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Appeal Launched In Led Zeppelin 'Stairway To Heaven' Lawsuit


Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page Robert Plant

Michael Skidmore, who unsuccessfully sued Led Zeppelin for copyright infringement over their 1971 classic ‘Stairway to Heaven’, has filed a notice of appeal against the court’s ruling. In June Led Zeppelin were cleared of copying the opening chords of Spirit’s ‘Taurus’, for ‘Stairway to Heaven’, but Skidmore is asking the courts to review their decision.

Jimmy PageLed Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page.

The notice of appeal, obtained by The Wrap, reads: “Please take notice that Plaintiff Michael Skidmore, Trustee for the Randy Craig Wolfe Trust, hereby appeals to the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from the final judgment entered on June 23, 2016, as well as any and all interlocutory rulings, decisions, and orders that gave rise to the judgment and are merged therein.”

Continue reading: Appeal Launched In Led Zeppelin 'Stairway To Heaven' Lawsuit

'Lost' BBC Session By Led Zeppelin Recovered And Restored


Led Zeppelin

A 1969 session recorded by Led Zeppelin, thought to have been lost when BBC archives were cleared, is to be included on an expanded re-issue of the band’s 1997 compilation The Complete BBC Sessions later this year.

A set from the then-fledgling rock giants was broadcast on the BBC’s World Service as part of Alexis Korner’s Rhythm and Blues programme. Featuring the only known recording of Zep’s version of ‘Sunshine Woman’, it was never heard again and was presumed to have been lost.

However, a home recording was made by a fan from an AM radio, and has been restored to reasonable quality by professionals overseen by the group’s guitarist Jimmy Page.

Continue reading: 'Lost' BBC Session By Led Zeppelin Recovered And Restored

Album Of The Day: 'Led Zeppelin IV' By Led Zeppelin


Led Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin are currently facing a complicated court case as a trustee of Spirit frontman Randy California sues them for copyright infringment on their song 'Stairway To Heaven'. But that's just got us thinking about that classic album it was taken from.

Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin IV is our Album Of The Day

The artist... Led Zeppelin formed in London in 1968 with Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. They are generally thought of as one of the very first heavy metal outfits, but they took much influence from blues, folk and psychedelia. They've sold between 200 and 300 million records around the world and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1995.

Continue reading: Album Of The Day: 'Led Zeppelin IV' By Led Zeppelin

Jimmy Page Testifies In Led Zeppelin Copyright Case


Led Zeppelin

Things are hotting up now that the Led Zeppelin copyright case has gone to trial, with guitarist Jimmy Page being called to testify in it's second day (June 15th 2016) in defense of his band that they did not copy the riff of 'Stairway To Heaven' from 'Taurus' by Spirit. 

Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin go on trial

Jimmy Page claimed that he had never heard 'Taurus' before he wrote 'Stairway to Heaven' in 1971, after his band was taken to court by the late Spirit frontman Randy California's trustee Michael Skidmore for the alleged similarities between the two tracks. It's taken two years for the case to come to trial, and it gets more and more complicated by the minute.

Continue reading: Jimmy Page Testifies In Led Zeppelin Copyright Case

Led Zeppelin Copyright Case Goes To Court: Bring In The Experts


Led Zeppelin

It's been a long delay but a lawsuit against Led Zeppelin claiming the band plagiarized their hit 'Stairway To Heaven' from Spirit has finally gone to trial today (June 14th 2016). The jury will be left to decide whether or not they agree with evidence presented by a qualified musicologist.

Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin face trial over 'Stairway To Heaven' copyright infringement claims

The judge presiding over the trial, Gary Klausner, has ruled that evidence from said musicologist Lawrence Ferrara will be presented in court, despite an attempted block against him from Francis Malofiy, the attorney of Michael Skidmore who filed the suit in 2014, for what you might call a conflict of interest.

Continue reading: Led Zeppelin Copyright Case Goes To Court: Bring In The Experts

Led Zeppelin Told They Can Settle 'Stairway To Heaven' Plagiarism Case For $1 Plus Writing Credit


Led Zeppelin Robert Plant Jimmy Page

As the jury trial concerning plagiarism over Led Zeppelin’s totemic rock song ‘Stairway To Heaven’ approaches, the lawyers suing the legendary rock group have apparently told them they can settle the case for $1 plus a writing credit for their client.

