Led Zeppelin’s ‘Stairway to Heaven’ is Heading to Copyright Trial

A U.S. judge has ruled that Led Zeppelin's Robert Plant and Jimmy Page must face a jury over claims that parts of 'Stairway to Heaven' were copied from another song. 

A lawsuit was raised two years ago by the estate of Spirit guitarist Randy California, stating that the band's 1967 song 'Taurus' was the source for the opening of 1971's 'Stairway to Heaven'.

Jimmy Page has always dismissed the claims that Stairway was copied. The two bands did tour the U.S. together in 1968 and 1969, so there is chance that Page could have heard the piece.

Zeppelin's legal defense is not based off of the similarity of the songs, but whether the spirit party have the right to act over the matter. Stating that California wrote 'Taurus' under a contract that surrendered all rights to his work.

Zeppelin also argues that the chord progression used is so well-used that it doesn't warrant legal protection.

A lawyer for the estate, said that the lawsuit is about giving credit where credit is due, and now they have that chance.

The trial is set to begin in May 10th.

Have a listen to Spirit's 'Taurus' along with 'Stairway to Heaven'and judge for yourself.