Coldplay Claim Innocence over Plagiarism Allegations
Controversy arose at the Ivor Novello Awards as Coldplay were rewarded for Best Selling British Song award for ‘Viva La Vida’ despite claims from Joe Satriani and Yusuf (Cat Stevens) that the song is plagiarism of their work.
Ironically the Ivors are supposed to celebrate excellence and originality of songwriting in Britain. Coldplay defeated Duffy and M.I.A for the coveted prize which is awarded by their peers. Coldplay who could not attend the ceremony held at Grovesnor House Hotel in London because of European tour commitments, leaving veteran host Paul Gambaccini miffed as he commented that he had “never before been left with so many unwanted trophies”.
Joe Satriani filed a claim for copyright infringement last year, alleging that the track used “substantial original proportions” of his 2004 song ‘If I Could Fly’. Yusuf also claims that the song definitely sounds like his 1973 hit ‘Foreigner Suite’. Coldplay who have been the darling’s of the British music industry have files court papers refuting the claims saying “that any similarities between our two pieces of music, are entirely coincidental.”
