldplay can't admit to it...F them..I suppose they think that they are above a Beatle and the great Led Zeppelin!! idiots!! Give them Hell Joe!!

flyerdog Sun, Apr 5, 2009 at 04:56 PM EST

The worst thing is that these buffoons in Coldplay can't even admit that coincidental or not, the melodies are identical. Hell even George Harrison (yes the BEATLE) was sued for copyright infringement, even the Mighty Led Zeppelin has been sued for infringement..but Coldplay can't admit to it...F them..I suppose they think that they are above a Beatle and the great Led Zeppelin!! idiots!! Give them Hell Joe!!

JustinPearl Fri, Apr 3, 2009 at 02:53 PM EST

It is a complete rip-off what Coldplay did, and it just shows how terrible Musicians they truly are. IT does not take a genius to see that they ripped it off, and musically, it is EXACTLY the same...The backing tracks and everything...not jsut the riffs...They took time to do this, it is not something that just happens accidentally, especially if it is in the same time signature and same melody and everything...

MJ Mon, Mar 30, 2009 at 08:36 PM EST

My high school music class recently insisted on practicing the song "viva la vida" to be played at a concert on our city tour. When I heard this, of coruse I was absolutley disgusted. I told my music teacher I refused to play a song which was stolen from one of the greatest, most respected, guitarist in the world. I brought in videos, news articles, and anything else I could find, to try and convice my class and teacher that this song should not be played. But of course, my attempts to stand up for a true musician are still rejected. I will still try my hardest, to ensure that Satch gets the respect and notability, from every single person I try to convince. Satch deserves better than having his hard work, stolen from a garbage band, such as Coldplay.

Sam Thu, Mar 19, 2009 at 12:26 AM EST

The only people winning here are the lawyers... the two musical giants will end up spending fortunes trying to prove who's got more stamina.

cookies Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 05:18 PM EST

this author is tone deaf, they are the exact same songs, different instruments but, the vocals are the same melody as the guitar!

Alex Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 11:13 AM EST

Also someone said something about copyright law... You've heard plenty of pop songs make new "versions" of old songs maybe change the lyrics but use the same music just revamped... Whoever originally wrote the song is entitled to royalties for that...

So whether Coldplay meant to steal this or not, Satch has the copyright. Even so it's not illegal, but Coldplay does owe Satch royalties AND they have to give him credit for writing that riff. And that's the law.

Alex Wed, Mar 11, 2009 at 11:11 AM EST

Listen to Joe Satriani's song "If I Could Fly". Then listen immediately after that to Coldplay's "Viva La Vida". Viva La Vida uses the EXACT SAME riff. They basically took Joe Satch's riff, slowed it a bit, played it with different instruments, then wrote words to it. I like Coldplay but you can't deny this.. Take Chris Martin singing, match it to the tempo of Joe Satriani's "If I Could Fly" and it fits without changing it... That's not ok, Satch at least deserves Coldplay admitting that he wrote the riff, and maybe paying him royalties.

DJ Distortium Tue, Mar 10, 2009 at 01:04 AM EST

I know of this case an I wish for the best for satriani. As for coldplay, chris martin admitted:
"We're one of the world's worst—but most enthusiastic—plagiarists as a band. We'll try and copy anything but tend to fail, so we come up with something...that sounds like us—only through trying to sound like somebody"

Plus, Colplay sounds like crap!

mk Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 10:31 PM EST

Mediocrity, thy name is Coldplay.

angelos17 Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 10:12 PM EST

I forgot to mention the song that Harrison got sued over was "My Sweet Lord"

angelos17 Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 04:34 PM EST

Whether or not Coldplay blatantly used a portion of "If I Could Fly" intentionally does not really matter at all. Satriani, if he continues to pursue this to court, will most likely get some sort of compensation. Look to history, George Harrison got sued by The Chiffons saying they stole the chords and melody from their song 'he's So Fine". Harrison admitted he had been inspired to a degree after heariing the song; however,t hat was not a good enough excuse to stop the courts from halting his royalty payments from around the world for that song. Harrison was found guilty of "unintential copyrighting" of The Chiffons' song. WHether the suit is right or wrong, Satriani has a very good chance of at least getting Coldplay on the same thing Harrison got busted for.

