Coldplay Deny Copyright Allegations

10 December 2008

Coldplay have denied allegations that their hit song 'Viva La Vida' rips off a Joe Satriani instrumental, after Satriani filed a copyright lawsuit against them.

Satriani is apparently seeking damages and "any and all profits" earned by Coldplay from the sale of the song, claiming that a substantial part of the music is copied from his song 'If I Could Fly'. He also want trial by jury!

Coldplay have posted a statement on their website denying the allegations, as follows:

"With the greatest respect to Joe Satriani, we have now unfortunately found it necessary to respond publicly to his allegations. If there are any similarities between our two pieces of music, they are entirely coincidental, and just as surprising to us as to him."

"Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write or have any influence on the song 'Viva La Vida'. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurance of this and wish him well with all future endeavours. Coldplay".

Here are the two songs put against each other... what do you think?