Led Zeppelin May Have Plagiarized Part Of ‘Stairway To Heaven,’ Judge Says

Led Zeppelin’s most famous song “Stairway to Heaven” may have been plagiarized, according to a California judge. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the late Randy California, claims that Zep filched elements of his Spirit song, “Taurus.” U.S. district judge Gary Klausner says that the songs were similar enough to let the suit go to jury trial.More »

By on April 13, 2016

Led Zeppelin’s most famous song “Stairway to Heaven” may have been plagiarized, according to a California judge. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of the late Randy California, claims that Zep filched elements of his Spirit song, “Taurus.” U.S. district judge Gary Klausner says that the songs were similar enough to let the suit go to jury trial. California’s estate claims that the two toured together in the late 1960s, during which time Zeppelin heard “Taurus” and appropriated parts of it for “Stairway to Heaven.” Zep’s lawyers counter that the chord progressions used in the song are not unique enough to get copyright protection. “While it is true that a descending chromatic four-chord progression is a common convention that abounds in the music industry, the similarities here transcend this core structure,” Klausner wrote in his ruling. “What remains is a subjective assessment of the ‘concept and feel’ of two works . . . a task no more suitable for a judge than for a jury.” The trial will begin on May 10. Copyright(c) 2016 RTTNews.com. All Rights ReservedLess «