In 1993, Tom Petty released an everlasting hit song entitled “Mary Jane’s Last Dance.” Thirteen years later, the Red Hot Chili Peppers were accused by some of the media for releasing “Dani California” with too similar musical elements. A Delaware DJ for morning radio first noticed the songs similarities. "The chord progression, the melody, the tempo, the key, the lyrical theme… they're identical," DJ Dan Gaffney said on his show (Spin Staff, 2006, p. 1). However, Tom Petty acted rather nonchalant over the musical debacle. In an interview with Tom Petty, Rolling Stones Magazine asked the artist, “Have you heard the Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Dani California" yet, because obviously it sounds a lot like "Mary Jane's Last Dance." Petty responded with, “Yes, I have. Everyone everywhere is stopping me. The truth is, I seriously doubt that there is any negative intent there. And a lot of rock & roll songs sound alike. Ask Chuck Berry. The Strokes took "American Girl" [for their song "Last Nite"], and I saw an interview with them where they actually admitted it. That made me laugh out loud. I was like, "OK, good for you." It doesn't bother me” (Strauss, 2006).
Later in the interview, Rolling Stones asked Tom Petty if he had any interest in suing the Chili Peppers for the supposed copying of elements in “Dani California.” Petty’s response was one of unconcern for the specific matter. “If someone took my song note for note and stole it maliciously, then maybe. But I don't believe in lawsuits much. I think there are enough frivolous lawsuits in this country without people fighting over pop songs” (Strauss, 2006).
Tom Petty, a classic rock music icon, has recorded a number of hit songs with his band, The Heartbreakers, and as a solo artist. For over 30 years, Petty has set the standard for great American rock bands. I think that the “song copying controversy” between him and the Chili Peppers is rather minute when you consider Tom Petty’s unbelievably successful career in classic rock music and his casual concern for the whole matter. He overlooked what the media believed as stealing music, and did not less this come between two great rock artists, and their release of two amazing rock songs. What to do you think about the controversy? Have a listen to the beginning of the songs. Can you hear any similarities?
References
Spin Staff, " Tom Petty vs. Red Hot Chili Peppers". SPIN. June 6, 2006 .
Strauss, Neil. "Tom Petty's Last Dance". Rolling Stones June 30, 2006: p. 4. http://www.rollingstone.com/news/story/10698880/tom_pettys_last_dance/4
I've never heard about this before. I listened to the videos that you've posted and I have to admit, it was hard for me to find the similarities between the two songs.
I'm extremely impressed with Tom Petty, though. It takes a genuine person to look beyond the hype of money and fame and put music first. The fact that he insisted on focusing on the music and can see that negative intent wasn't put forth makes me want to listen to him even more!
I've never heard about this before. I listened to the videos that you've posted and I have to admit, it was hard for me to find the similarities between the two songs.
ReplyDeleteI'm extremely impressed with Tom Petty, though. It takes a genuine person to look beyond the hype of money and fame and put music first. The fact that he insisted on focusing on the music and can see that negative intent wasn't put forth makes me want to listen to him even more!