A federal court jury has ruled in 'Led Zeppelin's favour after hearing the testimony and arguments that its classic rock anthem 'Stairway to Heaven' was a copyright infringement of 1960s instrumental tune.
The verdict in Los Angeles settles a point that music fans have debated for decades, but did not find its way to court until two years ago, when the trustee for the late Randy Craig Wolfe filed a copyright lawsuit, reports Channel 24.
The trust claimed that Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page lifted a passage that Wolfe, better known as Randy California, wrote for 'Taurus,' a short work he recorded with his band 'Spirit' in 1968.
Page and singer Robert Plant showed little emotion as the verdict was read then hugged their lawyers.
Both Page and Plant, who denied having access to 'Taurus' despite performing concerts with 'Spirit' decades ago, were on hand to hear the reading of the verdict.
In his testimony, 'Page' rejected many questions from plaintiff attorney Francis Malofiy that the songs were too similar to be coincidental.
Page did, however, alter the official story of how 'Stairway' was created in 1970, puncturing the mythology that he holed himself up in a remote cottage in Wales called Bron-Yr-Aur, and wrote the tune by fireside.