Ever since One Direction's latest single "Best Song Ever" was released last month, a few grumpy and stiff music critics have been calling for The Who to sue the One Direction boys and their songwriters for ripping off The Who with the instrumentals. This is because these people say the song sounds entirely to similar to The Who's classic song "Baba O'Riley." Since then rumors have been swirling, BUT it turns out Pete Townshend, frontman of The Who and writer of "Baba O'Riley" is actually a fan of the song and has no plans to sue.
"I like the single. I like One Direction," The Who member said. "The chords I used and the chords they used are the same three chords we've all been using in basic pop music since Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and Chuck Berry made it clear that fancy chords don't mean great music – not always."
He added: "I'm still writing songs that sound like Baba O'Riley – or I'm trying to. It's a part of my life and a part of pop's lineage. One Direction are in my business, with a million fans, and I'm happy to think they may have been influenced a little bit by The Who."
"I'm just relieved they're all not wearing boiler suits and Doc Martens, or Union Jack jackets."
So let's compare, in case you're not familiar with The Who's "Baba O'Riley," you can take a listen to that below.
"I like the single. I like One Direction," The Who member said. "The chords I used and the chords they used are the same three chords we've all been using in basic pop music since Buddy Holly, Eddie Cochran and Chuck Berry made it clear that fancy chords don't mean great music – not always."
He added: "I'm still writing songs that sound like Baba O'Riley – or I'm trying to. It's a part of my life and a part of pop's lineage. One Direction are in my business, with a million fans, and I'm happy to think they may have been influenced a little bit by The Who."
"I'm just relieved they're all not wearing boiler suits and Doc Martens, or Union Jack jackets."
So let's compare, in case you're not familiar with The Who's "Baba O'Riley," you can take a listen to that below.
And of course you're probably very familiar with "Best Song Ever" at this point, but just in case you need a reminder.
Yes, it's quite similar - BUT WHATEVER. Both are great songs and like Pete said, using similar chords in pop music isn't anything new.
Bottom line: No lawsuit happening here!
Posted By: Joe
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