Jwernicke Mon, Feb 23, 2009 at 07:51 AM EST

someone got to put an end on this crap other way the next hit of Britney Spears would be similiar to "Surfing With The Alien!"

aye ayeeeeee Sat, Feb 21, 2009 at 09:19 AM EST

my god ppl! the question here is that the RIFF is the same!! and the riff makes the song..why do i bother with you deaf dead beats.

coldplay finatic Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 06:49 PM EST

umm.... i've heard alot of U2 and at least to me they sound a ton different. Sure, maybe some of their songs sound a little similar but i bet i could find a song that sounds similar to each of satch's songs.... the same for any band. To "Roo", i've never ever heard of coldplay saying that they were the worlds greatest plagearests... and i have a hard time believing it since it's from an unknown source. Plus, i dont think ive ever heard a song that sounds remotely similar to "Fix You" or "White Shadows"(my favorite song eva!!!), and many others.

coldplay finatic Fri, Feb 20, 2009 at 06:21 PM EST

that's exactly what i think. Coldplay is awesome and i dont think they would plagerize. plus, ive heard both songs and they are similar but definatly NOT the same! i also am proud of coldplays politeness. I sure hope they win cause they're my fave band and they're right!

Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 10:28 PM EST

fred your an idot there is no percussion in viva la vita

Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 10:19 PM EST

it would seem to me that many people who have never writen a song could say yea "not the same but similar" and have it be ok. considering most bar bands dont play their covers exactly that same for convienience or lack of skill, does that mean that its ok to play something off like its thiers. ofcouse no one ever would because most "bar songs" are way to famous to try and ripp off. although joe does have a fan base and is absolutely amazing with music , as is the case with most people of his caliber,their works are simply not well known and he has so many published songs with so many notes compared to so many other songs that it would almost be to easy to take a part of it and play it off like you never knew it existed. i could rip off lines from a million composers like bach or mozart and the masses would never know the difference. it would seem to me that coldplay has finnaly made another hit and simply would do anything to keep it.

lpu2n Sun, Feb 15, 2009 at 08:26 PM EST

Damn guys, making something of your own isn't a question of talent. As the article stated, there are only a certain amount of riffs. There are 7 tones in an octave, and, logically, there is a finite amount of combinations you can use... let alone combinations that actually sound good. Music itself is quite a limited art if we look at it from this perspective. The main element that makes music unique is expression. I have listened to both songs, amd have to conclude that the overall effect each of the songs had on me was different. Therefore, I say that these two songs are not the same, and as much as I strive for originality in my own musical compositions, I recognize that there's only so much a person can change. It's quite depressing, actually. Anyhow, I will side with Coldplay here. These two songs are not the same.

impartial Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 06:30 PM EST

I don't particularly love Coldplay, but Viva la Vida doesn't sound anything like their old music so it wouldn't surprise me if they got the idea somewhere else. Also Coldplay's guitarist has cited Joe Satriani as an influence. The songs sound remarkably similar, except that the instrumental version has a guitar playing the same melody that Chris Martin is singing. I think it's highly unlikely that they both just came up with this on their own.

jc Wed, Feb 11, 2009 at 02:24 PM EST

...also, you cannot copyright a chord progression. Musicians would be s.o.l. if you could. Here's another example: "R.O.C.K. in the USA" "What I like about you" and "On the Dark Side" to name a very few songs with similar chord structures.

