BUT that since The Eagles were playin as warm-up band for them on tour
that the Eagles heard their music, including " we used to know"
and not very surprisingly later on THE SAME CHORDSEQUENCE APPEARED in an Eagles"-original"..... :D Tull did it FIRST and well too, but the Eagles made it just a little better, so there you have it. It´s kinda like stealing a riff and adding some more good riffs and a diffrent melody etc...
...his stupid ass couldn't make a hit/great song out of it. ( : And just because somebody DID I don't see a problem with it. I see another great song being added to the cannon of GREAT MUSIC for generations to ENJOY. So all the "critics" go FUCK YOURSELVES. Now maybe if the Eagles deny that they were influenced by Jethro Tull then I can see a point in being angry. But until PROVEN go fuck yourselves. And make sure the fucking hurts please. ( : And I am not even a huge EAGLES fan. ( :
My answer to this video is WHO THE FUCK CARES. Jethro motherfucking Tull did not make the song "hotel california." Did they "Straight up copy" LYRICS and MUSIC from Jethro motherucking Tull? I don't think so. ( : I they did, THEN there would be a problem. If they took snips and peices from the music or lyrics it isn't copying you retarded fucks, it is more along the lines of "being INFLUENCED." And if Jethro motherfucking Tull" has a problem with it then he is just jealous because.....
Ian is too good natured to be jealous. In reality all music has influences but I suppose the interviewer does not realize this. Ian was amazingly kind to him and the Eagles. Of course the Eagles stole the song even they admitted it. Notice how the interviewer cannot get a word in edgewise when Ian starts talking "the same as the band Jethro Tull" AND WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR IT! :p
this is so ridicules, and so typicle for people who feld like, oh man they stole a song of a british band and I am british too....they need my support.
There is great good fortune that we have both this song *and* the Eagle's Hotel California. They are both very good in their own right, even if similar. Seriously folks, our musical heritage would be a poverty if every time a song sounded similar we had the culture police sticking their noses in the middle saying, "You can't do that!" Bullocks. Music is a landscape that is shared. To the back row seats all you puritans!
Although Ian certainly answered the question with all the class of an English gentleman, I have trouble with the premise. Aside from not hearing the overt similarity, I have to remind you all that Don Fedler, who wrote the music for "Hotel California", including the chord progression, was not even in the Eagles in 1972 when they toured with Tull.
if you play the chord changes texture slower, then it influences HOTEL CALIFORNIA, not direct plagerism, melodywise...take chord structure and do it in a different key, slower!!! also reminds me of the last part of Pink FLoyd SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS in texture, like Frank Zappa points out, similarities in texture...
Why is everybody complaining about Ian? Instead of suing the Eagles for all they've got, or even considering it, he says that it was most likely a subconscious act and that their song is great, even though he clearly doesn't like them much as people. In my opinion, that's very respectable and it makes me look up to Ian even more as a person and musician.
Has there ever been a musician that didn't derive some influence from a song or musical melody, sound effect or guitar licks that another musician had previously done? I don't think so, all the greats will tell you they were influenced by what they heard of previous artists. It's just music, some creations will wind up celebrated in history, others are lost; but all are worth appreciating, and most importantly, enjoying the human quality of making and loving their music.
@zkxb....Well put Bloke! Hilarious feedback.....the Eagles were quite stand-offish back in their youth and to be fair it does seem as though most of the members have grown up some...but Ian handled himself quite well in his interview and no doubt rather than give those dirty birds any credit, it would have fo sho been far more pleasurable to just daft the upside of their collective noggins with his flute....do a bow...smile....and say Bullocks to the whole mess. Thanks for sharing mate!
Hmmm. The Eagles music at that time was "laid back and countrified" but as individuals they weren't. When the Eagles opened for Yes, they influenced members to abandon their "health kick" and pursue more "exciting" forms of back stage entertainment... If anything I found Ian to be stayed and almost a parody of so called proper behavior. He was definitely hyper aware of his image. Yes there are similarities in the chord progression. But Ian is talking down his nose here (and maybe out his a..)
Anderson wishes he could have wrote HC......his days of being vital are over...just like the eagles......he cant even sing any longer, who's this mop kiddin.
I think Ian Anderson is being typically above it all which he often does to one's extreme irritation. He is right about the natural chord progression but to write a verse made up of Amaj, Bmin, C#min, Dmaj, Emin, F#min, Gmaj in exactly the same sequence (I cannot remember the exact sequence - I played it in a band) is some rare feat and then to ruin it with a reggae chorus is about as crass as it gets.
Have a listen to "Every Breath You Take" (original version) and then listen to "Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams. (I think it was Hank Williams) Given that Sting was a school teacher who used to plague his class with a Friday afternoon guitar session, he would have been totally familiar with it. Sting ripped it off in it's entirity including the middle 8. I guess the victors write the history.
I'm glad Ian Anderson has the sense not to call this "plagiarism", unlike quite a few dolts on this message board. Both songs are based on an incredibly basic chord progression built around the most universally recognized interval, the fifth. And that's it. Aside from a handful of notes, the melodies aren't the same. The time signature's not the same. Take a beginner's music theory course, you'll learn how calling this plagiarism is like saying "I used a blues scale first! You're copying!"
You can't copyright a chord progression, and anyway, as Ian states, the songs are in different keys! I see the influence, but that's all it is, an influence.
It's obvious they ripped it off.A chord coincidence is common enough but some of the rythms of the melody... Probably not done on purpose tho'. They probably heard it and it popped into a song.it happens.
the Hotel California guitar chord pattern is an exercise in the circle of fifths, (the Tull song has a different ending chord pattern.) it was also written by Don Felder, who was not in the Eagles until 1974. It is virtually impossible to write something that has never been done. Tell me who first came up with the 3 chord progression used by "the Romantics" in "What I Like About You"? Was it Neil Diamond, John Mellancamp, ....?Vazmusic is right...It happens...all the time. Grow UP!!!
