Soon after the release of latest MACHINE HEAD single “Beyond the Pale,” the public accused Robb Flynn and co. of ripping off STRAPPING YOUNG LAD‘s 2005 tune “Love?”.
Both Robb and Devin Townsend have stepped up to share a few words regarding the whole matter, with Flynn acknowledging a “happy accident.”
Devin was the first one to comment, noting via Twitter:
“People asking me about riff similarities: I don’t have an opinion really. I’ve written riffs my whole career that sound like something else.
“I’ve used whole themes from other albums, movies or soundtracks. Art is a collage of your experiences, you taking clippings and reassemble.
“Heres the best part about comparison of MH new song to ‘Love’ – I basically ripped off the SYL chorus from this song [‘City of Love‘ by Yes off 1983’s ‘90125’].”
Flynn then commented:
“Shout out to Devin Townsend for being so cool. The Riff Police pulled me over, I got a $300 infraction for that one!! Like Dimebag always used to tell me ‘we’re all just sharing riffs man.’
“Got a lot of respect for you Devin, super talented musician, amazing producer (‘As the Palaces Burn’ production crushes all!)
“And while I would proudly admit that I stole a Riff from you… Was just a happy accident.
“Riff on brother!”
You can check both songs out below.
