Tom Petty is reportedly considering suing Red Hot Chili Peppers over allegations they plagiarised one of his songs.
The band have been accused of lifting key aspects of their latest single Dani California from Petty's Mary Jane's Last Dance, most publicly by DJ Dan Gaffney who said, "The chord progression, the melody, the tempo, the key, the lyrical theme… they're identical." (read story on UG)
Sources tell the New York Post Petty is in discussions with his lawyers about mounting a legal challenge. The singer's representative Heidi Robinson refused to be drawn on a potential lawsuit, but told the newspaper, "I am well aware of this situation. (The two songs) certainly do sound similar, don't they? I guess imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
"Tom doesn't have a comment on this at all. I have no idea if he is going to sue the Chili Peppers, and am not prepared to make a comment on that."
Producer Rick Rubin recorded both Mary Jane's Last Dance with Petty, and Dani California with the Red Hot Chili Peppers.
Source
What do you guys think? I mean, the songs a very similar. Any musician can see (if they can read tabs) can see that these are obviusly not power chords, hence making it harder to "Accidently" Copy. I am looking forward to seeing where this goes. Go download both songs, listen to the similarity
Discuss RHCP, Tom Petty, lawsuits, or this lawsuit in particular
Edited by Punk, 02 June 2006 - 05:50 PM.


