The Working Stiff Show

Jimmy Page denies stealing riff from Spirit’s “Taurus” for “Stairway to Heaven”

 

JIMMY PAGE DENIES STEALING SPIRIT SONG FOR ‘STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN
Jimmy Page has denied that he had ever heard Spirit’s “Taurus” prior to writing the signature-opening riff to Led Zeppelin’s 1971 classic “Stairway To Heaven.” Zeppelin is being sued by Michael Skidmore, the trustee of the Randy Craig Wolfe Trust, on behalf of the late Spirit guitarist who wrote “Taurus” and performed under the name Randy California. The trust is hoping to not only win a monetary judgment, but also secure a writing credit for California on “Stairway To Heaven.” On February 25th, Led Zeppelin filed a motion for a summary judgment on the case.

Page fought back in his official statement to the court, with TheWrap.com, posting selections from his testimony, including, “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.”
•Despite the fact that Spirit and Zeppelin shared the bill with each other on several occasions, Page went on to say: “I do not recall ever seeing Spirit perform live. Again, though, I am absolutely certain I never heard them, or anyone else, perform ‘Taurus.'”
•Regarding the similarities in the two songs, Page explained it to be the product of “basic skills leaned by any student of the guitar . . . I consider descending chromatic lines and arpeggiated chords basic skills learned by any student of the guitar. Certainly, as a guitarist, I was aware of descending chromatic lines and arpeggios long before 1968.”

Hear the full track by spirit:

•Page shed light on the creation of “Stairway To Heaven,” revealing, “the intention to create a long work, with multiple different parts, that would unfold with increasing complexity and speed culminating in a guitar solo that was preceded by a distinct fanfare, followed by the last verse concluding a climax to the song.”
•The guitarist went on to admit that he in fact realized that he had a copy of Spirit’s 1968 self-titled debut album featuring “Taurus” in his collection but that he did “not know how or when it got there,” suggesting, it “may well have been left by a guest. . . But, again, I know I did not hear ‘Taurus’ until 2014.”

Recent Headlines

3 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

Elton John, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Questlove, Twenty One Pilots and Raye to present at Rock Hall

A glittering list of music figures will help present awards at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony this year, including Elton John, Olivia Rodrigo, Doja Cat, Questlove, Twenty One Pilots, Missy Elliott and Raye.

1 day ago in Entertainment, Music

Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ breaks record, sells 2.7 million copies in U.S. on first day

It's the life of a saleswoman. Taylor Swift's 12th studio album, "The Life of a Showgirl," sold 2.7 million copies in traditional album sales — which include physical and digital formats — in its first day in the U.S. That's according to Luminate, an industry data and analytics company.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Rush announce reunion tour five years after the death of drummer Neil Peart

Five years after their influential drummer and lyricist Neil Peart died of glioblastoma, the Canadian band Rush have announced a reunion tour.

2 days ago in Entertainment, Trending

Bad Bunny kicks off ‘SNL’ 51st season with a group of new faces and jabs at his Super Bowl critics

Bad Bunny kicked off the 51st season of "Saturday Night Live" with a few timely jokes about his next high-profile gig: the Super Bowl.

5 days ago in National, Trending

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is sentenced to over 4 years in prison

Sean 'Diddy' Combs was sentenced Friday to 4 years and 2 months in prison in case involving sex workers, violence and "freak-offs."

5 days ago in National, Trending

Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is set to be sentenced and faces the possibility of years in prison

Sean "Diddy" Combs faces sentencing Friday in a sordid criminal case that could keep him locked up for years.

5 days ago in Entertainment, Music

Decoding Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life a Showgirl’: A guide to her references

For Taylor Swift's most dedicated audience, a new album means new opportunities to decode Easter eggs in her lyrics and music videos. The pop superstar's 12th studio album has no shortage of clever clues and references to her public life and discography.