Rock guitarist Joe Satriani has sued British band Coldplay,
accusing the Grammy-nominated stars of plagiarizing one of his
songs.
Satriani's copyright infringement suit, filed yesterday (Dec. 4) in
Los Angeles federal court, claims the Coldplay song "Viva La Vida"
incorporates "substantial original portions" of his 2004
instrumental "If I Could Fly."
The 52-year-old guitar virtuoso is seeking a jury trial, damages
and "any and all profits" attributable to the alleged copyright
infringement.
"Viva La Vida" is credited to the band's four members, singer Chris
Martin; bass player Guy Berryman; guitarist Johnny Buckland; and
drummer Will Champion. The title was inspired by a painting by
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo.
The Satriani track comes from his album "Is There Love in Space?"
Further comment from Satriani's attorney, or reaction from
Coldplay's management was not immediately available.
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