Some good points. Now I am wondering what song first used the 3 chord Diamond/Romantics/Mellencamp pattern. Hmmmm......Any R&R musicologists out there?
Allow me to translate : " Of course those snobbish self-important American bastards ripped off my song you silly twit. They heard us play "We Used To Know" many times when they opened for us on tour. But I've got lots of money, this lovely Rolex watch, and shagged plenty of beautiful groupies over the years, so fuck the Eagles."
@zkxb Ha ha well said old boy, Mr Anderson is too much of a gentleman to get involved in all that malarky. Excelent description of the Eagles too, you've obviously seen their live DVD. Pass me that sick bag will you.
No dipshit, what Ian Anderson was explaining was the Eagles just picked up on the same chord sequence--the same chord sequence anybody picks up on when learning to play guitar.The Eagles took that same sequence Jethro Tull was playing and made it their own. There's no similarity to it beside the what chords they're using.
@zkxb Your translation is nonsense. Ian does not say or imply ANYTHING like what you have posted. I know of few musicians who are as unlikely to take themselves seriously as Ian does, and did.
@willem5616 I've read your past comments on your channel. You are a TROLL. A little boy sitting alone in your room with no friends and nothing better to do than leave disparaging remarks on YouTube videos. Idiot.
@zkxb so now I am a small child too ? can't you use your imagination and think off something you and your kindergarten teacher come's up with your self ?
@zkxb They only shagged him because he was a famous rock star, though. He's talented and a great guy and all that but Ian Anderson ain't Brad Pitt in terms of his looks!
That's the first thing I thought when I heard the Eagles song.This is a bit obvious but you can hear one song in another for a lot of songs.There are only so many cord progressions.
@MsAmerican1960 he might just be an eaglemaniac, i love the music of jethro tull and the eagles,and alot of other bands, what does it matter how musicians are influenced as long as they keep producing the songs we love to hear. if no one ever was influenced to progress into another form or style of music we would still be listening to cavemen banging sticks and rocks
The Eagles were a great band but they where no Jethro Tull.Tull was far more progressive and musical while the Eagles where more vocally oriented.The Eagles coud play dont get me wrong but they where not a prog band.
Man, I am glad that there is no dispute about this in my head anymore. I still think Jethro Tull's music is WAY better than the eagles. I've listened to eagle's songs, and Jethro Tull's. As a rock fan, Tull is way better in MY VIEW. I am not bashing eagle fans, just saying, Tull rocks in more ways than the eagles. Can you honestly argue since they incorporated a friggin flute? Come on. You'd need some serious marbles to tackle that in rock music. I give them respect.
Il y a plein de plagiats dans l'histoire de la musique comme Stairway to Heaven de Led Zeppelin copié de spirit "Taurus, Layla vachement inspiré de what's Going On de Rory Gallagher ou bien Day Of The Eagle de Robin Trower trés inspiré mais pas plagié de Spanish Castle Magic de Jimi Hendrix!
You can't get author rights from a chord progression so you can't plagiarize a chord progression.So far this one is based on an ancient english folk song secuence just like those we know as Greensleeves, Scarborough fair, What child is this, God rest you merry gentlemen. Mr. Anderson like the Beatles and so many others then and now just fished on their traditional loch... And what a piece our minstrel gets: A timeless classic rock song.
Mighty small of Ian really- considering that he ripped off much Jeremy Stieg's style and phrasing.Save your shitstorm Tullies - I supported Tull in the lean beginnings...until now.Even Lennon thought he was an ass.
"They don’t sound alike tho that chrd progression is dead-on, exactly the same. We’re not talking about 3 chords in sequence, but 8!!"
-MP
So Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California before joining The Eagles, he may have caught the Eagles/Tull show(s) in 71 and 72, joined The Eagles a couple years later in 74, and they recorded 'Hotel' a couple more years later in 1976. Inspired or influenced, don't matter much to me, I think they are both great tunes.
I think this song IS a little more plagiarized than this dude makes it seem. Check this out /watch?v=v4QKJAfXHBo&NR=1 the man states the Hotel California was originally played and recorded in E minor, same key as We Used to Know. Still far from being plagiarized IMO though.
I play the guitar, not well but enough to know that the chord progression of Hotel California is very different from the chord progression of the genre that the Eagles came from. Play Take it Easy or Peaceful Easy Feeling and then Hotel California and you will know the difference.
Hold on...Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California and was not part of the original Eagle's lineup in 1972. No way the Eagle's lifted this melody.
Yes I picked up on the similiarity between the two songs early on. Ian was too nice, but he got them at the end when he likened Hotel California to a fake Rolex....haha that was good!
Just as if you stole a 12 bar blues chord progression from someone. As numerous people have said already, it's a coincidence, and a very ver y common 4th5th cycle chord progression with a chromatic bass line going down. Nothing to bicker about."Taurus" as an inspiration for Zeps "stairway..." and Deep Purples "theft" of "Bombay Calling" and even "Smoke on the water" is more valid, since they've actually confessed to this in interviews. SotW is a riff from an obsucre brazilian samba:Maria quiet.
Ian sounds very much the gracious Englishman -- up until the last 15 seconds of the clip when he says "kind of like this tribute Rolex I'm wearing." LOL
Was that an Englishman's gracious backhanded stab??!
These chords are based around a descending chromatic ground bass and have been semi-popular since the 17th c. It's hard to know what was nicked from what in pop music because, in almost all recent cases, it's been done before, as Ian himself politely alludes.
