There can be no discussion of the history of heavy metal music without mention of the band Metallica and their famous song ‘Fade to Black’.
This song holds a special place in the band’s discography, taken from their 1984 album ‘Ride The Lightning’.
It is revered for its acoustic intro that gradually builds, setting a template that Metallica would follow in future creations such as ‘Welcome Home (Sanitarium)’, ‘One’ and ‘The Day That Never Comes’.
On the other side of the musical spectrum, we have Pink Floyd, the pioneers of progressive rock, whose song “Goodbye Blue Sky” from their iconic 1979 album “The Wall” occupies a similar place of reverence.
The song stands out as a poignant commentary on the aftermath of the Second World War, depicting the fear and anxiety that lingered after the war.
So what is the link between these two different songs from two very different genres? It’s the uncanny similarity of their introductory riffs.
This similarity has led some listeners and critics to question whether Metallica’s “Fade to Black” was inspired by “Goodbye Blue Sky” or if it’s a direct copy of the earlier work.
It’s not unusual for musicians to be influenced by their peers or predecessors. After all, music is an evolving art form, and artists often build on the work of those who came before them.
However, when one song is strikingly similar to another, it tends to raise eyebrows. Is it a nod to the original, a case of subliminal borrowing, or a more deliberate act of copying?
The chords and melody of “Fade to Black” and “Goodbye Blue Sky” are suspiciously similar. This could be seen as a direct copy or an example of artistic inspiration, depending on your point of view.
But until there’s an official complaint or lawsuit, it’s largely up to the listener to make up his or her own mind.
The line between inspiration and copying in music is extremely thin. It’s important for musicians to learn from and pay homage to the work of others.
But they must also be careful not to cross the line into the realm of direct copying. It is a testament to an artist’s creativity and originality that they can strike this balance.
Whether Fade to Black is a direct copy of Goodbye Blue Sky, or a work influenced by it, ends up being a matter of personal interpretation.
It serves as a reminder of how complex it is to distinguish between inspiration and copying in the art of creating music.