Guitarplayer546 Tue, Feb 10, 2009 at 07:28 AM EST

Learn your music theory, these songs are the same in nearly every way. Joe Satriani would not sue unless he was certain. He is one of the best musician's worldwide. Coldplay is well - NOT. The tempo/chord progression is the same. sorry fan's they deserve to get what's coming to them.

idiotic suit Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 05:20 PM EST

i can't wait til satriani sues people for having the same opinion as him regarding this lawsuit

paulZ Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 10:29 AM EST

Hah I love these suits, so where did Satriani rip off his tune from, I'm sure there is a similar melody out there, maybe Joe heard it while pushing his cart down the aisle at the grocery store on the other hand Coldplay is the most unoriginal band ever, they are a poor mans version of Catherine Wheel

Norman Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 10:28 AM EST

There's a difference between similar and same, like the article says. When a song has the same exact chord progression with the same exact melody on top of it you call the "SAME"!

Rick Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 10:21 AM EST

It's not the chord progression, it's the melody of the song. Do you people really know anything about music? Almost every rock n roll song is three chords, maybe four. What Satriani is saying is that the melody in "Vida" is the same as the melody of "I Just Wanna Fly". The melody is the basis of the song. Whether Coldplay stole this or came up with it on their own, they need to do the right thing and give Joe Satriani a writing credit. If they had done that at the outset they wouldn't look like such jerks. The press would be talking about what great guys they are.

flyerdog Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 09:21 AM EST

The issue is not simply chord progression, but meter, melody, and tempo/feel..there is a great youtube vid comparing the songs from a theory perspective..and by the way, it doesn't matter if Coldplay has ever 'heard' Joe's song..the law is the law and is absolute..ie ignorance is no excuse

FV Mon, Feb 9, 2009 at 02:10 AM EST

well Simon.... that's why you are an ignorant twat, and Satriani is a talent musician.

fsilva Sun, Feb 8, 2009 at 09:31 PM EST

Coldplay are a bunch of derivative plagiarists! My wife put on their new disc while driving to work. I thought it was U2's newest disc. It's funny how you can fool a lot of the people a lot the time... except those who are true musicians. I hope Satriani sues the pants off those hacks!

brotha Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 11:50 PM EST

I sick of this now satch wins cold play sucks mark my words you will not see cold play anymore there done end of the road finished

adam Sat, Feb 7, 2009 at 02:14 PM EST

What a joke. This most basic of progressions is a variation of the I - vi - IV - V. I was playing this progression on the piano at the age of four (and I'm not a good piano player).

All this does is prove how mainstream Coldplay is, and what a joke Satriani and his followers are.

All this did was force me to burn the only Satriani album I had. If only we could round up all the guitar heroes and shoot them off into space, where they could live happily ever after exchanging lixx and oogling each other's phallic axes.

p Fri, Feb 6, 2009 at 06:29 PM EST

Broken down by harmonic analysis, it's hard to believe anything Coldplay has to say. Using a theory called diatonic chord substitution, the frets may differ in the beginning, but the sound gives the same effect. There is no bias here, just science proving that Coldplay has a weak defense

annon Thu, Feb 5, 2009 at 05:52 PM EST

so if coldplay sucks that bad how could they have ever listened to somebody as amazingly super fantastically perfect as the satch? if he had any influence on them maybe their guitarist would have gotten more talented over the years.

milo Thu, Feb 5, 2009 at 05:47 PM EST

ok, this is rediculous. I've been on multiple sites where all of the "Joe is God" users have been posting. Joe is indeed a very talented guitarist. So wouldn't you think he'd realize it's not hard for four chords to sound similar? I listened to the tracks. There are similarities but give me any song from Satriani along with one weeks time and I guarantee I'll be able to find a song from any period in musical history and we'll pay all of Joes earnings out to that artist.

I never thought Joe was that concerned about commercial success. Perhaps instead of trying to cheat his way to financial gain by placing his lawsuit on the hope that selected jurrors will say "wow these four notes in this 20 second part of the song sound similar!" he should actually join a commercial band, god knows he has the talent.

But that brings up another problem. I don't think there's enough room on stage for a lead-singing frontman and Satrianis ego.