@bsharples: Hardly. Furthermore - in cases of plagiarism - the amount of plagiarised material is of utmost important to the ruling. This is an 8 chord progression, and there are not "only so many to go around", since there are thousands of chord variations, combined with tempo differences, pauses, etc, etc. makes for practically endless possibilities. The Eagles opened for Jethro Tull, then wrote Hotel California, it's obviously inspired.
@bsharples: This, however, oesn't mean there has to be a lawsuit (Jethro hasn't pressed charges because they're not arrogant pricks like, e.g. Metallica). All I'm saying is that you can't say that an I, I, I, I, IV, IV, I, I, V, V, I, I progression is the same as an i, V, VII, IV, VI, III, iv, V one in terms of plagiarism.
@MrForsyth91 I think you're right. Using the same progression with the same tempo differences, pauses, etc. is suspect and, as you say, Hotel California was inspired by it.
Are you kidding, mate? Listen to the chord sequence and then you'll be able to judge. HC chord sequence is 90% based on WUTK. Moreover, an information I've got somewhere in an old music magazine read: "the Eagles and JT's music companies made a gentleman agreement to avoid the Eagles being suited for plagiarism"
@ThePiedpiper58 ,yeah after listening closer to both song I have to agree. The only thing that really tells the two apart would be one has more strumming and the other has a finger picking style.Thanks for expressing your thoughts without being rude.
This interviewer is on dope. These bands sound completely different. It sucks that Ian found this conspiracy nut to talk to and he elaborated the point. I never even compared them and I m a fan of both...
I noticed they have the same chord progression since the first time I heard "california" I'm guessing it's a coincidence. Check out TLC's "don't go chasing waterfalls" it's just like Billy Joel's "still Rock and roll" with a different beat. There are many others...check out my page; all covers
As Ian correctly mentioned, it is almost inevitible that someone would fall into the same cycle of 4ths (or 5ths, depending on the inversion) progression while strumming a guitar. The chords nearly dictate themselves physically and sonically, leading you on. Both are fine usages of this minor key progression.
I remember thinking as a kid that The Eagles ripped Tull off, as soon as I heard "We Used To Know", that was over 30 years ago. Now, I feel that while it is coincidence that Tull and The Eagles toured together, it is likely just as coincidental that the same chord sequence was used for Hotel California
Interesting how often this happened. Eagles opened for Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin shared the bill with Spirit on a couple dates, and It's a Beautiful Day had once opened for Deep Purple. All three have allegedly appropriated the songs "We Used to Know", "Taurus", and "Bombay Calling" into their respective 'rock epics' "Hotel California", "Stairway to Heaven", and Child in Time".
@GregDrayGregDray Well, as a composer I consider it unlikely that the Eagles picked up the chord sequence unconsciously, but I also tend to doubt they really took it from "We Used To Know" - maybe they liked it, picked it up and played with it, trying picking styles just for fun and then it ended up being a song, but I heavily doubt that they planned to base a song on that sequence (by the way, the ending of the sequence in Hotel Calfornia differs).
Having just listened to the Eagles "Hotel California" I can see where the same chord progressions are similiar , but because of the different tempo in each , the tune is not so plagiarized as some want to make it , but rather , inspired - and that's where the similarities end !
Although a total Tull affectionato, I think the Eagles's "Hotel California" stands on it's own as a great piece , and should bear no insult as to the originator of the chord sequence !
i just listened to the tull song. it's a little more than coincidence. he says he doesn't call it plagarism in this interview. he is right alot of songs have similiar chord progressions. but if they wanted to call it plagarism i'd be hard pressed to disagree with them. if they were playing this while the eagles opened for them there can be no mistake where the eagles "borrowed" the idea from.
I find the story a little hard to believe. Guitarist Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California (Henley wrote the lyrics) and was not part of the band until 1974. How would he have heard the song Jethro Tull claimed the band played on a tour three years earlier?
@Totolapse Anderson is certainly right in the sense that a chord sequence can't be patented. But the fact that Fielder wasn't with them then is irrelevant -- the song still preceded Hotel California.
@dbes02 Preceding means nothing. Songs with the same chord progression preceded Ian's, and Ian says this in so many words. Melodic notes go the same way. If it was a hit, there would be no problem with access, but it wasn't. My comment goes to the many access claims. There is a substantial difference between the two songs if you listen multiple times. Inference probably won't work, but is subjective. Felder didn't copy the melody.
I was merely pointing out that your claim "Felder wasn't with them then" hence "it can't be the source" made no sense. It's a point of logic that could not go uncommented. Obviously the temporal sequence can only support the claim that "We Used to Know" could not be based on "Hotel California, not vice versa
Tull started all that nasty, v English, domination of the world of all that gorgeous, proggy, folky, lush thing tee hee
MrAnidealhusband 6 hours ago
This has been flagged as spam show
People arent listening to Ian here.
Ian says ITS NOT PLAGIARISM,
BUT that since The Eagles were playin as warm-up band for them on tour
that the Eagles heard their music, including " we used to know"
and not very surprisingly later on THE SAME CHORDSEQUENCE APPEARED in an Eagles"-original"..... :D Tull did it FIRST and well too, but the Eagles made it just a little better, so there you have it. It´s kinda like stealing a riff and adding some more good riffs and a diffrent melody etc...
trollslandan 15 hours ago
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trollslandan 15 hours ago
What a stupid question! NO IT WAS NOT BASED ON JT - having said that, all art is a rip-off
MrIpomoea 1 day ago
...his stupid ass couldn't make a hit/great song out of it. ( : And just because somebody DID I don't see a problem with it. I see another great song being added to the cannon of GREAT MUSIC for generations to ENJOY. So all the "critics" go FUCK YOURSELVES. Now maybe if the Eagles deny that they were influenced by Jethro Tull then I can see a point in being angry. But until PROVEN go fuck yourselves. And make sure the fucking hurts please. ( : And I am not even a huge EAGLES fan. ( :
CheddarBob39 3 days ago
My answer to this video is WHO THE FUCK CARES. Jethro motherfucking Tull did not make the song "hotel california." Did they "Straight up copy" LYRICS and MUSIC from Jethro motherucking Tull? I don't think so. ( : I they did, THEN there would be a problem. If they took snips and peices from the music or lyrics it isn't copying you retarded fucks, it is more along the lines of "being INFLUENCED." And if Jethro motherfucking Tull" has a problem with it then he is just jealous because.....
CheddarBob39 3 days ago
nice man Mr Ian. A fine example for us all. Thank You Sir.
avimukta1 3 days ago
this same story based in 2011 - lawyers make millions as court rules in favour of JT,,,what a shame people have forgotten how to live, and act!
dannyinaus 6 days ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Ian is too good natured to be jealous. In reality all music has influences but I suppose the interviewer does not realize this. Ian was amazingly kind to him and the Eagles. Of course the Eagles stole the song even they admitted it. Notice how the interviewer cannot get a word in edgewise when Ian starts talking "the same as the band Jethro Tull" AND WE ARE ALL BETTER FOR IT! :p
Caper1Forever 1 week ago
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Caper1Forever 1 week ago
Ian Anderson is a class act and a witty gentleman.
americandevil 1 week ago
@zkxb So, my father is bigger than your father.....u.s. is better than europe, this is like, children talking when they are 6 years old....!
willem5616 1 week ago
@willem5616 The USA is far from being bigger than Europe
wwwonderful 1 week ago
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willem5616 1 week ago
@zkxb this piece of shit says I don't care so much what little children write on the internet .
Try to say something you think about first the next time or ask your teacher in the kindergarten to help you
willem5616 1 week ago
nag nag fuc**n nag pommie winging is a national sport
wazzarma 1 week ago
I really love Jethro Tull's music and also Eagles music. Where's the problem?
wwwonderful 1 week ago
@wwwonderful ..... right about that ! I also like both bands .....
g74ui78ll88ermo 1 week ago
this is so ridicules, and so typicle for people who feld like, oh man they stole a song of a british band and I am british too....they need my support.
Ian would say....Fuck off idiot !
willem5616 1 week ago
There is great good fortune that we have both this song *and* the Eagle's Hotel California. They are both very good in their own right, even if similar. Seriously folks, our musical heritage would be a poverty if every time a song sounded similar we had the culture police sticking their noses in the middle saying, "You can't do that!" Bullocks. Music is a landscape that is shared. To the back row seats all you puritans!
gtar100 1 week ago
Check out the song Bracero by Phil Ochs in 1966. Some influence here perhaps?
hanrahan53 1 week ago
There's only 88 keys....
bilboinsa 1 week ago
Although Ian certainly answered the question with all the class of an English gentleman, I have trouble with the premise. Aside from not hearing the overt similarity, I have to remind you all that Don Fedler, who wrote the music for "Hotel California", including the chord progression, was not even in the Eagles in 1972 when they toured with Tull.
HRHRaider 2 weeks ago
@HRHRaider Good call man, I don't have anything against either of the bands and i'm glad we have both songs because they are trully amazing numbers.
ZiggyStardust11223 2 weeks ago
This has been flagged as spam show
if you play the chord changes texture slower, then it influences HOTEL CALIFORNIA, not direct plagerism, melodywise...take chord structure and do it in a different key, slower!!! also reminds me of the last part of Pink FLoyd SAUCERFUL OF SECRETS in texture, like Frank Zappa points out, similarities in texture...
MichaelHansenFUN 2 weeks ago
NO!
barleymob2000 2 weeks ago
don henley must die.
how fucking ironic is this vid?
edslides1 2 weeks ago
Why is everybody complaining about Ian? Instead of suing the Eagles for all they've got, or even considering it, he says that it was most likely a subconscious act and that their song is great, even though he clearly doesn't like them much as people. In my opinion, that's very respectable and it makes me look up to Ian even more as a person and musician.
beatlemaniac1966 2 weeks ago 17
@beatlemaniac1966 Well said mate
MegaMufti 2 weeks ago
Has there ever been a musician that didn't derive some influence from a song or musical melody, sound effect or guitar licks that another musician had previously done? I don't think so, all the greats will tell you they were influenced by what they heard of previous artists. It's just music, some creations will wind up celebrated in history, others are lost; but all are worth appreciating, and most importantly, enjoying the human quality of making and loving their music.
91fatboy51 2 weeks ago
@zkxb....Well put Bloke! Hilarious feedback.....the Eagles were quite stand-offish back in their youth and to be fair it does seem as though most of the members have grown up some...but Ian handled himself quite well in his interview and no doubt rather than give those dirty birds any credit, it would have fo sho been far more pleasurable to just daft the upside of their collective noggins with his flute....do a bow...smile....and say Bullocks to the whole mess. Thanks for sharing mate!
TheStuport 2 weeks ago
Hmmm. The Eagles music at that time was "laid back and countrified" but as individuals they weren't. When the Eagles opened for Yes, they influenced members to abandon their "health kick" and pursue more "exciting" forms of back stage entertainment... If anything I found Ian to be stayed and almost a parody of so called proper behavior. He was definitely hyper aware of his image. Yes there are similarities in the chord progression. But Ian is talking down his nose here (and maybe out his a..)
bowiemott 2 weeks ago
Anderson wishes he could have wrote HC......his days of being vital are over...just like the eagles......he cant even sing any longer, who's this mop kiddin.
Oreeyemma 3 weeks ago
Both are good songs and both groups still sound great! you are an idiot
groofreak 2 weeks ago
@groofreak kills you to have someone else' opinion differ from yours huh???
to bad, suck my cock :)
Oreeyemma 2 weeks ago
Don Felder wrote the music to Hotel California, but he did not join the Eagles until 1975.
