Yusuf Islam – the artist formerly known as Cat Stevens – is retreating from his earlier allegation that Coldplay stole one of his songs.
Speaking to the U.K.’s Daily Express, Islam acknowledged that any similarity between his 1973 epic, "Foreigner Suite," and Coldplay’s "Viva La Vida" was unintentional.
"I stand by what I said," Yusuf explained. "They did copy my song but I don't think they did it on purpose."
Coldplay was sued in Dec. 2008 by guitarist Joe Satriani, who alleged that "Viva La Vida" plagiarized his 2004 instrumental, "If I Could Fly." In May, Islam said he would wait until the dispute between Coldplay and Satriani was resolved before deciding whether to take legal action. After further thought, however, the singer-songwriter now seems in a more forgiving frame of mind.
"I have even copied myself without even knowing I have done it," he said. "I'll write down what I think is a good melody and realize it's the same as something I have already done. I don't want them to think I am angry with them. I'd love to sit down and have a cup of tea with them and let them know it's okay."