Last week on Chilly Gonzales' Pop Music Masterclass YouTube series, the pianist broke down Hozier's hit song "Take Me To Church" pointing out its similarities to Feist's "How Come You Never Go There," and even saying she should take Hozier to court because of how it practically copies the song. Well, now Hozier is taking that advice, but suing Gonzales instead for claims of defamation.
According to reports from the Sunday Times and Entertainment.ie, Hozier, whose real name is Andrew Hozier-Byrne, filed the defamation case in Ireland's High Court.
In the clip, which has since been taken down from YouTube, Gonzales describes how "Take Me To Church" is really a very slow waltz with elements of gospel music all wrapped in some dark minor chords that are the same as Feist's "How Come You Never Go There." Gonzales has collaborated with Feist many times in the past and admitted his implicit bias in the video.
Hozier's manager Caroline Downey said Gonzales's allegations were "groundless," according to The Times.
Musicians have been a little lawsuit crazy in recent years between old claims that Led Zeppelin committed copyright infringement when writing "Stairway to Heaven," to the $7.2 million settlement Robin Thicke and Pharrell paid to the Gaye family over "Blurred Lines." While at times these lawsuits seems a little excessive there's no denying there's a lot of money at stake in these cases given the realized and potential value in songs over time.
One might think Hozier would have sued Feist preemptively or via versa, but in this case, it would seem Gonzales probably has the right to free speech here to just state the similarities. However, the courts could rule that Gonzales wrongfully hurt Hozier's reputation in the process. However, celebrities have malicious rumors spread about them all the time so the final court ruling could be up in the air. We will have to see who the court agrees with if the lawsuit ever actually reaches a courtroom.
In the meantime, listen to both songs below so you can be the judge of the similarities and weigh in on whether he should have said anything or not.