Henley & Frey wrote the lyrics, maybe Felder was a fan of this 1969 Tull song?
TheBeachedone 3 weeks ago
ian anderson whiner extraordinaire …
justgivemethetruth 3 weeks ago
VÁYANSE AL AVERNO!
cryor20385ayahoo 3 weeks ago
Yeah, it sounds like it, right down to the solo. That's ok though....both songs are good.
addemup 3 weeks ago
Boring comment.....same chords. Not plagiarism. Melody different ..hmmmmm ??
misterblues1970 3 weeks ago
I dare say if it were the otherway around, The Eagles Corp. would have hammered Jethro Tull into the ground with punitive damages.
I prefer "We Used To Know" - "Hotel California" is typically West Coast self indulgent nonsense...
fazerville 4 weeks ago 3
@fazerville Right on. I like that - "West Coast self indulgent nonsense." Good way to put it.
Peteromich 1 day ago
I think Ian Anderson is being typically above it all which he often does to one's extreme irritation. He is right about the natural chord progression but to write a verse made up of Amaj, Bmin, C#min, Dmaj, Emin, F#min, Gmaj in exactly the same sequence (I cannot remember the exact sequence - I played it in a band) is some rare feat and then to ruin it with a reggae chorus is about as crass as it gets.
ftlpope 1 month ago
While we're on ripping off songs ... how about La Grange (ZZ Top) v Boogie Chillen (John Lee Hooker) ... ?
stames999 1 month ago
Have a listen to "Every Breath You Take" (original version) and then listen to "Your Cheatin' Heart" by Hank Williams. (I think it was Hank Williams) Given that Sting was a school teacher who used to plague his class with a Friday afternoon guitar session, he would have been totally familiar with it. Sting ripped it off in it's entirity including the middle 8. I guess the victors write the history.
kaferere 1 month ago
In response to zkxb, why do you have to be vulgar? Enjoy the video and keep your filthy mouth at bay. ok?
425peaceandlove 1 month ago
Also Life In the Fast Lane sounds like Locomotive Breath
mpjgbx 1 month ago
it sucks.
vichopez 1 month ago
Don't be such an idiot..just listen will you?@" your question has nothing to do with Music. Listen..Listen..Listen.
jamiepapalardi 1 month ago
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jamiepapalardi 1 month ago
It's not even the whole chord progression, just the first couple bars.
Milewskige 1 month ago
I'm glad Ian Anderson has the sense not to call this "plagiarism", unlike quite a few dolts on this message board. Both songs are based on an incredibly basic chord progression built around the most universally recognized interval, the fifth. And that's it. Aside from a handful of notes, the melodies aren't the same. The time signature's not the same. Take a beginner's music theory course, you'll learn how calling this plagiarism is like saying "I used a blues scale first! You're copying!"
ifutureman 1 month ago
No inspiration without plagiarism. But I hate the fuckin eagles indeed man
ReyZame 1 month ago
bullshit i don;t think of angie and hotel california as souning the same why don't you throw in solitary man by neil diamond.
flyinv1967 1 month ago
I became a fan of Jethro tull, in 1982, and i thought Jethro Tull had copy this on Hotel CAlifornia !!!! I didn't look to the dates ....loooooool
stephanejaoui 1 month ago
I've had a shitty night and i hate the fuckin' eagles man.
Yubera2K10 1 month ago 2
You can't copyright a chord progression, and anyway, as Ian states, the songs are in different keys! I see the influence, but that's all it is, an influence.
Millerinski 1 month ago
What a humble fuck, they totally stole that song!! haha.
Pestilentich 1 month ago
Dude, my song goes da da da da, da ta ta..Bowie's goes da da da, da ta da ta. / Vanilla Ice.
MaxSplinters 1 month ago 2
It's obvious they ripped it off.A chord coincidence is common enough but some of the rythms of the melody... Probably not done on purpose tho'. They probably heard it and it popped into a song.it happens.
Vazmusic 2 months ago
the Hotel California guitar chord pattern is an exercise in the circle of fifths, (the Tull song has a different ending chord pattern.) it was also written by Don Felder, who was not in the Eagles until 1974. It is virtually impossible to write something that has never been done. Tell me who first came up with the 3 chord progression used by "the Romantics" in "What I Like About You"? Was it Neil Diamond, John Mellancamp, ....?Vazmusic is right...It happens...all the time. Grow UP!!!
old6stringer 2 months ago
@old6stringer
Some good points. Now I am wondering what song first used the 3 chord Diamond/Romantics/Mellencamp pattern. Hmmmm......Any R&R musicologists out there?
Vazmusic 2 months ago
Allow me to translate : " Of course those snobbish self-important American bastards ripped off my song you silly twit. They heard us play "We Used To Know" many times when they opened for us on tour. But I've got lots of money, this lovely Rolex watch, and shagged plenty of beautiful groupies over the years, so fuck the Eagles."
zkxb 2 months ago 42
@zkxb indeed
gophullon 1 month ago
@zkxb Ha ha well said old boy, Mr Anderson is too much of a gentleman to get involved in all that malarky. Excelent description of the Eagles too, you've obviously seen their live DVD. Pass me that sick bag will you.
rattleshakti 1 month ago
@zkxb
No dipshit, what Ian Anderson was explaining was the Eagles just picked up on the same chord sequence--the same chord sequence anybody picks up on when learning to play guitar.The Eagles took that same sequence Jethro Tull was playing and made it their own. There's no similarity to it beside the what chords they're using.
jrbails 1 month ago
@zkxb Your translation is nonsense. Ian does not say or imply ANYTHING like what you have posted. I know of few musicians who are as unlikely to take themselves seriously as Ian does, and did.
IIEpizza 1 month ago
@zkxb actually, unless the 'tone correct' has been used on this, it isn't Ian, it sounds more like Martin Barre. But whatever. Interesting concept.
