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American singer-songwriter Tom Petty will not take legal action over the alleged plagiarism on behalf of Red Hot Chili Peppers, as previously reported here.
A US DJ, Dan Gaffney, alerted his listeners to the less-then-subtle similarities between Petty's 'Mary Jane's Last Dance' and RHCP's 'Dani California' in May. Although the two songs are very similar - both structurally and lyrically - Petty has told Rolling Stone that he has no plans to sue the veteran rockers.
"The truth is, I seriously doubt that there is any negative intent there," said Petty. "And a lot of rock & roll songs sound alike."
"If someone took my song note for note and stole it maliciously, then maybe. But I don't believe in lawsuits much.
"I think there are enough frivolous lawsuits in this country without people fighting over pop songs."
Petty releases his third solo album (and first for Rick Rubin's American Recordings), Highway Companion, on July 24.
