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Posted by: opeth.db Dec 8 2008, 08:47 PM

Joe Satriani speaks about Coldplay lawsuit
A MusicRadar exclusive interview

Joe Bosso, Sun 7 Dec 2008, 9:58 pm UTC


Joe Satriani speaks exclusively to MusicRadar about suing Coldplay

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As previously reported on MusicRadar, Joe Satriani is suing Coldplay, claiming the UK band's Grammy-nominated song Viva La Vida uses one of his melodies.

In court papers filed on 4 December 2008, Satriani's legal team alleges Viva La Vida, the title track of Coldplay's current album, copies "substantial original portions" of his song If I Could Fly.

Satriani's song was included on his 2004 album Is There Love In Space?

Speaking exclusively to MusicRadar on 6 December, Joe Satriani recalls the exact emotion he felt when he first heard Coldplay's Viva La Vida.

"The second I heard, I knew..."
"I felt like a dagger went right through my heart. It hurt so much," Satriani says. "The second I heard it, I knew it was [my own] If I Could Fly."

As it turned out, Satriani wasn't the only one who noticed the similarity between If I Could Fly and Viva La Vida.

"Almost immediately, from the minute their song came out, my e-mail box flooded with people going, 'Have you heard this song by Coldplay? They ripped you off man.' I mean, I couldn't tell you how many e-mails I received.

"Everybody noticed the similarities between the songs. It's pretty obvious." Joe Satriani "Everybody noticed the similarities between the songs. It's pretty obvious. It's as simple as that - when you listen to a song and you say, 'Wow, that's a real rip-off.'"

What makes the situation especially painful for Satriani is that If I Could Fly isn't just any song. It's a composition he'd been laboring over for well over 10 years before he recorded it.

"I started writing it on the Flying In A Blue Dream tour back in 1990. But because of the way I write, sometimes songs take a while, as this one did. In 2003 I started demoing it in earnest. I played it on the acoustic guitar on a demo so I could sing the melody, then I demoed it on electric to get the sound. And the performance turned out to be so spontaneous, so right and so emotional, that it wound up being a keeper."




Joe Satriani is suing Coldplay, alleging Viva La Vida uses his melody from If I Could Fly

Satriani feels "really hurt"
Since If I Could Fly came out in 2004, Satriani has been gratified by the reaction it's received from his fans, many of whom have called it one of his most captivating songs.

"That was the intent all along," he says. "It was a love letter to my wife, Rubina – a simple, direct expression of feeling.

"That's what really hurts about this whole thing. That I spent so long writing the song, thinking about it, loving it, nursing it, and then finally recording it and standing on stages the world over playing it - and then somebody comes along and plays the exact same song and calls it their own."

"Coldplay didn't want to talk about it. They just wanted this whole thing to go away." Joe Satriani
Since it was announced on 4 December 2008 that Satriani is suing Coldplay for alleged plagiarism, seeking a jury trial and "any and all profits" connected to Viva La Vida, his life has been turned upside down.

"This has been the weirdest thing I've ever been involved in," he says. "The media attention has been bizarre and surreal. I really can't explain how I've felt over the past day or two."

"I did everything I could to avoid a court case"
Satriani stresses that his motives are ruled by artistic purity and an overriding sense of right and wrong.

"Everybody's assumes I'm trying to go after these guys in Coldplay, as if I'm doing this with malice," he says "That's the furthest thing from my mind. I'm just doing what I need to do as an artist, to protect what's mine, to protect those feelings I put down in song.

"I did everything I could to avoid a court case with this situation. But Coldplay didn't want to talk about it. They just wanted this whole thing to go away. Maybe they figured this little guitar player guy will leave them alone after a while, I don't know.

"But we're talking about a piece of art that I created, and that's something I feel is important. I think everybody should feel that way."

And now, Satriani's team will ask a jury to decide.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 08:52 PM

I felt really hurt reading that lol. What an arse he is. So it is down to him. I knew it would be. What a scum bag.

Wonder if he'll cry in court

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 08:54 PM

Arse? I would act the same way. Coldplay stole some of Satriani´s feelings and thoughts by rearranging his song. That´s really criminal.

Posted by: fatb0t Dec 8 2008, 08:55 PM

I'm surprised the tool from Coldplay could even play a Satch song...

Posted by: Capt.Z Dec 8 2008, 08:56 PM

I agree with Tolek. I would be ridiculously pissed if someone stole what I worked hard to create...

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 08:56 PM

No Satriani says they did. But he is a lying idiot. I hope he loses and has to pay all court costs. It'd be great. Hopefully he loses his house and life the whinging moron. This really annoys me. I hate people taking others to court over nothing.

Posted by: Capt.Z Dec 8 2008, 09:00 PM

Satriani is a hero!! He deserves to win on something as clearly plagerized (If thats a word...)
as this...

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:00 PM

That´s not a good approach to other people. :S Never wish other people misfortune.
Imagine somebody stole and sold your guitar. You surely wouldn´t accept this. You would try to get it back with the help of police or your own fist.
Satriani does the same thing by acting juridically. That´s the only legal way to get fairness back.

Posted by: DeepRoots Dec 8 2008, 09:00 PM

Nothing?

...you did hear the songs, right?

I'd do the same in his position- it's a rip-off. I will watch with a smile as coldplay lose their "reputation" because of this case.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:01 PM

The thing is it isn't. He is hardly going to come out and say it isn't copied is he after kicking up a big fuss.

It's not even remotely similar. He can play his guitar track over a song. WOW. They aren't playing his guitar line.

Posted by: Canis Dec 8 2008, 09:01 PM

I'm with Joe on this one... If someone took one of my creations (even though they're not much to brag about at this time, really...) I would feel violated as well

Allthough, the "It really hurts.. It hurts..." Was a bit over the top to keep repeating..
I hope he win the case

Posted by: Guitarman700 Dec 8 2008, 09:02 PM

This is all BS, Satch needs to chill out, This whole thng is so stupid, it blows my mind, the melody is slightly similar, but they DID NOT "Rip him off'. Some people...
Edit: the " his life has been turned upside down" line, is just too much. who wrote this crap?

Posted by: DeepRoots Dec 8 2008, 09:03 PM

You're right.





They're singing it.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:03 PM

I heard them and they don't copy the guitar. And as I've said countless times there aren't many possibilities in music. Just because he can play his guitar part over another song doesn't mean it's copied. They don't play his guitar part. I really hope Satriani loses and I detest Coldplay

Posted by: Capt.Z Dec 8 2008, 09:04 PM

That's even worse

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:05 PM

I see what you mean, guys, but I still have another view. The whole affair is stupid, yes. Who raised the quarrel? Coldplay... by stealing the same chord progression, rhythm, flair and even melody from "If I could fly".

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:07 PM

Joe Satriani is just jealous that Coldplay make millions more than him. It's a shame Satch has to stoop to this level. He should be ashamed.

When is the court case?

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:12 PM

Wouldn´t you be really angry if someone made a lot of money with your ideas? You say that there aren´t many possibilites in music. You are so wrong! Music exists for as along as the human lives (nearly) and there are so many songs which aren´t similiar. And there are still a lot more styles, chord progressions, chords, rhythms, melodies,... to be played/composed.
Joe Satriani is 52. His life entirely consists of making music. He collected a lot of experience, sweated from hard work. "If I could fly" was written from 1990 until 2004. 14 years... Now, there are Coldplay who take the character of Satriani´s song for few minutes and rearrange it and make millions.

Posted by: DeepRoots Dec 8 2008, 09:16 PM

Don't know, but i'm sure that on that day- all the coldplay fans will rejoice, as i'm sure that Satriani won't win.

I may agree with his decision, agree with his case- but he wants a jury...

...a jury that will probably have difficulty telling the difference between the sound of a drum set and a piano.



Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:17 PM

You're falling for his rubbish. Lets hope the jury don't.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:18 PM

I don´t think that it is impossible to hear a difference between those songs. Satriani´s song is much older that Coldplay´s one. That´s the most significant reason for Satriani to win. I wish him all the best.

