akdave Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I've read this story on a few sites today. I know it's not a new discussion, but it appears to be going to trial now. I'm guessing a settlement will come of it, but it's at least an interesting topic. I think there are similarities, but I'm not an attorney and I don't know how "close" a song has to be legally - I guess that's where the jury comes in. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/04/12/led-zeppelin-members-face-trial-in-stairway-to-heaven-copyright-infringement-lawsuit/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 B.S. get over it. Even if Zeppelin ripped it off, they a did a better job with it and for the that Spirit is just pissed. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimjimbo Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 There's still time to change the road you're on...... 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JL Sargent Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Obviously a judge has decided there's merit to the lawsuit. Interested that the two bands actually toured TOGETHER for two years. Then a year or so later and "BAM" you got Stairway To Heaven. The riff is what it is and tt is basically the same between the two songs. Should be interesting. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 In my opinion not even close. If I were the judge I would not even hear the case. JJK Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Don Richard Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 (edited) Well, some of the notes are the same, all five of them. Edited April 12, 2016 by Don Richard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ceptorman Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 There's still time to change the road you're on...... I hope so 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twk123 Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Jeez whats next, the Edgewater hotel is going to sue them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 No sour grapes there. What did Spirit go on to do that Zep didn't? The families of many deceased classical composers could sue lots of modern songwriters with such a puny standard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wvu80 Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I can never get the search engine here to find anything, but somewhere there is a thread on this, or at least a thread on the top ten bands who ripped off other bands' songs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolfbane Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I've read this story on a few sites today. I know it's not a new discussion, but it appears to be going to trial now. I'm guessing a settlement will come of it, but it's at least an interesting topic. I think there are similarities, but I'm not an attorney and I don't know how "close" a song has to be legally - I guess that's where the jury comes in. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/04/12/led-zeppelin-members-face-trial-in-stairway-to-heaven-copyright-infringement-lawsuit/ To me: Reads like George Harrison v. the Chiffon's. My Sweet Lord v. He's So Fine. In the end I believe the Chiffon's had the better advocate. Like Harrison and the Chiffon's: All Things Must Pass. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 Zeppelin are no where near the asshat territory of Springsteen and Young. Don't even get me (and/or Thebes) started on the beatles. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 I can never get the search engine here to find anything, but somewhere there is a thread on this, or at least a thread on the top ten bands who ripped off other bands' songs. Remember it well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JJkizak Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 You basically can make a copyright infringement case for every song on Earth with just a few notes of comparison. JJK 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dude Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 (edited) started on the beatles I know, weren't they the greatest of all time. Edited April 12, 2016 by duder1982 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldtimer Posted April 12, 2016 Share Posted April 12, 2016 started on the beatles I know, weren't they the greatest of all time. I think Thebes would concede they were the greatest boy band of their time.. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
akdave Posted April 13, 2016 Author Share Posted April 13, 2016 I can never get the search engine here to find anything, but somewhere there is a thread on this, or at least a thread on the top ten bands who ripped off other bands' songs. I figured as much as this is not a new story (other than it appears to be heading to a jury trial now), I'm sure a study could be made on this throughout the last 60 years. I don't have a strong opinion either way, it just caught my eye that such a legendary band is going to be brought to a trial over this after this many years. I don't think it will matter to fans one way or another. I think duder hit the nail on the head that they did a better job with it and that's what will matter to most. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seadog Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 I listened to the comparison several years ago and to me, Zep improved it so much that Spirit should do the paying! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fish Posted April 13, 2016 Share Posted April 13, 2016 The way I understand it the judge just thinks he's not the best guy to decide. The opening licks have many variations, it starts similar but changes a lot pretty quick. The feel of the song may be similar in some sense but it'a a very different song to my ears. I'm sure every song every artist ever done is based on life experience and what they have heard. Zeppelin did not invent Rock/Blues music, they just made it better than anyone ever (disclaimer) I consider Zeppelin the best band ever, just imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Travis In Austin Posted April 13, 2016 Moderators Share Posted April 13, 2016 I've read this story on a few sites today. I know it's not a new discussion, but it appears to be going to trial now. I'm guessing a settlement will come of it, but it's at least an interesting topic. I think there are similarities, but I'm not an attorney and I don't know how "close" a song has to be legally - I guess that's where the jury comes in. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2016/04/12/led-zeppelin-members-face-trial-in-stairway-to-heaven-copyright-infringement-lawsuit/ It is fascinating. Thicke had to pay Marvin Gaye estate over 7 million and split future royalties. StH has hade something like 600 million. Not sure how much of that is publishing royalties, which Spirit wiuld be entitled to some portion of if they prevail. If you are interested in these types of cases you should check this place out. http://mcir.usc.edu/purpose/Pages/default.html The actual cases, what the courts look at, how they decide what the split should be, etc. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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