I think it lies on an intent to steal, which we certainly have never done and never would. American electric guitar whizz Joe Satriani is already suing Chris Martin and friends, claiming that the melody to Viva La Vida is stolen from If I Could. Oh, I know exactly where the song ‘Viva La Vida’ came from. Joe Satrianis lawsuit against the band Coldplay, based on his claim that Chris Martin and co plagiarized his 2004 song If I Could Fly for their 2008 single Viva La Vida, has been dismissed from court. And there are probably about 12,000 songs that feature the exact same chord progression. Martin then explained that he hadn’t stolen the song and could remember precisely how he wrote it. Everything about it is so different from other hits.
“There are only eight notes in an octave and no one owns them. Cat Stevens Now the Third Person to Write Viva La Vida Before ColdplayFollowing similar claims by guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani and Brooklyn band the Creaky. (Other than Coldplay haters who say they hate Viva La Vida because they find enjoyment out of hating Coldplay, of course.) Viva La Vida is so recognizable, so original, so powerful and all around good in every way, compared to any other song. the successful songs that seem to be the ones that are accused of being stolen. “There are elements of our music that I’ve heard in other people’s music but it’s kind of… I don’t know,” the drummer reflects. Coldplay Drummer Speaks Out About 'Viva La Vida' Claims. So, you go figure it out.”Ĭhampion feels the matter is very subjective, and agreed with the interviewer that similarities can found between so many different songs, especially if you’re listening for them. “So, we accept that it’s part of the territory and know it is only for some reason, God only knows why, the successful songs that seem to be the ones that are accused of being stolen. “It’s tough when people accuse you of stealing something when you know that you didn’t,” he says. In an interview with, Coldplay drummer Will Champion addresses the most recent plagiarism claim from Yusuf, humbly defending the band and what has become a massive radio hit.
With a pending lawsuit already filed by Joe Satriani and Yusuf (the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens) waiting anxiously on the sidelines to see how that court case fleshes out, it’s as if everyone’s laying claim to Coldplay’s infectious “Viva la Vida.” Satch thinks the song sounds litigiously similar to “If I Could Fly,” and Yusuf believes the band used his 1973 tune “Foreigner Suite” for inspiration.