Music plagiarism is a big deal. It can ruin reputations and end careers. No one has learned the potential damages of such charges better over the last few months than Coldplay — the likes of Joe Satriani, Cat Stevens, a random singer-songwriter, an animator, and some relatively unknown indie band have all accused the group of ripping them off in one way or another. And now there’s another person throwing their hat in the "sue the pants off Coldplay" club.
As TMZ reports (via Rolling Stone), a man named Sammie Lee Smith has recorded 4,000 songs on some 100 tapes since 1976. Of those songs, he claims that “Yellow”, “Clocks”, and “Trouble” were ripped off from his plentiful back catalog. No one seems sure how the band 'came into contact' with Smith, but the lawsuit demands that the band cease playing these songs and that Mr. Smith receives an undisclosed but undoubtedly exuberant amount of money. So, there. Sammie does not say if any of his other 3,997 songs were ever stolen by anyone.
We’ll keep you updated on the outcome of the case and if the hordes continue to descend upon our beloved Coldplay, but rest assured that music fans around the world are firmly on Coldplay's side here, below is just a selection of the many thousands of messages left on blogs, messageboards... if Coldplaying finds any more excellent comments on this 'lawsuit case' we will publish them here. In the meantime you can discuss this ongoing saga at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks Caroline_Was_Here]
What a load of bollocks. I wrote “The Scientist” in my sleep but Coldplay do it much better than me and I don’t need the money anyhow, so I’m saying nothing. [Tony Hardy]
This seems like a law suit that will quickly be dismissed. The artist filing the suit is unknown, so how did Coldplay hear his music? Besides, when you write 4,000 songs, you have a good shot at someone coming close to composing one that is somewhat similar. Likewise, you very well may write something that resembles a previous work. And were these songs under copyright? If the only copies exist on the songwriters audio tapes, how does he hope to prove their date of creation? [J SReich]
Being one of the biggest bands in the world has its downsides. Yes, there are perks — money, fame, beautiful women — but the drawback is that everyone tries to claim a piece of your legacy. British megastars Coldplay are learning this the hard way. They've already been sued for copyright infringement by Joe Satriani, the virtuoso guitarist who claimed that Coldplay’s hit "Viva la Vida" was lifted from his "If I Could Fly." And similar claims came from Cat Stevens and Brooklyn indie rockers Creaky Boards, as well as British singer-songwriter Andy J Gallagher. Now, TMZ reports that some musician named Sammie Lee Smith has filed a lawsuit against the band in L.A. County Superior Court, claiming that they stole the hits "Yellow," "Clocks" and "Trouble" from him. In the lawsuit, the self-described "well-talented" but "unknown" songwriter stated that he has made over 4,000 tapes in his lifetime, but did not explain how three of them supposedly made their way into Coldplay's hands. He also didn't explain why it took him so long to come forward. After all, it has been a decade since "Yellow" and "Trouble" were first released. Smith is seeking financial compensation and has requested that the band stop playing the songs. For some reason, this lawsuit reminds of that time Depeche Mode's Martin Gore was subpoenaed in that crazy World of Warcraft lawsuit. [exclaim.ca]
I'm sooo tired of people wanting credit where it doesnt belong. those songs are years old so why is this guy looking for money NOW? Yellow and Trouble are really old, why is he waiting until now to file it instead of 9-10 years ago?! [Anjirocks]
Such a pile of cr*p it's almost funny. Just another loser looking for 5 minutes of fame and some case. Bet it gets thrown out of court by next week. No wonder they haven't commented - it's too dumb to even bother! [Anna100]
I echo the many of the comments posted here. why would anyone wait a decade to sue. surely if you had a legit case you wouldnt need stacks of cash to sue the band as kateedid so eloquently put. Another person wanting their 5 minutes on the back of coldplay. perez why do continue ur crusade against coldplay. [bigjok]
Whoever wrote this article is an idiot... as mentioned previously the songs have been out for an eternity. Coldplay responding to this nonsense only validates the claims. Why don't you attack some illegitimate bands / acts and leave truly brilliant musicians like Coldplay to reap the acclaim they deserve. [nova_blue]
I just wanna go ahead and get my hat into the ring for all the other coldplay songs which they stole from me too. PLEEZ SEND ME MAH MILLIONZ. Kthxbai. [paulnunn]
People sue each other way too much nowadays. This is getting out of hand. No one stole your songs, idiot. You did not create any melodies that had never been heard before, nor since. Just admit that this is a money grab, and be done with it. [joe5566]
One could argue that this third one is a lawsuit that wouldn't have happened if the first two hadn't, because now since it's the third time perception is immediately towards Coldplay being guilty. Hopefully with all these lawsuits to deal with, they won't have time to record any more terrible stolen songs. I think the best way to resolve this situation is by extermiating everyone involved. Imagine a world with no Coldplay. You know you want it to happen. Seriously though? WHO THE HELL CARES ABOUT THIS WANNA BE GUY? Boo-hoo you still have 3997 songs left. And Im not even a fan of Coldplay I jus hate nobodys tryin to make a dollar anyway they can, wastin the courts time is what this really is, of course he wont have to pay for it so why should he care.? [KGNine]
So this guy comes out NOW after 10 years that these songs were written? The song Was Viva La Vida, not Rule the World, and the case was dismissed with Satch! The thing is people who don't follow Coldplay will glance at this and think "Oh another lawsuit" they just suck, but until anyone see's them in concert and see's what they give people for their money and the lengths they go to put on the best show for the people will never get this band. Come on Harvey, say some positive stuff about them on your show!! [Tracey Keith]
Satriani did not win anything. The case was dismissed in the California court. You know.. there are millions of songs out there and people need to realize that everyone once in awhile one section of a song might sound familiar. It doesn't mean they copied anything !! The guys in Coldplay are honest & hardworking. I can't help but wonder if Coldplay didn't have the success, if people would even bother to file a claim ?? It's so ridiculous I can hardly stand hearing about it anymore.. move on [Carla]
As a songwriter myself, here's what I have to say: does anybody realize in Western popular music we are all just using the same 12 notes to write songs. Sure you can combine those notes to form various chord and scale structures, but eventually some things will sound alike. most non-composers won't understand, but it can be difficult to make a pop song one can hold up against all others and find no significant similarity. the real problem is supposing one has property rights in note sequences. he doesn't. [Charlie Hardman]
Why did he take so long to claim that?He waited 5 years or more to "sue" over old songs,from Coldplay's older albums.This guy is a loser.If he's telling the truth,took so long to sue,now he may not have a valid case.Many songs can look alike,but it doesn't mean the artists stole parts of the songs from others artists,if that "unknown" can be called an artist. This guy is a nobody, nobody knows him and i doubt Colplay members know him too,like he says,he's an unknown,but i doubt he's talented.If he was that talented,he would be very famous by now.He's just another loser full of debts asking for easy money,another money-hungry.So he sues whoever he wants to get money. Sincerelly,this case looks like another case of a nobody who wants attention and fame by lying about something to get money.Typical. Poor Coldplay, everybody wants their money. But are these songs hits...really?Are good songs,i admit,but i don't think they are hits. But if this nobody thinks they are hits...lol Btw,Satriani didn't win.The case was dismissed by the judge of the case. [Jessica L]
Chris Martin attends premiere of Mat Whitecross film 'Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll' (6th January 2010):
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