Anonymous Mon, Feb 2, 2009 at 09:01 PM EST

I really believe that there is a cross link between the songs; it happens unconsciously when you 'intend to invent' something you claim to be truly yours, that's why people usually reference their original work with a source bank, in this sense, Cold Play is at fault. Most of the knowledge we acquire is from our surroundings and the environment we are exposed, you'll be surprised to find that most of the 'invented' works are based on several previous works and the less they resemble previous works, the more 'original' will the work be considered. Besides I don't think that Cold Play hadn't heard Satriani's song to claim that the riffs are purely coincidental, it's hard swallow, especially if they are well acquainted with Satriani. And to the person who claims that these artists had plagiarised the riffs from Cat Stevens, actually Satriani had spent several years (at least 15 years) writing the song 'If I could fly.'

GuitaRat Fri, Jan 30, 2009 at 02:34 PM EST

They are two different sounds...Ooops those were the words Fred used, Hope Fred doesnt sue me!!!

Fred Tue, Jan 6, 2009 at 06:06 PM EST

OK, in the song "Viva la Vida" (Which I am listening to now), I can barely notice the guitar, hearing mainly percussion and violin. I sort of hear the similarities, but they are two different sounds. They are using different effects from good ole Joe, and it gives it a different sound. This whole law suit is ridiculous.

Eddie Tue, Dec 30, 2008 at 07:25 PM EST

All of you are idiots. All these riffs have been done before. Where do you think satch got his ideas. From other musicians. He isn't anymore original than anyone else. To think that it hasn't been done before is ignorant.Lets all research every song and melody ever made and see how many are similar. I love both musicians, but satch needs to come back to earth.

minivai Mon, Dec 29, 2008 at 08:51 AM EST

I have to say - copyrights are there FOR A REASON. We know there are only so many different chord progressions in the world - ok, but there is a major difference between a chord progression sounding the same, and a guitar melody over that progression being re-recorded with a voice instead. It's the same theory if you took the phrase "Twas the night before Christmas" - and you wrote "It was the night before Christmas" for your own book. Not ENTIRELY the same, but substantial enough for the original author to say you stole his opening line. I personally think it's wrong for someone to "author" something, and have someone else who is more mainstream take advantage of one of your more lesser known songs, for the sake of making money, and then pretty much tell you to "F*** off" when you confront them. Coldplay is definitely in the wrong here. ENOUGH SAID.

Jason Thu, Dec 25, 2008 at 05:06 PM EST

No two people say the same things, no two people write the same songs.

Connor Fri, Dec 19, 2008 at 05:57 AM EST

Joe doesnt need the money, personally i didnt think he woudld humiliate them publically, doesnt seem like that kind of guy. As for it being plagiarism it is. When this goes to court the judge will look at the music WRITTEN, not listen to the songs. Written, they are exactly the same. The voice is an instrument, it doesnt matter that coldplay has added lyrics. I hope Joe wins this case he deserves it and coldplay need to learnt their lesson, its not right to copyright other peoples material, its the same as copying a test paper in school, zero tolerance policy, immediate fail.

T.L. Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 02:24 PM EST

Why is it that people by music from peole with less talent than people with more talent? I don't even understand how people like cold play can sell albums. Joe is going to own that single from coldplay, simply because without the song he wrote in '04 there would be no Vivi la Vida.

Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 02:18 PM EST

if it wasn't for itunes coldplay wouldn't have nearly the sales or publicity they have now, Itunes sucks and artists who get famous on Itunes suck.... seriously coldplay has a substancial history of being tallentless copycats.... Joe Satriani has an extensive history of meing a maticulous songwriter and very talented musician... Any reasonable judge (not douchbags who don't understand the legal ramifications of copyright laws) will see the song as a flagrant copy, not an accidental similarity.
And to all the turds out there who are saying Joe is being a baby. Grow up. The history is clear, Coldplay is a group that has repeatedly copied others art and claimed it was theirs.