Ferretbomber 3 weeks ago
Definitely Ian here. Not Martin... who is a great guitarist who never gets his due.
bowiemott 2 weeks ago
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Oreeyemma 3 weeks ago
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Oreeyemma 3 weeks ago
@zkxb a very high intelect is not something one can find on you isn't ?
If Ian Anderson don't care what the fuck are you complaining about ?
This is so childlike
willem5616 1 week ago
@willem5616 I've read your past comments on your channel. You are a TROLL. A little boy sitting alone in your room with no friends and nothing better to do than leave disparaging remarks on YouTube videos. Idiot.
zkxb 1 week ago
@zkxb how do you know that....It's so treu
willem5616 1 week ago
@zkxb so now I am a small child too ? can't you use your imagination and think off something you and your kindergarten teacher come's up with your self ?
willem5616 1 week ago
@zkxb you poor old sot....lol (aqualung)
willem5616 1 week ago
@zkxb They only shagged him because he was a famous rock star, though. He's talented and a great guy and all that but Ian Anderson ain't Brad Pitt in terms of his looks!
danning1 1 week ago
That's the first thing I thought when I heard the Eagles song.This is a bit obvious but you can hear one song in another for a lot of songs.There are only so many cord progressions.
phillytom750 2 months ago
@phillytom750 thank you for splaining it for my corroded brain
flyinv1967 1 month ago
"Tribute Rolex." LOL!
Realitytourist 2 months ago 2
try listening to angie by the rolling stones and then hotel california by the eagles also
AttilaKattila 2 months ago
Does it matter ? Come on folks, haven't we all got bigger problems than this ? Jeez...
viennachan1 2 months ago
I would love to say fuck off to this....Ian is a egomaniac, is he not?
MsAmerican1960 2 months ago
@MsAmerican1960 he might just be an eaglemaniac, i love the music of jethro tull and the eagles,and alot of other bands, what does it matter how musicians are influenced as long as they keep producing the songs we love to hear. if no one ever was influenced to progress into another form or style of music we would still be listening to cavemen banging sticks and rocks
joezon07 2 months ago
@MsAmerican1960 Why would you say he was an egomaniac? He is simply stating fact, in a non finger pointing way, even wishing them well. Pure class!!
Dbach1862 2 months ago 2
@MsAmerican1960 But it is true. The Eagles are famous for ripping off other peoples music. Listen to Angie by the Rolling Stones!
NickSayle 2 months ago
I don't know this man or his music but he has a great deal of class. Much respect.
JohnBarryization 2 months ago 2
@JohnBarryization
his music does have class too :)
jackdaws81 2 months ago
1:25 LSD
ShitYrselfLilParrot 2 months ago
@3fitzgrld - i can't remember but yeah they ripped Tull off more
gopogator 2 months ago
His comments are right on the money regarding musical influence vs. plagiarism.
herrdruhl 2 months ago 2
The Eagles were a great band but they where no Jethro Tull.Tull was far more progressive and musical while the Eagles where more vocally oriented.The Eagles coud play dont get me wrong but they where not a prog band.
Big77Jim 2 months ago
it actually has it's roots in a song from Joe Walsh's 'Barnstorm' solo LP
gopogator 2 months ago
@gopogator which song is that?
3fitzgrld 2 months ago
This is a good interview
acarouselofantics 3 months ago
Man, I am glad that there is no dispute about this in my head anymore. I still think Jethro Tull's music is WAY better than the eagles. I've listened to eagle's songs, and Jethro Tull's. As a rock fan, Tull is way better in MY VIEW. I am not bashing eagle fans, just saying, Tull rocks in more ways than the eagles. Can you honestly argue since they incorporated a friggin flute? Come on. You'd need some serious marbles to tackle that in rock music. I give them respect.
10011011110 3 months ago
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nog1964 3 months ago
"It's a bit like this tribute rolex that im wearing." That made my day.
ozmonatov 3 months ago 2
Il y a plein de plagiats dans l'histoire de la musique comme Stairway to Heaven de Led Zeppelin copié de spirit "Taurus, Layla vachement inspiré de what's Going On de Rory Gallagher ou bien Day Of The Eagle de Robin Trower trés inspiré mais pas plagié de Spanish Castle Magic de Jimi Hendrix!
Trower22 3 months ago
yeah the eagles did rip them off, but ..they just happened to have a bigger hit with it
joesatriani1200rulez 3 months ago
@HooverNtrout shut the fuck up!
LbritoGT 3 months ago
bullsh
RESCUE94 3 months ago
You can't get author rights from a chord progression so you can't plagiarize a chord progression.So far this one is based on an ancient english folk song secuence just like those we know as Greensleeves, Scarborough fair, What child is this, God rest you merry gentlemen. Mr. Anderson like the Beatles and so many others then and now just fished on their traditional loch... And what a piece our minstrel gets: A timeless classic rock song.
regulocastro 3 months ago
Mighty small of Ian really- considering that he ripped off much Jeremy Stieg's style and phrasing.Save your shitstorm Tullies - I supported Tull in the lean beginnings...until now.Even Lennon thought he was an ass.
DaDa2Phlux 3 months ago
Ian Anderson = the genius of Rock & Roll - an an English (Scottish) gentleman.
cestpatrick 3 months ago 25
@cestpatrick ABSOLUTELY AGREE!
ObsessedWithGonzo 1 month ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Eagles - Epic
Jethro Tull - Comedic
HooverNtrout 3 months ago
in a joking way of course :D
polkad3v 3 months ago
its like a tribute rolex! hahaha ;)
polkad3v 3 months ago
"They don’t sound alike tho that chrd progression is dead-on, exactly the same. We’re not talking about 3 chords in sequence, but 8!!"
