Did Werewolves of London Copy Sweet Home Alabama?

By Robert Palmer

The debate about whether the classic rock song “Werewolves of London” copied the iconic riff from “Sweet Home Alabama” has been a topic of discussion among music lovers for many years. The controversy stems from the fact that both songs share a similar guitar riff. Let’s dive deep into this debate and try to find out what really happened.

Background Information

“Sweet Home Alabama” was released by the southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd in 1974, while Warren Zevon’s “Werewolves of London” came out in 1978. Both songs were big hits and have become classics in their own right. However, it wasn’t until later that people started noticing the similarities between the two songs.

The Similarities

The main similarity between the two songs is the guitar riff that serves as their respective intros. The riff is a sequence of three notes played in quick succession. In “Sweet Home Alabama,” the notes are D-C-G, while in “Werewolves of London,” they are G-E-A.

What’s at Stake?

This controversy is not just about plagiarism but also raises questions about artistic integrity and originality. If Warren Zevon did copy Lynyrd Skynyrd’s famous guitar riff, then it would be seen as a lack of creativity on his part and a breach of artistic integrity.

The Verdict

After much speculation and analysis, it seems that there is no conclusive evidence to prove that Warren Zevon copied Lynyrd Skynyrd’s riff intentionally. In an interview with Rolling Stone magazine, Zevon himself denied any such claims and said that he had never heard “Sweet Home Alabama” before writing his song.

It is possible that both bands drew inspiration from similar sources or coincidentally stumbled upon a similar melody, which is not uncommon in the music industry.

Conclusion

In the end, it is up to individual interpretation whether “Werewolves of London” copied “Sweet Home Alabama” or not. Regardless, both songs have stood the test of time and continue to be loved by fans around the world. What matters most is the impact these songs have had on popular culture and how they continue to inspire musicians today.

  • Key Takeaways:
  • The controversy about whether “Werewolves of London” copied “Sweet Home Alabama” has been a topic of discussion for many years.
  • The main similarity between the two songs is their guitar riff.
  • There is no conclusive evidence to prove that Warren Zevon intentionally copied Lynyrd Skynyrd’s riff.
  • Whether or not “Werewolves of London” copied “Sweet Home Alabama,” both songs remain classics in their own right.

Sources:

  • Rolling Stone Magazine – Warren Zevon interview
  • Ultimate Classic Rock – Did Werewolves of London Copy Sweet Home Alabama?