Sparky Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 07:21 AM EST

In the case of Coldplay vs Satriani I rule massive publicity stunt. Both Coldplay and Satriani gain columns of media attention and this will go nowhere. Both songs are significantly different in more ways than one. I can, off the top of my head, think of at least 4 bands / artisits who blatantly lift thier inspiration from barouque music and you dont see them all sue happy.

Albert Tue, Dec 16, 2008 at 05:19 AM EST

Coldplay has to convince a jury in court of no copyright infringement. Doesn't sound too good for the Brits. Joe Satriani most likely will win the suit and have justice. Home team wins.

Stalephreak Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 09:46 PM EST

Let's look at the similarities.
1)The key is the EXACT same
2)The Tempo is the EXACT same
3)The overall chordal harmonic structure is the EXACT same
4)The rhythmic structure has slight variations towards the end of phrases, but still falls mostly in line. (This works against Satch, but with the big three already working for him, Coldplaygarism is going to have a tough time on this one.)
5)The melodic phrase length is the EXACT same.
6)The melodic shape is the Exact same.

The purpose of copyright law is simple. Music is a business. I sure don't make music because I love making music, or it's fun. Practicing the same eFFIN riff for 3 hours straight isn't fun. It's a job. Satch just wants paid for his work. There's nothing wrong with that. You can crumb on sampling law all you want, but until your next meal technically rides on those laws...SHUT THE HECK UP. You're just some greasy punk who's panties are on too tight.

Eric Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 08:04 PM EST

btw, doug who commented before me is an ignorant fuckhead. HE is making an assumption and using random music terms he knows. mixolydian is a mode, minor is not mixolydian, and if you diss guitar players then go suck a dick

Eric Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 07:59 PM EST

I love satch, and i love coldplay, but in all honesty, the vocal melody sounds waaay too much like the guitar melody. Also, the chord progression is the same

Michele Sun, Dec 14, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

This joe needs a fat slap. He should take a leaf out of a-ha's book: when U2 released "Beautiful Day" there is part of the melody i.e. "Touch me, take me to that other place" which is a DIRECT copy of a-ha's "The sun always shines on tv". Did a-ha whinge and whine and squeal and sue U2? No, they behaved with dignity and made light of it - after all, publicity is great right esp when it is from great musicians? Esp in the case of joe - who god knows I've never even heard of before...

travis Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 11:02 PM EST

Joe Satriani isn't doing this for the money. This is about the principal. These guys at coldplay are claiming it a coincidence, but they have been using other peoples chops because they lack the talent required to actually make something that is there own.
and if there are people out there who believe that the wholesale copying of someones art is the only way that could be considered plagiarism. Take any writing class anywhere. And if you think that this case will ever go in the favor of coldplay, get ready for a surprise... If EMI and coldplay do not settle you may see joe satriani walking away with all the money those dudes made on Itunes.
And EMI only are claiming copyright over the youtube comparison with their artist and joe satriani show inconsistency in protecting their property from improper dissemination, when there is still a dearth of coldplay garbage still on youtube.

Satch fan Sat, Dec 13, 2008 at 03:44 PM EST

Regarding the "My Sweet Lord" law, that issue was a blatant note for note copy where here there are similarities with a couple of lines. Again, sorry Joe. You're a guitar God but c'mon now, sometimes a little nick is complementary. Peace baby.

Travis Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 08:03 PM EST

to anyone who thinks there are just a finite number of riffs melodies chorus...etc just give up on making music.
It is coldplays lack of tallent that leads me to believe they coppied Joe. EMI has clossed down the video comparison on youtube because people who liked coldplay were disgusted by the obvious plagerism. You can't tell me someone at EMI wasn't on imenent dammage controll over this.
And you boys from across the pond just playing this off as if you did nothing wrong because it wasn't intentional need to be spanked.

