Just as Led Zeppelin is about to reissue their back catalog in deluxe editions, the band is getting sued over their most famous song, and arguably one of the most famous classic rock songs of all time, “Stairway to Heaven.”
In 1968, Led Zeppelin was making their American debut on tour with a California-based band called Spirit. One of Spirit’s songs, titled ‘Taurus,’ features a riff that sounds pretty familiar (listen below at about 0:44). That song was written by the late Randy Wolfe (known as Randy California), and according to claims by the now-defunct band’s bassist Mark Andes and a trust that handles Wolfe’s royalties, Jimmy Page heard the song during that 1968 tour and stole the riff for “Stairway to Heaven” (released in 1971).
The plaintiffs, who have reportedly hired a team of lawyers, are seeking financial compensation and would like to get Wolfe the writing credit they feel he deserves.
Check out Spirit’s song “Taurus” and tell us what you think in the comments below.
Spirit’s “Taurus” (riff at 0:44):
Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” (opening riff):
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