Posted by: Bondy Dec 8 2008, 09:19 PM

OC go to anger management you have issues with great guitatist's!! You are way to harsh on Satch; tone it down a little we all know you don't agree with him, you seem one step away from swearing.

Posted by: Rooks Dec 8 2008, 09:20 PM

OC

I'm sure you would feel very different about that situation if it was your song that you worked hard to create.. That someone would just steal and make their own.. and they obviously did anyone can tell.. Would'nt it annoy you if you showed me a piece that you made, and I took credit for it?

but everyone his own opinion

And about Joe whining and being emotional. That is nearly coldheartet in american celebrity terms ^^

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:20 PM

I just like him and his music and I admire his results of hard work. He deserves fairness. Everybody does.


Bondy and Rook: Great posts.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:26 PM

I never swear. I'm a good boy lol

F******************************* Moron

haha. Hopefully that is allowed in a joking context like this. I get angry when I think personally that somebody is conning somebody. He is turning on the waterworks and saying oh this is my life and 10 years of my soul just to impress the jury but unfortunately I think Coldplay have enough money to get rid of Satriani if they wanted to But I'm sure it wont come to that. Any jury can tell it isn't copied.


Muse copied one of my songs I created a song 5 years ago and have proof and the galloping horse style drum beat from the start of Knights Of Cydonia as in when there is no guitar is copied from my song exactly and I have proof I did it long ago in one of my songs but I don't lose sleep over it. Life carries on. I prefer there song lol It's a weird one where the drum beat is the most important part in a song in a section but I doubt they'd do anything about it because nobody cares about drums being similar it seems.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:27 PM

Haha.

I am not sure that we are talking about the same song. Check it out again: http://"%20%20*click*

It seems to me that you like people who are stealing. Especially, if they have enough money to get rid of their enemy. That´s so criminal...

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:30 PM

That was a joke lol. I like conspiracy theories

I doubt Coldplay could bake a cake let alone steal a song. Or hire somebody

It seems it's me against the world but we'll see when it comes to trial

Posted by: Fsgdjv Dec 8 2008, 09:30 PM

I'd personally be honored, but then realise that it probably was a coincidence and move on. It's a shame Satriani did not do that.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:31 PM

Ok.
I think it´s easier to steal a song than to compose one.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:36 PM

But is it easier than baking a cake

Posted by: Matt23 Dec 8 2008, 09:37 PM

Although if I do think it's wrong if Coldplay did deliberately copy Satriani's song, I still hope Satriani loses. I don't think Coldplay deliberately copied the song either because if they did they wouldn't have done it so blatently, they would have at least changed the key and the tempo a bit. I find quite a lot I can make up a song and then realise later it's something I heard recently.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:39 PM

Buffoon.



That´s possible, but I still don´t want Satriani to lose. Maybe Coldplay had very bad luck when composing the song.

Posted by: opeth.db Dec 8 2008, 09:44 PM

Posted by: Iluha Dec 8 2008, 09:45 PM

Man, just shut the hell up.

I don't mind you being upfront, I encourage it, but now you'r just acting like an idiot, think before you write something, and if what you want to write is hurtful, refrain yourself from click the "post reply" button.

About the article, glad to finally know more details about this, Satriani is known for giving alot of thought and feeling into his songs, so I 100% believe him when he says it took him 10 years to write it completly, and if I was in his position I would do the same thing and sue them.

Just think about it, in his eyes, it seems as if you were to draw the Mona Lisa and call it your own work.

Posted by: kjutte Dec 8 2008, 09:52 PM

What the F are you talking about man?
That's some retarded stuff you just said.

Of course he is pissed when someone rips off his song.
Satriani is a very emotional player, he is proud of his work, and has reason to be.
Coldplay shouldn't steal other's ideas, and especially not to profit off.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 09:53 PM

It was aimed at Satriani not you. Sorry if you got the wrong impression.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 09:55 PM

OMG. These two songs have big similarties but are not the same. I think the thing with "If I could fly" and "Viva la Vida" is obvious.
Look: everybody know the popular I-IV-V progression. There is an uncountable number of songs using that progression and only some of them are similar. Take for instance "La Bamba" (C-F-G = I-IV-V) and "Sonate L 430" by Scarlatti which is a classical piece (E-A-B = I-IV-V). Both share the same progression but are so different.

Posted by: Iluha Dec 8 2008, 09:57 PM

I didn't get the wrong impression, you shouldn't post any hurtful posts about musicians, just like I don't go around posting hate posts about "The Killers" or other bands I may not like.

Fact is you have no idea how he feels, you have no way of knowing it, suing them is his choice, and you don't have to agree with it, but you can't diss him about it, that's not democracy, that's idiocracy.

If you really feel the urge to post such hateful posts, than please go to Ultimate-Guitar.com or any other free forum, and post you'r thoughts there, this is a forum which I don't expect to read such things in.

Posted by: Duncan Dec 8 2008, 09:59 PM

With that argument you're pretty much dismissing anyone who is on Satch's side as well. No one has a way of knowing what Satriani is feeling so OC could be right.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 10:01 PM

If he got emails when the song came out in May 2008 why did he wait till December 08 to file complaints? I don't expect to read hateful comments towards me from you but I am doing. I'm just saying my opinion. If you can't live with my opinion then I think you need to be elsewhere. Everybody has there own thoughts and feelings. Just because mine don't echo yours doesn't mean I am wrong.

I'm being hurtful to him because this is very suspect. VERY VERY Suspect. I'm not saying anything about his music even though I'm not a fan of his music or Coldplay so I feel I offer a neutral view.

Posted by: Fran Dec 8 2008, 10:02 PM

Chill out guys!!
I still think both Coldplay and Satch should go touring together, end of the story

Now, can we all please relax

Posted by: opeth.db Dec 8 2008, 10:03 PM

I think OC what hes getting at is that you are hurting people that love Satch (Insert Any Guitar Player Name Here). You are doing it in a very indirect way. Even myself look up to him and are playing guitar because of him. I mean I bought Ibanez because of him. He's the main reason why I love music the way I do. He's the main reason I get emotional when I hear sweet licks made by any guitar player.

Attacking him the way you are is very disrespectful to many people at this site including myself.
Especially at a site called guitarmasterclass.net I cnonsider him a master in the masterclass.net"

Everybody has a right to share their opinion but your seems to have malice for some reason.

No disrespect toward you man but I consider him my guitar hero. He has every right to do what he is doing. Thats why the justice system was created. If he loses, so be it.

Posted by: Stevie·Ray·Vaughn Dec 8 2008, 10:04 PM

I'm actually doing a project on this right now in school and came across this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3kytzHrKpo

C'mon If youre gonna try and tell me that they aren't similar you have got to be kidding

Hats off to Satch

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 10:05 PM

But it's alright to disrespect Coldplay? Look back through the posts and see how many have dissed Coldplay in this.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 10:05 PM

Our new Fran:

Would be the best solution... Coldplay should excuse and give Satriani a compensation. After all, a tour would be awesome.

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 10:08 PM

People get upset at me dissing Satriani for something that looks very suspect but people are allowed to diss Coldplay because they aren't guitar masters. It just annoys me. Somebody should stand up for them and I dislike both peoples music so I like to think I'm neutral on this matter.

Posted by: Fran Dec 8 2008, 10:09 PM

How did you get that old picture of mine? I thought I had burnt 'em all?

Posted by: opeth.db Dec 8 2008, 10:12 PM

I want some pie.

Posted by: Stevie·Ray·Vaughn Dec 8 2008, 10:13 PM

There is, however, a difference between saying you dislike an artist, and calling an artist an idiot

Posted by: Iluha Dec 8 2008, 10:13 PM

I didn't say OC is wrong, the only thing I'm saying is there's a way to express you'r opinion in a coltural way.

OC, Satriani explaind himself why it took him so long, they tried settling the matter out of court, now I don't if you'r aware how how busy he is, but since his album came out in april, he's been preety much touring and doing other projects non-stop, so a matter like this will take him a long time to attend.

