Coldplay’s Inspiration

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDSJ22OX1wE

During a concert, Coldplay admitted they were inspired by Kate Bush’s 1980s classic “Running Up That Hill” to write “The Speed of Sound”. I also find it interesting that Coldplay was sued by Joe Satriani because the guitarist claims the English group stole the his riff from “If I Could Fly” for “Viva La Vida”. Coldplay denies the claim they ripped off this riff. On the other hand, Sammy Hagar wrote “Mas Tequila” after being inspired from Gary Glitters’ “Rock N’ Roll Part II” aka the “Hey Song”, however Hagar gave Glitter a writing credit.

When does a group’s inspiration cross the line? Shouldn’t Coldplay just admit they plucked their inspiration from a song and square-up with original artist?