Dan Hebert Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 05:12 PM EST

I personally don't feel that this issue deserves a "so what" response. The term 'rif' is a downplayed term of individual composed music. These two 'rifs' are identical when played simultaneously. To think that Coldplay had never heard Joe Saturani's version is ridiculous.I hope they lose this lawsuit and it will deter other band or individuals from stealing other peoples material. Remember that 'Huey Lewis and the News' won their lawsuit years ago with the song "I Want a New Drug' and the 'Ghostbusters' song and there was much less of a similarity between these two songs. Dan Hebert

Adrian R. Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

As both a practicing entertainment and intellectual property attorney (20+ years) and a musician/composer (30+ years) and not a big fan of either CP or JS, I have to say that the author does not understand US copyright law (and that Scott above is mostly correct in his analysis). The test for infringement is substantial similarity, which does NOT require the two works be "identical". The requirement to show access diminishes as the degree of similarity increases. Where, as here, the main melodic and oft repeated phrase in the CP song is virtually identical (almost note for note, as the YouTube mix demonstrated conclusively - interesting that EMI had YouTube pull it down, no?), the access requirement can be met by inference. JS' attorneys will introduce as evidence the number of times I Could Fly was played on UK radio before the CP song was written and in my view that will suffice, given the clear substantial similarity here.
Free advise to CP/EMI - settle before going to trial.

Johnny C Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 10:11 AM EST

The author's implication that a song has to be copied wholesale, lyrics and all, before it can be found in breach of copyright is ridiculous.

This lawsuit has significant merit and should be brought to court. I'm not saying Joe should win (that's not for us to decide), but I think he has enough of a case where it should at least be reviewed and decided upon by objective observers.

Joe doesn't "need the money" as so many state. I'm a musician and I would do the same thing in his position. If you believe someone blatantly ripped you off, it's your responsibility to call that person out on it.

yourstruly Fri, Dec 12, 2008 at 10:07 AM EST

Are you kidding? Who could possibly defend Coldplay...for anything, ever? They are a horrible band, horrible human beings that stole music from one of the most humble characters, made millions off it, then tried to deny it as offensively as some English twitters can. Let this be the dagger in the heart of Coldplay and put them to rest in the tomb of the likes of Milli Vanilli, and that simpson sister. They suck enough said.

Doug Thu, Dec 11, 2008 at 01:27 AM EST

ha this is such a ridiculous lawsuit, but it doesn't surprise me coming from a guy who has made a career making money off the legacies of jimi hendrix, jimmy page, and jeff beck.

all guitarists are thieves and satch is no different. i'm sure he stole his melody that he "labored over for years" from some mixolydian minor handbook for guitar dweebs.

case closed!

Raf Katigbak Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 08:54 PM EST

Surely you don;t expect them to copy it note per note other wise that will be called a revival! the mere fact is the similarity is too striking to pass as a coincidence. From a guitarist's point of view, solos and improvs will be similar between many of us however, melodies and riffs like these are very definite and should be offlimits in terms of copying.

I don't believe that Joe Satriani is in it for the money. I think the poinit is he came up with the melody and just because coldplay is a more popular band, they get all the credit. To make things worse, they got Grammy nominations for it. I think any selfrespecting artist who is put in Joe's position will and should do the same thing. In order to urge artist to continue writing songs for the world to enjoy, we must protect their rights.

Nick Bell Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 07:32 PM EST

Its clear they ripped Joe off. Coming from a musician, this matter is Plagiarism! In school if you had to write a report about the solar system, and just copied the words out of the text, and even put a couple of your own in, You would get expelled! Its against copyright law, and the judge will see it clearly, I'm 100% confident that Joe will win this case.

G Dub Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 04:53 PM EST

I find this whole thing humorous. Check out this you tube video. It pretty much debunks Joe's argument. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1QNHJtFfr4U&eurl=http://www.coldplaying.com/forum/showthread.php?t=52681&feature=player_embedded

Katia Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 03:26 PM EST

I hear similarities too, but do I think they ripped him off? No. I also find it suspicious that this song/album was released in July and Satriani is just crying foul now. Would he care if it was a less-popular, less-acclaimed band? It seems like sour grapes to me.

meso soup Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 02:50 PM EST

Looks to me like Joe is in need of money - nothing more.

