Joe Satriani Speaks Out On Impending Copyright Case With Coldplay

Robert Gray of Ultimate-Guitar.com recently conducted an interview with guitarist Joe Satriani as part of a series entitled "Hit The Lights."

Topics of discussion included Chickenfoot's formation, the group's debut album, "Soap On A Rope" and "Down the Drain", touring Europe, and the man's impending copyright case against Coldplay. Several excerpts from the interview follow below:

Would it be ok if I briefly touched upon the case you've filed against Coldplay?

What would you like to know?

I'd like to know where the case is presently at.

Our respective lawyers are talking to one other, and trading papers. There's much protocol which needs to be followed. These types of cases tend to drag on, and with very little interesting news for months and months (laughs). None of us are meant to discuss any of the really interesting aspects, so all I can say is that the case is still ongoing.

You aren't allowed to discuss the case until it's concluded?

That's pretty much it (laughs). I can confirm that the case is still going through its paces.

What's your reaction to Coldplay winning the 'Song of the Year' Grammy Award for "Viva la Vida"?

I'm happy for the group, and in a very weird way, I was happy to hear my melody being celebrated. However, I was slightly confused that NARAS (National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc.), the organisation which handles the Grammy Awards, would even consider nominating a track which they knew was heavily contested. These are the people who voted for Milli Vanilli, though it isn't really their job I suppose.

When Coldplay won that Grammy, weren't you pissed off?

No, not really.

You might have said "That's my Grammy", I thought.

I think Coldplay's Grammy really concerns that particular track. It isn't about the track versus the people. It's really just about a group of musicians trying to work out an equitable arrangement - that's really what it's all about (laughs). We could've been group members going to court over this, but it just so happens we're in different groups. Nonetheless though, it really has nothing to do with the Grammy's, or with the audience. I'm pretty sure that Coldplay's members would also like to keep this case separate from the outside world.

More on the latest interview regarding the copyright case at the Coldplay forum here onwards [thanks fakfak]