The trial is set for May 10th, and will examine the similarities between Zep’s eight-minute monster ‘Stairway To Heaven’ from 1971, perhaps the most famous rock song of all time, and Spirit’s 1968 song ‘Taurus’, and a judge has this week given rulings about what evidence can and cannot be heard by the jury.

Led ZeppelinLed Zeppelin - (l-r) Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones

Continue reading: Led Zeppelin Told They Can Settle 'Stairway To Heaven' Plagiarism Case For $1 Plus Writing Credit

Led Zeppelin To Face Jury Trial Over 'Stairway To Heaven' Copyright Claim


Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page Robert Plant

Led Zeppelin founders Robert Plant and Jimmy Page will face trial over whether they stole the opening chords for ‘Stairway To Heaven’ from Spirit’s 1967 instrumental, ‘Taurus’. On Friday (April 8th) US district judge Gary Klausner in Los Angeles said there were enough similarities between the two tracks to let a jury decide.

Jimmy pageRobert Plant and Jimmy Page will face a jury trial over their 1971 hit ‘Stairway To Heaven’.

In his ruling Judge Klausner said: "While it is true that a descending chromatic four-chord progression is a common convention that abounds in the music industry, the similarities here transcend this core structure." 

Continue reading: Led Zeppelin To Face Jury Trial Over 'Stairway To Heaven' Copyright Claim

Led Zeppelin Release Unheard Music, Say Reunion Chances Are "Zero"


Led Zeppelin Robert Plant Jimmy Page

Led Zeppelin have unveiled two previously unheard recordings, including an early version of their most famous song, Whole Lotta Love. The tracks come ahead of the reissue of the band's first three albums in June. The companion discs will feature alternative versions of songs, works in progress and live performances - all recorded at the time of the original albums.

Robert PlantRobert Plant Has No Interest In Reuniting Led Zeppelin

The latest tracks have been locked away in the band's archive for decades.

Continue reading: Led Zeppelin Release Unheard Music, Say Reunion Chances Are "Zero"

Want To Blab About Justin Bieber's Parties? It'll Cost You $5 Million


Justin Bieber Rolling Stones Led Zeppelin

Justin Bieber is happy to have you round to his house in Calabasas for a party, but you'll have to sign a $5 million waiver. Yep, that's right, TMZ.com have obtained a copy of a document that EVERYONE must sign before entering Bieber's residence, that warns that anyone who blabs about ANYTHING that happens inside the mansion will get sued big time. That includes "the physical health, or the philosophical, spiritual or other views or characteristics" of Bieber or the guests.

The document makes it very clear that anyone who violates the terms will automatically be sued for $5 million in damages. Oh, and if you tweet about the party? It's $5 million. If you Instagram anything from the party, it's $5 million. The form warns there might be activities which are "potentially hazardous and you should not participate unless you are medically able and properly trained," while risks include "minor injuries to catastrophic injuries, including death."

The pretty hilarious document confirms that Bieber's parties are easily as unruly as those thrown by the likes of The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin back in the day. So if you manage to get into one of the bashes and happen to see Bieber roaring through the hallway on a motorbike, don't you dare upload a Twitpic of that. Don't you dare.

Continue reading: Want To Blab About Justin Bieber's Parties? It'll Cost You $5 Million

Bill Clinton Snubbed By Led Zeppelin For Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert


Led Zeppelin Bill Clinton

Neither charity nor former President Bill Clinton could persuade Led Zeppelin to reform for last year’s Hurricane Sandy benefit concert, it’s been revealed by the Robin Hood Foundation’s executive director David Saltzman.

As you’ll all probably recall, Saltzman – with the help of entertainment mogul Harvey Weinstein – put together a high profile benefit concert in New York on the December 12, 2012 in aid of those who’d had their homes and lives devastated by the natural disaster. Paul McCartney and Bruce Springsteen were among the legends to play while all manner of celebs manned the telephone lines during the course of the telethon. However, as Saltzman told CBS, one band refused to get involved.

“There were two bands we were trying to recruit, one was The Rolling Stones and the other was Led Zeppelin,” Saltzman explained to CBS. “Harvey Weinstein had this great idea that he could enlist Bill Clinton to convince Led Zepplin to reunite to perform at the 12/12/12 concert. Harvey and I got on a plane to fly down to Washington to meet Bill Clinton who was going to meet Led Zeppelin, who were being honored at the Kennedy Center.” Continuing he added “Bill Clinton himself asked Led Zeppelin to reunite and they wouldn’t do it.” Thankfully there was one band who would – eventually. “At the airport I literally bumped into Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones and he said ‘you tell Harvey Weinstein to f**k off!’” Saltzman said, before adding “And his publicist came up behind him and said ‘they’re going to do it. He’s just joking.’”

Continue reading: Bill Clinton Snubbed By Led Zeppelin For Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert

Celebration Day! Robert Plant Hints At Led Zeppelin Reunion For 2014


Robert Plant Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page

Coy as ever, Robert Plant has dropped the latest hint that legendary rock band Led Zeppelin could reunite for a tour in 2014. The frontman said the decision would ultimately be up to guitarist Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, though crucially told Australia’s 60 Minutes TV programme, “I’ve got nothing to do in 2014.”

Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul JonesJimmy Page [L] Appears To Have Left The Door Firmly Open For A Led Zeppelin Reunion

It’s the first time the often-spikey Plant has spoken so openly about the possibility of another reunion. Referring to Led Zeppelin’s one-off gig at London’s O2 Arena in 2007, he added, “We just wanted to play and see what it was like and be good once…It was time to be good – and we were.” Despite the euphoric highs of that concert, the band have not played together since December 10, 2007, with Plant essentially absolving himself of any blame and passing things firmly in the direction of Plant and Jones. “Well you are for all those Led Zeppelin fans who'd love you to say, 'Yes, we're re-forming….Well, then you need to speak to [Page and Jones] the Capricorns. Cos I've got nothing to do in 2014.” It’s a sensational change from Plant’s position in 2008, when he trampled on any hopes of Led Zeppelin tour saying he was busy making music with Alison Krauss and, later, the group Band of Joy. Drummer Jason Bonham subsequently revealed the group were “real close” to touring without their iconic frontman. Plant scolded a couple of journalists who dared ask about a reunion at a recent press conference for the band’s DVD Celebration Day.

Continue reading: Celebration Day! Robert Plant Hints At Led Zeppelin Reunion For 2014

In Light Of Courtney Love Covering Jay Z's '99 Problems': Five Most Unlikely Cover Versions


Courtney Love Jay Z Rolf Harris Led Zeppelin Manic Street Preachers Rihanna Leona Lewis Nine Inch Nails Sid Vicious Frank Sinatra Take That Nirvana

Courtney Love doesn’t have much of a track record when it comes to cover versions. With her band Hole, she would often play a version of Guns N Roses’ ‘Paradise City’ that she would abandon half way through. Same goes for Depeche Mode’s ‘Hungry Like A Wolf,’ though the band did release a brilliant cover of Velvet Underground’s ‘Pale Blue Eyes,’ it has to be said.

When we heard that Courtney Love covered Jay Z’s ’99 Problems,’ though, we feared for the worst. And, sadly, our fears were confirmed. “This either sucks or it’s genius, I don’t know,” she said as she introduced the song at her impromptu Sundance Film Festival set.

Continue reading: In Light Of Courtney Love Covering Jay Z's '99 Problems': Five Most Unlikely Cover Versions

A Week In News Feat: Prince William, Kate Middleton, Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, Led Zeppelin, Lady Gaga, Katie Holmes And More!


Prince William Kate Middleton Harry Styles One Direction Taylor Swift Led Zeppelin Lady GaGa Katie Holmes

Led Zeppelin Fly In To Speak To David Letterman


Led Zeppelin David Letterman Jimmy Page Robert Plant

Jimmy Page Arrives For Letterman

Jimmy Page arrives for The Letterman Show

Still no more live shows announced but then perhaps it's enough just to see that Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones are happy to be in each other's company as friends these days as Led Zeppelin continued their promotional tour of the USA by appearing on Letterman. The veteran British rock group were given one of American's most prestigious honors when they picked up an award at the Kennedy Center Honors, and were paid tribute to by President Barack Obama.

