The potentially enormous plagiarism case involving Coldplay and guitar twiddler Joe Satriani has taken another twist, with lawyers admitting that YouTube evidence could be used, reports Clash Music.
Coldplay released their new album 'Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends' last year. An enormous hit, it was buoyed by the title track which was a huge anthem upon its release as a single. However some were not pleased by the group's success. Epic rock guitarist Joe Satriani claims that the album's titanic title track borrows sections of his 2004 song 'If I Could Fly'. A legal tussle ensued, with Coldplay vehemently denying any wrong doing on their part.
Satriani in turn grew increasingly bullish. Threatening to deliver the legal papers personally at the Grammy Awards, the guitarist eventually shied away from the ceremony which saw Coldplay scoop a much coveted trophy.
In recent weeks the guitarist has soothed his tone, telling American newspaper The New York Post that he is content to let the case work its way through the legal system. "You know, it's one of those things that is annoying to talk about, because I can't talk about it," he said.
"But I can tell you that the legal system is going through its paces, the protocols are all being met, and it's making its way between various law offices and the courts, and it's just one of those things. I'm pretty confident that there will be an equitable solution reached at some point."
In a new twist, it appears that YouTube comparisons of the two songs could be Coldplay's undoing. An article in the April issue of Entertainment Law & Finance contains a claim from three copyright lawyers who noted the "surprisingly detailed" analyses of the songs that have been posted online. "Within days of the suit's initiation, YouTube was inundated with postings in which fans freely offered their opinions concerning the merits of Satriani's claims (or absence thereof). Some of these submissions were supported by surprisingly detailed analyses of the works."
However some videos could even strengthen Coldplay's claim, with some pointing out similarities between Satriani's song and even older works. Another musician who has pointed out similarities between the song and his own work is Cat Stevens. Now named Yusuf Islam, the one time songwriter claimed in a recent interview that 'Viva La Vida' bears more than a passing resemblance to his song 'Foreigner Suite' - written way back in the 70s.
Yusuf Islam stated that he has not intentions of suing Coldplay. The case between Joe Satriani and Coldplay is ongoing.
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