But again, this isn't the point, my point is that you'r being extremely volgur and disrespectful, and there's no room for that.
You could have easily said "I disagree with his claim, I don't think coldplay stole his music", but instead you wrote stuff such as and I quote "I hope he loses and has to pay all court costs. It'd be great. Hopefully he loses his house and life the whinging moron".

Even if I wasn't such a big fan of him, I would have gotten offended by the things you wrote in you'r posts here and the first thread.

And how can you say you'r speaking from a neutral position when you write such hate crap about the man?! that's not a neutral position, a neutral position is if you say: " Just let them work it between themselves, it's none of my buisness".

And for the record, I never attacked Coldplay, closest thing to that is that I said that if I was in Satch's position and had as a belief as he does, that my song, which I worked on for T E N years, was copied, that I would do anything to get justice. In fact I rather like Coldplay.

Posted by: Tolek Dec 8 2008, 10:13 PM

I actually like "Viva la Vida" and some other songs of them.


I´m very clever.

Posted by: audiopaal Dec 8 2008, 10:14 PM

You don't like The Killers?
What is wrong with you???

They should sue you for hurting their reputation!!!



J/K, I agree with Satriani here.. I thought the songs were srikingly similar actually!

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 10:22 PM

That would be a passive neutal. I am an aggressive neutral

I'm not trying to annoy people with this. When I feel strongly about somethings I probably go a bit far as most probably know. I don't believe this case warrants Coldplay being sued but if you look at the past I think some people have had to pay money when their song isn't as similar as these two and some haven't had to pay money when they have been much similar to these two. I think a line needs to be drawn to say what is copying and how do you know? There are millions of songs out there from hundreds of thousands of artists. How can you truly say you haven't got a riff that is the exact same as somebody else?

Simply. You can't. I can just see where this will head. Everybody sueing everybody over minor things and it will get more and more silly.

Posted by: Jose Mena Dec 8 2008, 10:22 PM

I heard it, the melody is the same, about that stuff that his life is upside down, and it really hurts, I think it is too much. I mean if it was me, I would be saying, yes I want the money, they are making millions of my song, and that is not right.

Don't get me wrong, I am a Satriani fan, but it seems that saying it really hurts and all that other stuff is more like trying to convince you that it is not about the money.

Posted by: opeth.db Dec 8 2008, 10:26 PM

Congrats, you have just managed to say "the man is an idiot and you hope he loses all his money" in a nice way.

Now how about that pie!



Totally agree there. That PR for ya!

Posted by: Iluha Dec 8 2008, 10:27 PM

Again, you'r missing my point, It's not about you'r opinion, it's about how you'r puting it, there's a proper way to say things, without the need to be rude. anything rude you write, can hurt someone's feelings, even if not directed at them, like in this case where alot of people here hold great respect to Satriani, they(and me too) are offended when you start wishing "His house to be taken away".

Do you understand what I'm talking about? it's not what you'r opinion is, is how you express it.

Posted by: enforcer Dec 8 2008, 10:42 PM

Man I really agree with satriani here. Coldplay may or may not be aware of existence of If I could fly and accidents may happen, but if these accidents happen to hurt rights of the people, now at that point there will be a legal consequence for that.

Ofcourse Satriani sues Coldplay for money, and I am sure with zillions of his beautiful songs he could care less about that incident but that is not the point. The point is he has the right to sue and win if the court agrees with him and there we have nothing to say.

For those who mentions "a little similarity" I strongly suggest you to watch these related you tube videos.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVeqjZEzvYk

Posted by: kjutte Dec 8 2008, 10:44 PM

I can't believe this argument. Ripping off other's lifework is retarded, no matter how one sees it.

Posted by: Gus Dec 8 2008, 11:29 PM

I really love Coldplay music and I really love satch's music.

@OC The moment we start to express ourselves with any words in GMC forum, this place will become as any other internet forum. And then me and probably 80% of people would just leave, so take more care with what you are writing

I understand that the main point that pisses you off is that in your view Satch waited really long just until the song gets indication to prizes and therefore you think it's all for the money. Well, long ago I read an interview of Joe Satriani where he was telling that he had a moment in his life where he could choose doing instrumental music or more pop music (music with vocals). Therefore when I just read this interview now I fully believe he is into this more because he felt stolen than for gaining money.

