Led Zeppelin will face a May 10 start to a trial in the copyright-infringement lawsuit against the band over “Stairway To Heaven”, according to the National Law Journal.
The suit – brought by Randy California's estate and members of Spirit – claims the acoustic introduction to 1971’s “Stairway” was lifted from their 1968 instrumental, “Taurus.”
The two bands shared the bill at several shows in late 1968 and 1969.
“I do not recall ever seeing Spirit perform live,” stated guitarist Jimmy Page in his deposition for the case. “Again, though, I am absolutely certain I never heard them, or anyone else, perform ‘Taurus.'”
In the declaration, Page adds, “Prior to hearing a recording of ‘Taurus’ in 2014 in connection with this matter, I have never heard ‘Taurus’ or even heard of it. I am very good at remembering music and am absolutely certain that I never heard ‘Taurus’ until 2014.”
“Stairway To Heaven” appeared on the UK band’s 1971 album, “Led Zeppelin IV.”
One of the best-selling albums in music history, the project went on to sell more than 37 million copies worldwide, including 23 million in the US alone.
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