Coldplay responds to Satriani plagiarism accusation

Back in December, we reported that guitarist Joe Satriani was accusing Coldplay of plagiarizing his song, "If I Could Fly," with their undeniably catchy, monster hit, "Viva La Vida." Some of you responded saying it was all a coincidence. Why would a well-respected group like Coldplay copy Satriani, who, according to one reader, only "those stupid kids who suck at guitar" listen to regularly?

Back in those days, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin had nothing but nice things to say of Satriani, calling him "a great musician" and insisting that the whole matter was "entirely coincidental." But as myFOXla.com reports now, the battle between the two parties is escalating, Coldplay and its lawyers saying Satriani's song doesn't even deserve protection because it "lacks originality." So, they're basically saying that because the song blows in the first place, it doesn't deserve shielding of the law. Fair enough.

But that's a straw man's argument, says Satriani's lawyer Howard E. King, replying that this sort of response is "typical" in copyright infringement cases. According to King, Satriani would like this matter settled out of court, but Coldplay isn't ready to budge.

Again, we present to you all the original evidence, plus the shocking/hilarious Imeem mashup that could've started the whole debacle. Decide for yourself. Enjoy!

Exhibit A (posted in late-October 2008):

Exhibit B (May 2008):

Exhibit C (April 2004):

Related links:
News: Joe Satriani accuses Coldplay of plagiarizing "Viva La Vida"
News: Coldplay announces more summer dates
News: All Points West 2009 line-up features Coldplay, Tool, more

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