Coldplay: ''Viva La Vida' not copied from Brooklyn band'

Band weren't even in US when alleged plagiarism occurred

Jun 16, 2008
13 Comments
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Coldplay have declared that there is no way that they could have stolen the melody for one of their new songs from an unknown New York band.

Creaky Boards claimed Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida' sounded very similar to their own track, 'The Songs I Didn't Write' in an online video.

They also added that the British band's frontman Chris Martin had attended one of their gigs and had "enjoyed" their set.

However, a spokesperson for Coldplay has told NME.COM there is no chance the melody was copied, even inadvertently.

Firstly, 'Viva La Vida' was written and demoed in March 2007, seven months before Creaky Boards claim Martin was at their gig.

Secondly, having checked back in the Coldplay frontman's diary, it turns out he was in AIR Studios in London when the October 2007 gig took place, so they believe it was a case of mistaken identity.

Meanwhile, the band are set to play a free gig at London's Brixton Academy tonight (June 16) - see NME.COM for a live report later today.

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Comments (13)

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Jimmy2605

Jun 16, 2008

Lost for ideas since rush of blood to head - whether this new coldplay album has elements of another band - who cares it isnt any good !!

carrasfe

Jun 16, 2008

Just like they didnt copy Kraftwerk on the last album!

tommy070

Jun 16, 2008

I guess Chris Martin & co are in the clear for now. Somehow my sarcasm in the previous article seemed not to go so well with some, so I'm gonna keep it straight here. Bands the size of Coldplay do this all the time, they steal stuff from other artists - sometimes smaller artists, sometimes old stuff etc. It is, however, important to remember that it can be unintentional. And let's face it, music is quite a lot about ripping each other off and stealing bits and pieces from each other. It's just the way it is, and the way it has always been.

evilhanky

Jun 16, 2008

This is just a small little band looking for attention. And by the way, Coldplay asked Kraftwerk for permission to use one of their melodies in their song 'Talk'. They have always been open about that and Kraftwerk are credited in the sleeve of X&Y.

rggfoot

Jun 16, 2008

I am not a big Coldplay fan and I hate the whole self-deprecating bit Martin does on stage, but I have to agree this is much ado about nothing. Music is ripped from artists all the time, big and small. It would be a shame though if he did steal this melody from some poor bastard recording in his beroom.

pinhead0123

Jun 16, 2008

Its amazing at how easily everyone is swayed by media and famous people. I have been friends with the singer and song writer of creakyboards since we were in our early teens and he is so talented and isnt proving coldplays mistake because he wants attention. If some one stole your music you'd want to get the word out to, but some people are too ignorant to see whats right as long as they fit in with the crowd.

Dennis Potter

Jun 17, 2008

Dreams Burn Down - eh chaps?

evilhanky

Jun 17, 2008

Tommy070, There is no bloody conspiracy here! Coldplay have admitted themselves that they often feel inspired by other artists when writing there songs. And many artists in the music industry will admit to that. But where is you're proof that they rip off smaller bands and older stuff? By the way, its a two way system. Smaller bands are inspired by bigger bands. That is how music has developed over the last 50 years.pinhead0123 Stop with the games. I'm sure you're friend is loving the attention and the self-satisfaction that 'his' song is no.2 on the billboard charts. I think you should take you're own advice in regard to being 'too ignorant to see what is right'. Music has always and will always repeat itself. Viva La Vida is based on basic chord progressions which inevitably follow each other. It is a simple and catchy melody, hardly obscure. Anyway, the basic fact of the matter is that Viva La Vida was demoed 7 months before Chris Martin was at the gig 'Creaky Boards' claim he was at. Furthermore, he couldn't have been at this gig in the first place because he was in London! End of. Give up!

Spacemonkey!

Jun 17, 2008

I believe it! I remember seeing something in, (forgive me) Q. Where Chris Martin said he was gonna steal something from bands online. I remember thinking what a cunt. Although the cunt does write a good tune.

AdamShanklyUK

Jun 17, 2008

If they were going to ripp off a song, why choose one with a boring melody?!

lipgloss

Jun 17, 2008

if your friends with him tell him his moustache is as ridiculous as his attention seeking! if he honestly believes coldplay ripped him off go through the courts not through youtube!

highspire

Jun 17, 2008

it's close-ish. although if the creaky boards want to go there they really should explain the knicking of a few Rialto melodies in that tune...

AdamKnight

Jun 18, 2008

Are you kidding me?! The songs sound vaguely familiar at best. Quit your whining. You're only mad because Coldplay's song barely sounds like your's but better.