Coldplay Deny Plagiarism

Coldplay have denied claims that they copied their song Viva La Vida from another artist.

Renowned guitarist Joe Satriani claims that the British group nicked sections of his own song If I Could Fly.

He has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles and is looking for damages from Chris Martins band.

In a statement on their website Coldplay said: With the greatest possible respect to Joe Satriani, we have now unfortunately found it necessary to respond publicly to his allegations.

If there are any similarities between our two pieces of music, they are entirely coincidental, and just as surprising to us as to him.

Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write or have any influence on the song Viva La Vida. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavours. Coldplay.

Viva La Vida was the second single released from Coldplays fourth album of the same name.