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Did Coldplay copy Joe Satriani?
More 'evidence' on Viva La Vida
Michael Leonard, Mon 30 Jun 2008, 10:52 am BST
Poor Chris Martin. He's been sitting pretty at the top of album and singles charts the world over in recent weeks, and yet he's still suffering accusations from inventive YouTubers suggesting his best-selling songs are rip-offs.
First came a fine piece of self-publicity by Brooklyn indie band Creaky Boards, who suggested Martin had come to see them and copied their song The Songs I Didn't Write for Coldplay's Number 1 single Viva La Vida.
No one quite believed Creaky Boards, as it soon emerged that Coldplay had demo'd Viva La Vida by the time Martin went to the Creaky Boards gig.
But now things get stranger. Now some wag is suggesting Coldplay's real source of inspiration might be shaven-headed rock guitar instrumentalist Joe Satriani, and that Viva La Vida copies Satriani track If I Could Fly. At least this track was released in 2004, way before Martin and co would have written Viva La Vida. But does anyone really believe Chris Martin even listens to Joe Satriani? Or maybe it's Creaky Boards who are the closet Satriani fans, and they're the culprits?
There's a mashup of Coldplay and Satriani doing the rounds already, and while it seems preposterous the two are related by anything other than coincidence – neither tune is the most melodically unusual, after all - songs have ended up in lawyers' hands for less.
After all, where there's a hit there's a writ…
5 December update: Joe Satriani sues Coldplay.
User comments (6)
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Both artists are quite talented and the similarities are definitely there. As a guitarist/musician, I am sure Jonny Buckland has heard of Satriani whether he's a fan or not. Chris Martin has his ear to the ground as well and whether or not if Satriani, Vai, Morse or Bonamassa are on his playlist, there's no denying their talent are both revered and respected. My ten year old is continually creating pieces he thinks are original but the last piece turned out to be Hendrix's 'New Rising Sun' with a piece of Frusciante's 'Scar Tissue'. Now is Satch had words that were borrowed as well then we'd be able to fuss but please. Purely coincidental and what makes a great sound is when you borrow a hook and make it your own!!!
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NO NO NO ! Infact joe satriani ripped this tune from numerous 80s songs from foreign countries .Type "more on satriani v coldplay" into you tube and hear it for your self.Joe I love ya bro but your a hypocrite and this makes you look like an ass.
Now he claims it took him 10 years to write the song.Bullshit Joe.You use that line to get out of being sued from the other artists, who still had it out there 10 years before that.Swallow your pride Satch heads .Shred is dead and Cold play rule!.As much as i don't like cold play but am a fan of viva la vida.If you can sell 50 million records you must be doing something right.Lets face it Every song written can be linked some how to every other song.Whats next .I'm waiting for when a drummer sues for someone using the 4 by 4 beat which he used in some pop song.Although there are similarities they are different songs. I rest my case BOOM! -
sorry ... the cold play lover......
but I ve to say honestly that...cold play copied 100% from 'if i could fly'....!!!!!
i wonder.....why they did it..............
Joe Satriani is a legend....so its a honour for cold play that ...they copied him... -
Satriani's song sounds more like 80's hit "Hearts" by Marty Balin. Mater of fact the main he flat out ripped that songs melody off. Maybe he should be the one getting sued.
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it cannot be any coincidence. it's stupid to think that viva la vida has the same melody as IF I COULD FLY by coincidence!!! chris martin heard IF I COULD FLY and stole it
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"coincidence"? Get real. These guys should play the lottery with that kind of luck. "neither tune is the most melodically unusual, after all "-Coincidences after 4 bars are anything but. Thanks.
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