On Friday, April 8, 2016 U.S. District Judge R. Gary Klausner determined that enough evidence was provided by lawyers for Michael Skidmore, a trustee for late SPIRIT guitarist Randy Wolfe [better known as Randy California], for the case to proceed to trial on May 10, 2016. His ruling also removed bassist John Paul Jones from the case.
The case centers around accusations by Mr. Wolfe’s estate that the SPIRIT song ‘Taurus‘, which appeared on their self titled debut album released in 1968, was too close to the opening riff of LED ZEPPELIN‘s ‘Stairway To Heaven‘ which was released in 1971. They are suing for co writer credit and, I’m sure, royalty compensation. Below is a comparison of both songs. I’m no judge or lawyer but it looks to me as if Mr. Plant and Mr. Page should get their checkbooks ready…