-MP
So Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California before joining The Eagles, he may have caught the Eagles/Tull show(s) in 71 and 72, joined The Eagles a couple years later in 74, and they recorded 'Hotel' a couple more years later in 1976. Inspired or influenced, don't matter much to me, I think they are both great tunes.
kiefercatg 3 months ago
I think this song IS a little more plagiarized than this dude makes it seem. Check this out /watch?v=v4QKJAfXHBo&NR=1 the man states the Hotel California was originally played and recorded in E minor, same key as We Used to Know. Still far from being plagiarized IMO though.
stratomaster134 3 months ago
@stratomaster134 did you not hear the end of the interview where ian anderson says its a bit like the tribute rolex hes wearing?
hes basically being very nice about it, but then calls it a ripoff at the end,
listen to this interview again, especially the end ;)
polkad3v 3 months ago
@polkad3v AH, okay. Yes you are right. Thank you for the clarification.
stratomaster134 3 months ago
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stratomaster134 3 months ago
What a nice chap.
trufflesmell 3 months ago
I play the guitar, not well but enough to know that the chord progression of Hotel California is very different from the chord progression of the genre that the Eagles came from. Play Take it Easy or Peaceful Easy Feeling and then Hotel California and you will know the difference.
yearofthecat2011 3 months ago
a bit like a TRIBUTE rolex that im wearing!!! omg hes so funny!
hearv888 3 months ago
I heard it was based on moonage daydream by Bowie. They do sound similar.
Nikkyeshiva83 3 months ago
Ian is articulate, intelligent and a gentleman.
reverandscales 3 months ago
@reverandscales
and he use to play the flute standing on one leg, where do you see showman ship like that nowadays, lol
kiefercatg 3 months ago
Hold on...Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California and was not part of the original Eagle's lineup in 1972. No way the Eagle's lifted this melody.
SOLISDEUS 3 months ago
@SOLISDEUS Yup, I just thought the same
dockaiser 3 months ago
@SOLISDEUS I'm sure Felder had a record player.
PrettiestDogEver 3 months ago
Yes I picked up on the similiarity between the two songs early on. Ian was too nice, but he got them at the end when he likened Hotel California to a fake Rolex....haha that was good!
moonlightsea8 4 months ago
GO IAN!
rimmyou69 4 months ago
YES, IT WAS BASED ON/OR STOLEN FROM THE JETHRO TULL SONG "WE USED TO KNOW", CHORD BY CHORD. TEACH YOURSELF GUITAR PLAYING AND'U'LL SEE!
Amysupport 4 months ago
Simply can't be avoided when chord progression is involved.
tonymalone501 4 months ago
definately a tribute to a great song.
jonnyb69able 4 months ago
Yes,this is the perfect rip-off..,If I was Ian Anderson I would give em` a real whoppin`with my claghorn !
toxicpizza72 4 months ago
This has been flagged as spam show
Lay Lady Lay and No More Mr. Nice Guy. Verse, same progression. Coincidence I think.
radcam69 4 months ago
Lay Lady Lay and No More Mr. Nice Guy. Verse, same progression. Coincidence I think.
radcam69 4 months ago
Lay Lady Lay and No More Mr. Nice Guy. Verse, same progression. Coincidence I think.
radcam69 4 months ago
Just as if you stole a 12 bar blues chord progression from someone. As numerous people have said already, it's a coincidence, and a very ver y common 4th5th cycle chord progression with a chromatic bass line going down. Nothing to bicker about."Taurus" as an inspiration for Zeps "stairway..." and Deep Purples "theft" of "Bombay Calling" and even "Smoke on the water" is more valid, since they've actually confessed to this in interviews. SotW is a riff from an obsucre brazilian samba:Maria quiet.
henkehakansson2004 4 months ago
"Tribute Rolex" LOL
Enevan1968 4 months ago
Ian sounds very much the gracious Englishman -- up until the last 15 seconds of the clip when he says "kind of like this tribute Rolex I'm wearing." LOL
Was that an Englishman's gracious backhanded stab??!
mistermisterxx 5 months ago
Interesting. Thanks for uploading. I like the Jethro Tull song more, anyway.
RubbaDubbaDubba 5 months ago
The same proggression can be found with a key a timing change in Dylan's Lay Lady Lay.
CorvusDreams 5 months ago
These chords are based around a descending chromatic ground bass and have been semi-popular since the 17th c. It's hard to know what was nicked from what in pop music because, in almost all recent cases, it's been done before, as Ian himself politely alludes.
eugeorama 5 months ago
Sounds more like Rolling Stones Angie to me.
FTblogg 5 months ago
It is not plagiarism to use a chord progression. There are only so many to go around. If it is plagiarism then most blues and jazz tunes are guilty.
bsharples 6 months ago
@bsharples: Hardly. Furthermore - in cases of plagiarism - the amount of plagiarised material is of utmost important to the ruling. This is an 8 chord progression, and there are not "only so many to go around", since there are thousands of chord variations, combined with tempo differences, pauses, etc, etc. makes for practically endless possibilities. The Eagles opened for Jethro Tull, then wrote Hotel California, it's obviously inspired.
MrForsyth91 6 months ago
@bsharples: This, however, oesn't mean there has to be a lawsuit (Jethro hasn't pressed charges because they're not arrogant pricks like, e.g. Metallica). All I'm saying is that you can't say that an I, I, I, I, IV, IV, I, I, V, V, I, I progression is the same as an i, V, VII, IV, VI, III, iv, V one in terms of plagiarism.
