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Viva La Lawsuit
Although “Viva La Vida” is one of Coldplay’s most successful songs to date, guitarist virtuoso Joe Satriani isn’t too pleased with the tune and filed suit against the British band Dec. 4, claiming they plagiarized one of his songs.
In the lawsuit, Satriani claims “Viva La Vida” incorporates “substantial original portions” of his 2004 instrumental “If I Could Fly.” He is seeking a jury trial, damages and “any and all profits” attributable to the alleged copyright infringement, according to Reuters.
Photo: AP Photo
Chris Martin scurries around the set and into the audience during Coldplay’s Grammy Awards performance at the Staples Center In Los Angeles.
The song in question is credited to all four Coldplay members – singer Chris Martin; bass player Guy Berryman; guitarist Johnny Buckland; and drummer Will Champion. A painting by Mexican artist Frida Kahlo is said to have inspired the Coldplay song’s title.
“If I Could Fly” comes from Satriani’s Is There Love in Space? album.
Photo: Rod Tanaka / tanakaphoto.net
Guitar Center, Englewood, Colo.
The day before being slammed with the lawsuit, Coldplay received seven Grammy nominations, including record of the year for “Viva La Vida.” The band’s first album in three years, Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends, was nominated for album for the year.
The band was second only to Lil’ Wayne in nominations.
At the World Music Awards in November, Coldplay was recognized as the world’s biggest-selling music act of the year. The album has sold 1.9 million copies to date.
Satriani isn’t the only to accuse Coldplay of stealing tunes.
In June, Brooklyn band Creaky Boards accused the Coldplay, via YouTube, of copying their song, “Songs I Didn’t Write,” after Chris Martin attended one of the band’s shows.
Coldplay replied that its tune was written long before Martin attended the lesser-known band’s concert.