The Script sue James Arthur for copyright infringement over 'Say You Won't Let Go'
Representative for the Irish band claim 'Say You Won't Let Go' reignited former X Factor winner's career
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Singer James Arthur is being sued for copyright infringement by Irish band The Script over alleged similarities between his 2016 hit "Say You Won't Let Go" and their 2008 song "The Man Who Can't Be Moved".
The lawsuit was filed by Richard Busch, the lawyer who successfully represented the estate of the late Marvin Gaye in the "Blurred Lines" trial, Billboard reports.
Busch argues that Arthur, a former X Factor winner, generated £14.8m from a song claimed to have lifted elements from The Script track, which was written by band members Danny O'Donoghue and Mark Sheehan, with songwriters Andrew Frampton and Stephen Kipner.
"Say You Won't Let Go" was a huge hit for Arthur and spent 52 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100; to date it boasts 845m streams on Spotify and 650m plays on YouTube.
Songwriters Neil Ormandy and Steve Solomon have been named among the co-defendants alongside Arthur and Sony/ATV Publishing, Sony Music, Columbia Records, Ultra International Music Publishing, Third Verse Music Publishing and Kobalt Music Publishing.
Arthur has previously commented on supposed similarities between the two songs in an interview with The Sun last year, where he said he had "no case" to answer and commenting: "It's 2017, there's only seven notes in music. Every blues song sounds the f**king same. People get wound up about these things for no reason."
Both songs share the same 4/4 meter, have a similar tempo, four-bar guitar intro and use similar vocal melodies and harmonic structures, Billboard noted.
Busch argues that "Say You Won't Let Go" reignited Arthur's career following several years away from the spotlight. "It is widely known Mr Arthur was dropped by his record label for public controversies, which caused a break in his career," he said. "I wasn't until the release of 'Say You Won't Let Go' that he achieved worldwide success.
Busch has requested a jury trial and seeks statutory damages on behalf of The Script.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments