Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast
Results 1 to 25 of 28
  1. #1
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541

    Did Led Zep plagiarise "Stairway to Heaven" chords?

    Absolutely no fucking doubt. But why has it taken so long for the bloke to realise?


    Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Jimmy Page to Face 'Stairway to Heaven' Suit
    by REUTERS

    APR 12 2016, 4:18 AM ET

    Led Zeppelin's lead singer Robert Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page must face a U.S. jury trial over whether they stole opening chords for their 1971 classic "Stairway to Heaven."

    In a decision on Friday, U.S. District Judge Gary Klausner in Los Angeles said "Stairway" and the 1967 instrumental "Taurus" by the band Spirit were similar enough to let a jury decide whether Plant and Page were liable for copyright infringement.

    A trial is scheduled for May 10.

    The lawsuit was brought by Michael Skidmore, a trustee for the late Randy Wolfe, also known as Randy California, who was Spirit's guitarist and the composer of "Taurus."

    Skidmore said Page may have been inspired to write "Stairway" for Led Zeppelin after hearing Spirit perform "Taurus" while the bands toured together in 1968 and 1969, but that Wolfe never got credit.

    The defendants said Wolfe was a songwriter-for-hire who had no copyright claim, and that the chord progressions were so clichéd that they did not deserve copyright protection.

    But the judge said a jury could find "substantial" similarity between the first two minutes of "Stairway" and "Taurus," which he called "arguably the most recognizable and important segments" of the songs.

    "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. "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."

    Klausner dismissed claims against Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones and Warner Music Group Corp.

    He also said the trustee can get only 50 percent of any damages awarded, citing a 1967 contract that Wolfe signed.

    "This case, from our perspective, has always been about giving credit where credit was due, and now we get to right that wrong," Francis Malofiy, a lawyer for Skidmore, said by phone.

    A lawyer for the defendants did not immediately respond on Monday to requests for comment.

    According to the complaint, Wolfe complained about the similarities of the songs in an interview shortly before he drowned in 1997 in the Pacific Ocean while attempting to rescue his son.

    "Stairway to Heaven" is a track on Led Zeppelin's untitled fourth studio album, often referred to as "Led Zeppelin IV."

    Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant, Jimmy Page to Face 'Stairway to Heaven' Suit - NBC News




  2. #2
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    According to the complaint, Wolfe complained about the similarities of the songs in an interview shortly before he drowned in 1997 in the Pacific Ocean while attempting to rescue his son.
    I reckon ENT or Albert will be along soon to tell us that Jimmy Page had him murdered.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Black Heart's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Planet Cylon
    Posts
    3,019
    ^^

    Obviously, I've heard Stairway to Heaven over 50 times in my life like most of us, and I just heard this short piece by "Spirit."

    I don't see the connect, but of course, I'm no musician nor songwriter.

    Interesting story and I'll follow the suit.

    As for Zeppelin copying - ripping off - music from others, there is a very well known book (forgot the name) that notes many of Led Zeppelin's songs were copied / ripped off from some blues player or players.

    Anyone know of this book?


    Picasso said, "a smart many copies, but a genius steals."
    As of March 15, 2016, I have 97Century Threads.

  4. #4
    Thailand Expat Black Heart's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2011
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Planet Cylon
    Posts
    3,019
    This link shows specific songs and who it claim Zeppelin copied them from.

    (I assume other bands have done this and do this, but perhaps Zep was more prolific in lifting?)


    Led Zeppelin: Plagiarism?


    One of the most successful groups of all time, Led Zeppelin has often been taken to task for using the work of other artists without citing the source, particularly blues artists. Critics have also drawn attention to Zep’s use of the work of folk and rock artists, as well. This raises an interesting question: when is an artist’s work original and when it is plagiarism? Opinion is divided on Led Zeppelin’s relationship to their influences. On one side are those who express the attitude that Led Zeppelin are simply music thieves.

    On the website Perfect Sound Forever Will Shade refers to Jimmy Page and company as “Thieving Magpies,” and cites several instances where Led Zeppelin’s records bear a strong resemblance to earlier recordings. According to Short, that Led Zeppelin released these records without proper songwriting credits amounts to outright theft. This sentiment is echoed by rock critic Richard Meltzer, who contends “there is NOTHING original” about Led Zeppelin, but this sort of hyperbole adds little to the discussion of ensuring proper acknowledgement and compensation for creative work.

    Led Zeppelin Title Year Credit due to Title Year Span
    Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You 1969 Anne Bredon Babe, I’m Gonna Leave You 1960 x 9
    Dazed and Confused 1969 Jake Holmes Dazed and Confused 1967 x 2
    Black Mountain Side 1969 Bert jansch Blackwaterside 1966 3
    How Many More Times 1969 Howlin’ Wolf No Place to Go 1959 10
    How Many More Times 1969 The Yardbirds Smokestack Lightnin’ 1965 4
    Whole Lotta Love 1969 Willie Dixon You Need Love 1962 x 7
    The Lemon Song 1969 Howlin’ Wolf Killing Floor 1966 x 3
    Bring It On Home 1970 Sonny Boy Williamson Bring It On Home 1963 x 7
    Hats Off to (Roy) Harper 1970 Bukka White Shake ‘Em On Down 1937 33
    Hats Off to (Roy) Harper 1970 Oscar Woods The Lone Wolf Blues 1936 34
    Since I’ve Been loving You 1970 Moby Grape Never 1968 2
    Stairway to Heaven 1971 Spirit Taurus 1968 3
    Custard Pie 1975 Sleepy John Estes Drop Down Mama 1935 40
    Custard Pie 1975 Blind Boy Fuller I Want Some of Your Pie 1940 35
    In My Time of Dying 1975 Josh White Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dying Bed 1933 42
    Boogie With Stu 1975 Ritchie Valens Ooh My Head 1959 16
    x – Songwriting credits have been changed on recent Led Zeppelin reissues


    Led Zeppelin: Plagiarism? | Turn Me On, Dead Man



    7 Songs That Led Zeppelin Ripped Off


    http://www.musictimes.com/articles/6...elin-stole.htm

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    Quote Originally Posted by Black Heart View Post
    ^^

    Obviously, I've heard Stairway to Heaven over 50 times in my life like most of us, and I just heard this short piece by "Spirit."

    I don't see the connect, but of course, I'm no musician nor songwriter.
    And you're also obviously tone fucking deaf.

  6. #6
    I am in Jail
    stroller's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Last Online
    12-03-2019 @ 09:53 AM
    Location
    out of range
    Posts
    23,025
    ^^
    Willie Dixon is in fact credited for writing some of the songs on the first Led.Z. LP. He was a prolific songwriter for a number of Blues acts.

    Hardly a 'rip off'.

  7. #7
    Thailand Expat
    mingmong's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Last Online
    04-04-2023 @ 10:03 PM
    Location
    Behind Soi Chiang noi
    Posts
    1,080
    Zep ripped many tunes off and credits them selfs for the talent, ever read a book called 'Stolen thunder' short changed Jeff Beck too!

  8. #8
    R.I.P. Luigi's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Abuja
    Posts
    26,213
    Quote Originally Posted by Black Heart View Post
    ^^

    Obviously, I've heard Stairway to Heaven over 50 times in my life like most of us, and I just heard this short piece by "Spirit."

    I don't see the connect


    Despite it being the same foking song, it's completely different.

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    18,022
    Most everything from our modern existences has been diffused from numerous sources.

    Little derives from originality.

  10. #10
    Thailand Expat Pragmatic's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2013
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Last but who gives a shit.
    Posts
    13,287
    I think it was Rod Stewart that once said that every song writer rips a little of something from other writers and is seen as acceptable.

    Rod Stewart Sued for Copying Early Blues Musician's Song
    Rod Stewart Sued for Copying Early Blues Musician's Song - Hollywood Reporter

    Rod Stewart sued for using a photo of himself
    Rod Stewart Sued for Using a Photo of Himself - Art Law Journal

  11. #11
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    Quote Originally Posted by Pragmatic View Post
    I think it was Rod Stewart that once said that every song writer rips a little of something from other writers and is seen as acceptable.

    Rod Stewart Sued for Copying Early Blues Musician's Song
    Rod Stewart Sued for Copying Early Blues Musician's Song - Hollywood Reporter

    Rod Stewart sued for using a photo of himself
    Rod Stewart Sued for Using a Photo of Himself - Art Law Journal
    Rod Stewart would say that because he nicks shit himself.

    Rod Stewart was successfully sued by Brazilian songwriter Jorge Ben Jor, over "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" melody and chorus similarities to Ben's 1972 song "Taj Mahal".

  12. #12
    Banned

    Join Date
    Jul 2012
    Last Online
    09-05-2021 @ 03:25 AM
    Posts
    33,644
    I see Neverna has plagiarised this thread

  13. #13
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    Quote Originally Posted by Dillinger View Post
    I see Neverna has plagiarised this thread
    Where?

    I'll get my legal team straight on it.

  14. #14
    . Neverna's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    21,210
    Harry's thread is very similar to mine, not an exact copy so I won't sue him, but for the record, mine came first.

    https://teakdoor.com/arts-and-enterta...ay-partly.html (Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven may be partly stolen, judge says)

  15. #15
    Molecular Mixup
    blue's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2010
    Last Online
    09-06-2019 @ 01:29 AM
    Location
    54°N
    Posts
    11,334

  16. #16
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    Quote Originally Posted by Neverna View Post
    Harry's thread is very similar to mine, not an exact copy so I won't sue him, but for the record, mine came first.

    https://teakdoor.com/arts-and-enterta...ay-partly.html (Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven may be partly stolen, judge says)
    It'll never stand up in a court of law.

    I deny everything.

    Your wife, look at that face.

    You are low energy.

    Lyin' Neverna.

    The whole system is corrupt and against me.

    There will be riots.

    Etc. Etc.


  17. #17
    On a walkabout Loy Toy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    30,531
    Quote Originally Posted by thaimeme
    Most everything from our modern existences has been diffused from numerous sources.
    I am sure that the roots of most of the alleged plagiarised songs were copied in part from other music previously composed.

    Musicians are influenced by their peers and come up with hybrids with enough changes to make the musical pieces their own.

  18. #18
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    Quote Originally Posted by Loy Toy View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by thaimeme
    Most everything from our modern existences has been diffused from numerous sources.
    I am sure that the roots of most of the alleged plagiarised songs were copied in part from other music previously composed.

    Musicians are influenced by their peers and come up with hybrids with enough changes to make the musical pieces their own.
    There is a big difference between being influenced by others music and outright plagiarising it.

  19. #19
    Thailand Expat
    aging one's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    22,620
    Just a sidebar. I liked Spirit when they first came out. California band. Had a pretty big hit with the song Fresh Garbage. Led Zeppelin opened for them on a tour in 1968, and covered Fresh Garbage often. Although this is the first time I have heard of this.

  20. #20
    Thailand Expat
    bobo746's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
    Last Online
    24-01-2019 @ 09:21 AM
    Location
    Brisbane
    Posts
    14,320
    Quote Originally Posted by harrybarracuda
    the bands toured together in 1968 and 1969
    It took a lawyer 50 years to get on the job ?

  21. #21
    I am in Jail
    stroller's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2006
    Last Online
    12-03-2019 @ 09:53 AM
    Location
    out of range
    Posts
    23,025
    Quote Originally Posted by Neverna View Post
    Harry's thread is very similar to mine, not an exact copy so I won't sue him, but for the record, mine came first.

    https://teakdoor.com/arts-and-enterta...ay-partly.html (Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven may be partly stolen, judge says)
    Close enough to be regarded as a duplicate thread - a jailable offense.

    Bye, bye, Harry!

  22. #22
    Thailand Expat harrybarracuda's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    96,541
    Quote Originally Posted by stroller View Post
    Quote Originally Posted by Neverna View Post
    Harry's thread is very similar to mine, not an exact copy so I won't sue him, but for the record, mine came first.

    https://teakdoor.com/arts-and-enterta...ay-partly.html (Led Zeppelin's Stairway to Heaven may be partly stolen, judge says)
    Close enough to be regarded as a duplicate thread - a jailable offense.

    Bye, bye, Harry!
    But mine will be amazing, believe me, believe me, it's gonna make Teakdoor great again, it's gonna make Teakdoor great again, believe me, it's going to be so amazing and great etc. etc.


    And I'm going to make Thaivisa pay for it.

  23. #23
    . Neverna's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    21,210
    There's a feeling I get when I read Harry's thread
    That my browser is crying for leaving
    He has thoughts that are mean
    He eats eggs, chips and beans
    And the voices in his head keep clucking

    Ooh, it makes me wonder
    Ooh, it really makes me wonder

  24. #24
    On a walkabout Loy Toy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2008
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    30,531
    I'll add to that Neverna.

    If there's a bustle in Harry's head now, don't be alarmed now,
    It's just a spring queen or a wet dream.
    Yes, there are two paths he can go by, but in the long run
    He refuses to change the meandering road he's lost on.
    And it makes me wonder.

    Harry's head is humming and it won't go, in case he don't know,
    The Gent's calling him to join him,
    Dear Harry, can you feel the hurt of low blow, and did you know
    Your stairway ends in a psycho ward?

  25. #25
    Thailand Expat Jesus Jones's Avatar
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Last Online
    22-09-2017 @ 11:00 AM
    Posts
    6,950
    What a load of cry baby bollox this is!

Page 1 of 2 12 LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •