Coldplay

Last week six-string slinger Joe Satriani filed a copyright infringement lawsuit against Coldplay, claiming the Brit rockers lifted "substantial original portions" of his 2004 song "If I Could Fly" for Viva La Vida's title track. Ever since, the 52-year-old axeman has been talking to the press about the alleged rip-off. Well, now it's Coldplay's turn to speak up.

"With the greatest possible respect to Joe Satriani, we have now unfortunately found it necessary to respond publicly to his allegations," the band said in a statement. "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 the song 'Viva La Vida.' We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavors. Coldplay."

No word on when the suit will actually head to court, but it's likely this guy is secretly snickering about the whole affair.

Listen:
Joe Satriani, "If I Could Fly"

Coldplay, "Viva La Vida"