Coldplay have called an alleged similarity between their hit single 'Viva La Vida' and a track by an American artist “entirely coincidental”.

The band are being sued by American guitarist, Joe Satriani, who claims the song borrows “substantial original portions” from his 2004 instrumental track, 'If I Could Fly'.

"With the greatest possible respect to Joe Satriani, we have now unfortunately found it necessary to respond publicly to his allegations," Coldplay said in a statement.

"If there are any similarities between our two pieces of music, they are entirely coincidental, and just as surprising to us as to him.”

They added: "Joe Satriani is a great musician, but he did not write the song Viva La Vida. We respectfully ask him to accept our assurances of this and wish him well with all future endeavours."

In a lawsuit filed at Los Angeles Federal court last week, Satriani is seeking jury trial, damages and “any and all profits” linked to the track.

On Monday, Satriani said he had tried “everything” to prevent the case going to court, “but Coldplay didn't want to talk about it”.

He added when he first heart Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida', "I felt like a dagger went right through my heart. It hurt so much."

(by Jason Gregory)