Judge Oks Trial For 'Stairway To Heaven' Copyright Case

A judge has approved the trial for the "Stairway To Heaven" copyright case in order to determine whether or not the 1971 hit copied music from another song. The song was said to be that from a rock band called Spirit and written around 1966 to 1967.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner made the announcement on Friday noting that there was enough evidence from the lawyers for the trustee of the late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe to prove that "Stairway to Heaven" copied music from the band's song called "Taurus."

The song "Taurus" was written by Wolfe in either 1966 or 1967 and it was released years before Led Zeppelin launched his song. Klausner said in his statement that while the songs have some differences, the trustee of Wolfe could be able to prove that the two songs are substantially similar.

Led Zeppelin and Spirit have performed at some concerts and festivals at around the same time but not on the same stage. Klausner added that the evidence presented to the court argues that Led Zeppelin might have heard "Taurus" before "Stairway To Heaven" was created.

Led Zeppelin has countered that both "Stairway To Heaven" and "Taurus" featured notes that have been used in music for centuries, ABC News reported.

Bloomberg reported that the founders of the band Led Zeppelin, 72-year-old Jimmy Page and 67-year-old Robert Plant, are expected to recount the origins of their song that was made more than 40 years ago at the trial, which was scheduled on May 10 in Los Angeles.

Lawyers for both bands have asked the judge to exclude evidence of the adverse effects of drinking or drug use in the 1960s or later as a factor in the alleged "flawed recollection" of whether or not they were familiar with the song "Taurus."

Francis Alexander Malofiy, attorney for Wolfe's trustee Michael Skidmore, praised the ruling saying that his client is being brought one step closer to getting Wolfe the credit he deserves for helping create one of the most recognizable song introductions in rock history.

Neither Page nor Plant as well as their representatives have not commented yet.

Tags

federal judge, stairway to heaven, taurus, Spirit rock band, jimmy page, robert plant, infringement, opening notes, copyright

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