As for outcome, as someone said, I would be really glad if they just play together at the grammy and Joe get an agreement for part of the money...

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 8 2008, 11:39 PM

Unfortunately Gus I don't understand what you are getting at with the comment. We have to express ourselves with words on GMC as we can't express ourselves any other way. It's a forum of words.

And if people can't voice their opinion then this site doesn't take into account people's opinion clearly but I know that isn't the case so you let me have my opinion and you have yours. Just because I am backing Coldplay in this doesn't mean I'm wrong. Please let me have a voice.

Posted by: Gus Dec 9 2008, 12:19 AM

What I am trying to say is that when we write something we should take care not to sound offensive, and when I was fully reading the thread some of your posts sounded offensive (and apparently I was not the only to get that impression).
When someone is speaking something, we understand all the nuances of the intonation which clearly give us interpretation of what the person really wants to say. In written language it is not the same. Even with emotions Therefore, one has to take more care with the choice of words, otherwise one will get bad interpretations.

I do let you have your opinion and I even agree with a part of it: I don't think that the timing chosen for suing Coldplay is a coincidence.

Actually, the fact that some of your posts sounded a little bit offensive to me, made it harder for me to understand what was exactly your thinking.

Posted by: kjutte Dec 9 2008, 12:27 AM

I agree to this principle, but it's still stupid to rip off others.

Posted by: Jarl Emil Dec 9 2008, 12:27 AM

This has gotten out of control, i mean a "healthy" discussion is alright about a certain subject but when you start attacking each other on a personal level i think it has gotten to far. Its a case between Joe Satriani and Coldplay i think they are grown enough to handle it on their own(though i must say i agree with Satch) You can hate me all for saying this, but that is just my side of it.

Posted by: FrankW Dec 9 2008, 12:40 AM

There was nothing phony or contrived about anything Satch said in those articles. Anybody that is a fan of Satch, has read his interviews, and has watched him on tv, or the computer, knows that the guy is a spiritual, emotional musician...and a nice guy. He takes his music seriously and, because of the laws of copyright protection, he owns his music. That's the way copyrights work.

What that means, for some people that just don't get it, is that this whole thing is not about money, but about the blatant ripoff of a melody close to the mans' heart, as he said in the articles. He owns that particular melody, in the context of how it was written and performed. How is that so hard to understand? It really does sound like Coldplay blatantly ripped him off.

If the courts find that this was the case, and I'll bet they will, he's entitled to exact punitive damages as a result. That's supposed to teach you not to steal other artists' music. How anyone can translate that into Satch being wrong or a bad guy is beyond me.

Posted by: Daniel Robinson Dec 9 2008, 01:11 AM

I am really on the fence about this issue, i am not sure their was any intent or malice on Coldplay's part.

But at the same time how do you define intellectual property when it comes to music. Anyone here who has published or copyrighthed material in the past knows that you cannot copyright drum beats, or chord progressions, what you are really copyrighting is delivery and theme. Under this definition there is definately something to Joe Satriani's claim.

It is very possible that this was an oversight by Coldplay in that they sub-conciously picked it up without realization of where it came from and now that its known, and the damage done what can be done?

What i mean by the previous statements...as an example. I woke up a few days ago and felt inspiration for something, i started writing this riff and it was coming out really kewl....my brother came into the room and i showed him what i was working on..he was like...um thats this song by this artist he played it for me on some music channel thing he subscribes to. I was like WTF, he said he had been jamming to it earlier, i probably heard it while i was sleeping in the next room and had no idea it wasnt my idea.

Ultimately though Joe Satriani is in his right to try and take it to court, where it will lead who knows...all i know is that i can't say anyone is to blame at this point. There are just no facts aside from the songs themselves.

