Joe Satriani Sues Coldplay Over 'Viva La Vida' Tune

by Jarrett Martineau | December 8, 2008 at 09:51 am

4794 views | 4 Recommendations | 12 comments

Joe Satriani is suing Coldplay over claims that the UK band's song "Viva La Vida" rips off Satriani's 2004 hit "If I Could Fly".

Is this a baseless accusation or did Chris Martin & co steal from master shredder Satriani?

Watch the video and then decide.

A noted guitarist has sued members of Coldplay, claiming the band's smash hit "Viva La Vida" copied parts of one of his songs.
The copyright infringement lawsuit by Joe Satriani was filed Thursday in federal court in Los Angeles.

The 52-year-old claims Coldplay copied "substantial, original portions" of his 2004 song, "If I Could Fly." The Coldplay hit, which was nominated for a Grammy this week, has topped charts around the world and been used to sell iPods in commercials.

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steph_rose

at 11:40 on December 8th, 2008

Joe Satriani leans down over the crowd as he plays the encore of his concert at The Fillmore Miami Beach in Miami, FL on Oct. 30, 2008.

steph_rose has contributed a photo to this story.

Scott Strelecki

at 13:01 on December 8th, 2008

Sometimes you stare at the lights and you are blinded, others, you are swept into a time of contemplation, emotion or awe. While photographing the recent Joe Satriani concert at the Royal Oak Music Theater in Royal Oak Michigan, I stared into the lights and was blown away. When I received the Photo Pass for the Joe Satriani concert at the Royal Oak Music Theater, I was geeked! I have photographed quite a few bands in the past but, this time was actually different. I guess all went as expected light, camera action, magic...I must admit...while in the photo pit, I took the time to just sit back, stare into the lights and watch as one of my favorite Bassists, Stu Hamm, and a phenomenal Guitarist Joe Satriani did their work. you can see some of the photographs on this following page

Scott Strelecki has contributed a photo to this story.

Blue Crush

at 13:59 on December 8th, 2008

Guilty as Charged! And they insult him on top of it. I hope he bleeds them dry!

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1600890/20081208/coldplay.jhtml

Gibbo

at 15:32 on December 8th, 2008

What song isn't a rip off????? We all do it. Is music really that sacred. Music is about sharing something, not making loads of money. It's just publicity and I can't believe anyone is bothered!

JohnSmallberries

at 18:53 on December 8th, 2008

I saw Joe at the House of Blues in Las Vegas. This was an excellent concert. Joe played some of his classic tracks as well as many new ones. I first read about the Coldplay lawsuit a few days ago and went and listened to the Satriani track and I must say, the Coldplay tune is FAR too close to be coincidence.

JohnSmallberries has contributed a photo to this story.

1 Photo Guy

at 08:22 on December 9th, 2008

I got to meet Joe after the show in Clearwater Fl.He's a genuine cool person.I hope he sues thier pants off.Also he should get the grammy.Also you can use my pics if you want to.I don't get on the computer much these days.That's why it took so long to reply.

lynnshook.com

at 17:41 on December 9th, 2008

I photograph a LOT of artists at many different venues, so I wasn't expecting anything spectacular from this one. I have always enjoyed the talent of Joe Satriani, but this show gave me a new and more broad appreciation of him. If you haven't seen a live show...you are missing out.

lynnshook.com has contributed a photo to this story.

Roxon_a

at 19:07 on December 9th, 2008

There are only so many variations you can do in any style of music before things start to sound the same, however in this case things may be to close to be coincidence!?!
Roxon_a has contributed a photo to this story.

Roxon_a

at 19:07 on December 9th, 2008

alex_nofear

at 16:31 on December 10th, 2008

That happens to them only is a coincidence does not have anything to see and to Joe Satriani not conosco like that that I do not have anything against

nick-colangelo

at 14:25 on December 13th, 2008

Joe Satriani. Taken on nov.15th 2008 at the Warfield Theater in San Francisco. This was the last show of the tour in Joe's hometown. Leslie West and Mountain opened the show.

nick-colangelo has contributed a photo to this story.