Wonder if he would do this if Coldplay did not have largest selling CD of 2008?

I guess I'm gayer than Joe's glamorized riffs cause I like Coldplay.

Jonathan Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 02:39 PM EST

So instrumental musicians are screwed basically. because they didn't manage to put any lyrics with their song they don't have any copyright privileges. If you listen to the mashup on youtube it is clear that the entire melody is stolen. even the instrumental "syllables" of the guitar solo are replicated in the vocal line of coldplay's song. i don't necessarily think it was malicious but at this point I hope satriani bankrupts the band and all involved simply to show Coldplay's idiot fans a thing or two.

Dan Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 12:54 PM EST

The entire melody is NOT the same.
The feel is different, the chord progression is similar, but not the same. The melody is different, the arrangement is different.

This law suit is bogus. Period.

Sadly, I think Satch needs some money or is just having some mental problems. Bummer..... he is quite talented.

JayLamm Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 12:37 PM EST

Guys, the entire melody is the same. And Simon (the guy that wrote this article) needs to consult with a lawyer before spouting off about what is "similar" and what is the "same."
Melodies are copyright and this is a copyright issue.
Coldplay is benefiting off a melody that is already under copyright.
People are saying "oh, it's similar for about two seconds." No, you can get away with ripping off a melody for about two seconds but not when your entire verse or chorus is based upon four measures of someone else's music.

Newsflash Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 10:49 AM EST

It isn't plagerism unless you intentionally copied it. Just because there are striking similarities for about 2 seconds of the song doesn't mean it's "obvious" they lifted the tune. Satriani is a whiner and all the people who bought his load of crap about laboring over that riff are saps too. Maybe he's just bitter that Coldplay made it a huge hit and it was nominated for 2 Grammies.

Re: Noel Duffy Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 10:40 AM EST

Noel Duffy - Perhaps you should learn to spell, type, and listen (um, a simple lyric check would do) before you tell us all how many "simialarities" there are between the two songs. All of these ridiculous armchair lawyers...

Liddy Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 10:38 AM EST

Well, George Harrison solved his problem by buying the song he accidentally ripped off. Coldplay's got enough money to do the same, should Joe whats-his-name decide to bring a lawsuit against them.

atrunk Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 10:32 AM EST

If you play the songs side by side, they fit perfectly. Its in the same key too. I think that Joe will win this. He wrote the song for his wife, and it holds some emotion to him. I don't blame him for suing.

John R. Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 10:10 AM EST

The hardest thing for Satriani will be to prove that Coldplay heard his song. Unlike "He's So Fine," it is hardly a well-known classic.

Noel Duffy Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 10:01 AM EST

Hi, I have listened to the Cold Play
Album non stop and have also been a Satriani Fan sin Surfing. I believe the integrity of both parties but Cold Play are going to loose this one. There are two many simialarities
and the production people and the the creator of the opening melody line
I used to Rule The World Seasons Rise when I gave the Word etc. are to ssimilar to ignore. Also the lyrics are very bonoesc "Now I sleep alone Sweep the Streets I used to Roam"
Brian Eno - Step away from the mixing desk and Come out with your hands up!

nosemuff Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 09:10 AM EST

I am amazed at the stupidity of people & in this case: Joe Satriani. Millions of songs have been written, and ,millions of riffs have been recorded. There are probably 15 more cases that are as similar to Viva La Vida as his. You would think he would be intelligent enough to realize this. Every time this comes up, it's some "has been" or "never was" artist that is bitter or resentful about their own careers. Please, just shut up & concentrate on creating your own masterpiece.

Bob Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 08:46 AM EST

Learn the difference between a riff and a melody then rewrite your piece.

