Did Led Zeppelin Rip Off This Band? [POLL]
For years some have argued that the opening music of one of the most famous rock songs of all time was actually stolen. Led Zeppelin has been accused of having ripped off a band called Spirit. Spirit had a song called “Taurus”, and if you listen to it beginning about 44 seconds in you can decide for yourself if it sounds too close to the beginning of the classic Stairway To Heaven.
Now a Philadelphia attorney, Francis Alexander Malofiy, is working on a potential suit with Mark Andes, Spirit’s founding bassist, and the trust that handles royalties for Randy California, the lead guitarist who died in 1997. A copyright infringement lawsuit is planned. Is it possible? The timing would work out. Led Zeppelin opened for Spirit in 1968 then played with them again several times the following year giving them ample opportunity to hear the song Taurus. Personally I think it’s different enough, then again I’m probably tone deaf.