Jul 30, 2003 • 1 min read

Flaming Lips forced to share royalties with Cat Stevens over 'Fight Test'

The Flaming Lips have agreed a settlement with Cat Stevens over similarities between their single 'Fight Test' and his 'Father and Son', with royalties divided between the parties.

A recent posting on Yusuf Islam's (better known as Cat Stevens) website confirms that The Flaming Lips have been forced to turn over publishing royalties to Islam as part of a settlement over allegations that the Lips stole music from his early '70s track 'Father and Son' for their latest single 'Fight Test'.

The site read: "It was confirmed today that an agreement has been reached between Sony/ATV Music Publishing (Yusuf Islam) and EMI Music Publishing (Flaming Lips) over the single 'Fight Test' and its close resemblance to the Cat Stevens classic, 'Father and Son'. Royalties from the sale of 'Fight Test' will now be divided between both parties according to the agreed settlement."

Speaking to Jonathan Ross on Radio 2 this weekend Flaming Lips front man Wayne Coyne apologised for any similarities between his song and 'Father and Son', though he assured Islam the similarities were coincidental.

Great! You’ve successfully signed up.
Welcome back! You've successfully signed in.
You've successfully subscribed to CMU | the music business explained.
Your link has expired.
Success! Check your email for magic link to sign-in.
Success! Your billing info has been updated.
Your billing was not updated.
Privacy Policy