Daniel

Posted by: Eat-Sleep-andJam Dec 9 2008, 01:26 AM

Ahh Idk. Whos to say Coldplay did this as a total accident? Whos to say they knew all along what they were doing and wrote it to the exact melody of Satchs song ?

Enough arguing. Let the court decide....

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 9 2008, 01:44 AM

The more I listen to it the more and more I think it's rubbish but that's me. It is nothing alike. They don't do the guitar solo and his vocals only match up with some of the guitar notes. That isn't ripping somebody off and I'm sure they'll come to the right decision and throw it out but I think Coldplay will probably just slip him some money and tell him to shut up because Coldplay have the money to do it and they probably don't want to go to court for a decision that is based really on opinion rather than fact.

I also read that it has to be proved that they knew about the song by Satch and also that the song copies it which should be impossible to do so I hope it gets thrown out. We'll see

Posted by: JVM Dec 9 2008, 01:48 AM

You have a way with words sir. The main thing that puts me squarely on Joe's side now is that he did attempt to talk to coldplay and settle this out of court, but they wouldn't talk to him. Knowing Joe, he probably would have accepted a simple recognition by the band and maybe songwriting credit on the single.

Posted by: Sami Dec 9 2008, 01:56 AM

i would just like to throw in there that its most likely sacth's LABEL that incited this. They hound for cases like this, so be wary when you put ALL the blame on sacth.
*an unbias view from sami arefin*
*puts up flame sheild*

Posted by: rokchik Dec 9 2008, 01:57 AM

Reading through this topic I see that there is a rather lively debate flowing, which is great. However, in saying that, we do need to take care when writing, as it is easy for misunderstandings to take place and offense to be taken. GMC is a great place, and a good debate done in a friendly manner makes things very interesting, so please be respectful of everyone and their opinions regardless of if you agree or not.

One of the greatest assets to the GMC forum is the civility we show one another... please keep this in mind as it is getting kind of hot in here.

rokchik

on behalf of the moderating team

Posted by: OrganisedConfusion Dec 9 2008, 01:58 AM

Coldplay have every right to ignore him if they think they are false claims. Basically saying take it to court or leave us alone. This case has got settled out of court to shut joe up or joe losing i am afraid. He has chosen a jury because he thinks he can con them with his whinging and crying. Its quite clear

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Dec 9 2008, 02:39 AM

That's quite enough for now - lets try this again in the morning when we have all calmed down ...

Posted by: Andrew Cockburn Dec 9 2008, 01:26 PM

Ok, its open again - be nice!

Posted by: inertia Dec 9 2008, 06:28 PM

Yeah but maybe Satch is an emotional guy, not all guys are super macho. Plus he spent 10 years on it, I can't imagine something I spent that long created was exploited by other people. I don't think saying he is hurt by it is wrong at all, maybe that's actually how he feels, nothing wrong with that.

Posted by: Koopid Dec 11 2008, 07:02 AM

I think it is stupid. I read somewhere that there is nothing left in music that hasnt been done already. All phrases and lines are done, all that is left is to put them together differently

I don't know if that is true but I think it is quite near the truth. I am pretty sure that Coldplay didnt deliberatly steal Satch's song, why would they?? And if it wasnt deliberate they didnt commit a crime and shouldnt be sued.

If we have to worry about beeing sued because someone else did something similar that we never heard, how are we to make music? How do we know for sure that the songs we come up with are not inspired by something we heard on the radio or that it hasnt be done before? It can't be done! Not 100%. If we are not allowed to make music without listening to everything that has been done first then we can all stop right now.

If Satch really thinks Coldplay stole his music then I can understand his actions, but to be quite honest, I think that if he does think they stole it he is stupid. Coldplay are a big band, their songs get a lot of attention. There is no way in h*ll they would get away with stealing a song by one of the worlds most famous guitarists. They know this. They don't need to steal a song to get famous, they are already there.

If a new band steals a line or melody to get that song that makes them go from unknown to famous I can understand it and it would make sense that it was stolen. But for a band that doesnt need it?

I think Satch is off on this one. I am for protecting music but I am more for letting people be creative and not worry about it been done before. The songs are similar but not exactly the same..