MrForsyth91 6 months ago
@MrForsyth91 I think you're right. Using the same progression with the same tempo differences, pauses, etc. is suspect and, as you say, Hotel California was inspired by it.
bsharples 6 months ago
I don't think Hotel california sounds like his "We use to know" if anything his song sounds more like House of the Rising Sun.
bornonxmas 6 months ago
@bornonxmas
Are you kidding, mate? Listen to the chord sequence and then you'll be able to judge. HC chord sequence is 90% based on WUTK. Moreover, an information I've got somewhere in an old music magazine read: "the Eagles and JT's music companies made a gentleman agreement to avoid the Eagles being suited for plagiarism"
ThePiedpiper58 6 months ago
@ThePiedpiper58 ,yeah after listening closer to both song I have to agree. The only thing that really tells the two apart would be one has more strumming and the other has a finger picking style.Thanks for expressing your thoughts without being rude.
bornonxmas 6 months ago
This interviewer is on dope. These bands sound completely different. It sucks that Ian found this conspiracy nut to talk to and he elaborated the point. I never even compared them and I m a fan of both...
shrineme 6 months ago
Atom heart mother
MrNewkingjames 6 months ago
actually Pink Floyd stole a number of Jethro Tull songs...if neone wants to know which one..email me at jsocks12@yuahoo.com
jlicks3 7 months ago
@jlicks3 which songs did floyd steal then smart arse
bedsitsongbird33 6 months ago
How can it be a ripoff if the melody is not the same?
ahamay79 7 months ago
@ahamay79 melody is only one part in a piece of music
januschii 7 months ago
I noticed they have the same chord progression since the first time I heard "california" I'm guessing it's a coincidence. Check out TLC's "don't go chasing waterfalls" it's just like Billy Joel's "still Rock and roll" with a different beat. There are many others...check out my page; all covers
robertscoggin 7 months ago
Felder wrote the chords and he wasn't in The Eagles at that time.
W2n1dowsx 7 months ago
@W2n1dowsx ... Felder joined the Eagles in 1974. He wrote the song in 1976, so he was a member of the band.
ahamay79 7 months ago
@W2n1dowsx True,, what I meant was Felder wasn't in the Eagles in 71 and 72 when they toured with Tull.
W2n1dowsx 7 months ago 12
As Ian correctly mentioned, it is almost inevitible that someone would fall into the same cycle of 4ths (or 5ths, depending on the inversion) progression while strumming a guitar. The chords nearly dictate themselves physically and sonically, leading you on. Both are fine usages of this minor key progression.
sunboyfun 8 months ago
I remember thinking as a kid that The Eagles ripped Tull off, as soon as I heard "We Used To Know", that was over 30 years ago. Now, I feel that while it is coincidence that Tull and The Eagles toured together, it is likely just as coincidental that the same chord sequence was used for Hotel California
sunboyfun 8 months ago
Interesting how often this happened. Eagles opened for Jethro Tull, Led Zeppelin shared the bill with Spirit on a couple dates, and It's a Beautiful Day had once opened for Deep Purple. All three have allegedly appropriated the songs "We Used to Know", "Taurus", and "Bombay Calling" into their respective 'rock epics' "Hotel California", "Stairway to Heaven", and Child in Time".
brianpage100 8 months ago
theantiquegarage is certainly right on the money Ian is Certainly a gentleman.If there was ever a song that was plagarized it was this one.
GregDrayGregDray 9 months ago
the antiquegarage is certainly right on the money Ian is Certainly a gentleman.If there was ever a song that was plagarized it was this one.
GregDrayGregDray 9 months ago
@GregDrayGregDray Well, as a composer I consider it unlikely that the Eagles picked up the chord sequence unconsciously, but I also tend to doubt they really took it from "We Used To Know" - maybe they liked it, picked it up and played with it, trying picking styles just for fun and then it ended up being a song, but I heavily doubt that they planned to base a song on that sequence (by the way, the ending of the sequence in Hotel Calfornia differs).
LinusDino 8 months ago
Take yer flute and your other foot and shove it up yer ass
DARRINCONNOR1 9 months ago
Having just listened to the Eagles "Hotel California" I can see where the same chord progressions are similiar , but because of the different tempo in each , the tune is not so plagiarized as some want to make it , but rather , inspired - and that's where the similarities end !
Although a total Tull affectionato, I think the Eagles's "Hotel California" stands on it's own as a great piece , and should bear no insult as to the originator of the chord sequence !
rolynstone48 9 months ago 3
i just listened to the tull song. it's a little more than coincidence. he says he doesn't call it plagarism in this interview. he is right alot of songs have similiar chord progressions. but if they wanted to call it plagarism i'd be hard pressed to disagree with them. if they were playing this while the eagles opened for them there can be no mistake where the eagles "borrowed" the idea from.
Fektthis 9 months ago
I find the story a little hard to believe. Guitarist Don Felder wrote the music for Hotel California (Henley wrote the lyrics) and was not part of the band until 1974. How would he have heard the song Jethro Tull claimed the band played on a tour three years earlier?
dougandsuzy 9 months ago
@dougandsuzy You are correct. Ian is right that it uses the same chord progression, but it can't be the source, Felder wasn't with them then.
Totolapse 9 months ago
@Totolapse Anderson is certainly right in the sense that a chord sequence can't be patented. But the fact that Fielder wasn't with them then is irrelevant -- the song still preceded Hotel California.
dbes02 8 months ago
@dbes02 Preceding means nothing. Songs with the same chord progression preceded Ian's, and Ian says this in so many words. Melodic notes go the same way. If it was a hit, there would be no problem with access, but it wasn't. My comment goes to the many access claims. There is a substantial difference between the two songs if you listen multiple times. Inference probably won't work, but is subjective. Felder didn't copy the melody.
Totolapse 8 months ago
@Totolapse
I was merely pointing out that your claim "Felder wasn't with them then" hence "it can't be the source" made no sense. It's a point of logic that could not go uncommented. Obviously the temporal sequence can only support the claim that "We Used to Know" could not be based on "Hotel California, not vice versa
dbes02 8 months ago