Joe's melody is clearly in the Cold Play piece. No question. This is at the heart of the law suit.

MyName Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 07:28 AM EST

Hey, Simon Vozick-Levinson! i totally agree with you. You know what, if this were really a case, then Coldplay shouldn't be the only one who should be SUED. I bet each of us can name some songs from different artists which have similar melody, etc etc. So yeah i agree with you.

monique from long island Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 02:44 AM EST

Why don't Coldplay just do some lamea** "behind the music" special on how they wrote such a shi**y song.

i think satriani's a do**he for starting this thing, but coldplay come off as smug a**holes for trying to take the high road.

just tell us how you came up with such a g*y song as "viva la vida" and move on, losers!

Bob Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 10:44 PM EST

"No, I didn't copy Queen and David Bowie... My base line has an extra 'ding' at the end!"

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!

zachary Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 10:42 PM EST

Erin, the Verdes song is not even the same progression. It is made up of more minor chords, and the melody starts out kinda similar but changes completely after the first few notes... no where near the same as coldplay and satriani...

cat stevens isn't even the same either, progression similar, but melody totally different... come on.

Scott Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 10:38 PM EST

Copyright infringement requires actual copying of copyright protected material resulting in substantial similarity. To prove copying in fact, you either must have direct evidence of copying (very rare), or circumstantial evidence of copying. Circumstantial evidence can be either evidence of access or probative similarity. Access means an opportunity to view/hear the plaintiff's work (e.g., chain of custody, wide dissemination of the song or striking similarity). In this situation, the similarities between Coldplay's song and Satriani's are arguably strikingly similar. Indeed, less similar songs have been found to infringe other material. See Bright Tunes Music v. Harrisongs Music (finding George Harrison of the Beatles guilty of subconscious copyright infringement (never hearing the original song, but the songs are so similar as to constitute infringement)). If George Harrison can be found guilty, so too can Chris Martin and Co.

bob Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 10:21 PM EST

I liked the Cold Play version of that chord progression until I heard Satche's. Now I hate both Joe ruined it for me. If he spent years trying to come up with that he wasted his time as Cold Play is more artful and not just wanking.

samuel katzenbergison Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

coldplay sucks. give it to'em satch. ur a beast. i hope coldplay loses alot of money and doesnt win the grammy for that shitty ass song, on that shitty ass album

Multipass Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:48 PM EST

I seriously doubt coldplay had EVER heard that Joe Satriani song before this lawsuit. Even if they had, this melody is not particularly unique. Hundreds of songs use similar iterations. Neither coldplay nor Joe can lay claim to being very inventive artists. But what made Viva La vida such a huge hit was the unique production and imaginative lyrics depicting a downtrodden former king. Not to mention the song has an actual chorus as well. Hardly anything could be said about If I could Fly except that ole Joe begins confusing his dexterity with artistry after the first minute. He barely even uses that melody, being unable to contain himself from showing off his "skillz" -- which is the whole point of the song in my opinion. Melody is incidental at best in a Satriani song.

Lawsuit without merit.

Martin Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:44 PM EST

Its more than a riff. Coldplay stole the whole melody - the heart and soul of Satriani's tune.

ed Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:43 PM EST

Joe should Tour with COldplay..... that would be like a Peanut-butter and chocolate!
Who doesn't like Reeses Peanut Butter cups?!

Jughed Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:22 PM EST

Well I'd just like to bring up the fact that Joe Satriani's only good album was Surfing With the Alien. The rest of them sucked!

I think it's ridiculous that Coldplay would copy a Satch riff when they're already too busy copying other bands like U2!

I hate to admit it, but this is the correct response to Joe's allegations.

Sol Tue, Dec 9, 2008 at 09:19 PM EST

Does that mean I can record "You aint nothing but a hound dog" as long as I change the rest of the song on guitar??? I think this would open up a can of worms if Cold Play wins. It's plagiarism no matter how you look at it..