PETTY TURNS BLIND EYE TO CHILI PEPPERS 'PLAGIARISM'

Thanks for the heads up Laurie! (Click for the HOT Music Goddess's Page)

LATEST: Rocker TOM PETTY has vowed to turn a blind eye to allegations the RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS plagiarised one of his songs. The band stood accused of lifting key aspects of their latest single DANI CALIFORNIA from Petty's MARY JANE'S LAST DANCE, most publicly by US DJ DAN GAFFNEY who said, "The chord progression, the melody, the tempo, the key, the lyrical theme. they're identical." It was rumoured the veteran singer would sue - but he insists he'd only consider a lawsuit if the track was stolen "note for note". Petty tells PageSix.com, "I seriously doubt that there is any negative intent there. And a lot of rock 'n' 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'. "If someone took my song note for note and stole it maliciously, then maybe (I'd sue). But I don't believe in lawsuits much. I think there are enough frivolous law suits in this country without people fighting over pop songs."

Petty Considers Lawsuit

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 US DJ DAN GAFFNEY who said, "The chord progression, the melody, the tempo, the key, the lyrical theme. they're identical." 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.