Continue reading: Led Zeppelin Fly In To Speak To David Letterman

Barack Obama Amongst The Quick-witted To Address The Kennedy Center Honourees


Dustin Hoffman Barack Obama Robert De Niro Led Zeppelin

As entertainers from stage and screen were recognized for their contributions to the arts and American culture at the Kennedy Center Honors, it seemed as though a competition was forming: who could grab the most laughs with a witty address. Reuters had the scoop. 

"I worked with the speechwriters - there is no smooth transition from ballet to Led Zeppelin," joked President Barack Obama in deadpan while introducing the honorees at a ceremony in the White House East Room. And while Obama is one charismatic cat, we're pretty sure Robert De Niro can outgun him. "Dustin Hoffman is a pain the ass," said the former honoree, introducing the film star. "And he inspired me to be a bit of a pain in the ass too," De Niro continued with a big smile. "It's most incredible because it looks like I lived two lives," Natalia Makarova told reporters before the event. "I've come a long way, baby, no? That's the way someone said it for me." We're not sure we get that one.

Here's comedian Tina Fey, who was honoured with the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2010, on Letterman: "David Letterman is a professor emeritus at the 'Here's Some More Rope Institute,'" while the man himself decided to save the quips for his show. "I was full of trepidation, but now I am full of nothing but gratitude," he said. "I don't believe this, but it's been nice for my family." So who wins? We're going to plump for The President of The United States. 

Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Buddy Guy, Natalia Makarova And Led Zeppelin Honoured Kennedy Center


Dustin Hoffman David Letterman Buddy Guy Led Zeppelin

Made a significant contribution to American culture recently? Well unless you're in that headline, you've not done well enough. Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Buddy Guy, Natalia Makarova and Led Zeppelin have, and they've been recognized with a Kennedy centre honour because of it. Here are the winners:

Robert De Niro introduced actor and director Dustin Hoffman as a "world class, spectacular, colossal ... pain in the ass," before the 2000-strong audience were privy to a compilation of some of his best and most loved performances. "He just thinks at a different velocity," actor Liev Schreiber told reporters on the red carpet. "He burns at a brighter intensity," he added, according to Time.  

Natalia Makarova, renowned for her work as the lead in Giselle, became a star dancing with the Kirov Ballet in the 1950s and 1960s. She was awarded for her pure dedication and excellence in her field. Buddy Guy has won six Grammys for his work in rock as well as traditional and contemporary blues, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, so it was about time the Kennedy Center gave him a call. 

Continue reading: Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Buddy Guy, Natalia Makarova And Led Zeppelin Honoured Kennedy Center

Led Zeppelin Honored By President Barack Obama At Kennedy Center Honors


Led Zeppelin Barack Obama

Led Zeppelin have been honored at the annual Kennedy Centre Honours event, with President Barack Obama on hand to give the legendary British rock group a touching tribute. Oscar-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, chat show host David Letterman, blues star Buddy Guy and ballerina Natalia Makarova were others to receive Kennedy Center Honors at the event on Sunday night, but all eyes were on Led Zeppelin who achieved critical and commercial acclaim throughout the late 1960’s and 70’s.

"When Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, John Paul Jones and John Bonham burst onto the musical scene in the late 1960's, the world never saw it coming” opened Obama. "There was this singer with a mane like a lion and a voice like a banshee, a guitar prodigy who left people’s jaws on the floor, a versatile bassist who was equally at home on the keyboards, a drummer who played like his life depended on it.”

Obama also pointed out – perhaps a little inaccurately – that America were the first to take to the group, saying “When the Brits initially kept their distance, Led Zeppelin grabbed America from the opening chord. We were ready for what Jimmy called songs with "a lot of light and shade". He finished "It’s been said that a generation of young people survived teenage angst with a pair of headphones and a Zeppelin album ... but even now, 32 years after John Bonham’s passing - and we all I think appreciate the fact - the Zeppelin legacy lives on." The group recently released a DVD of their one-off comeback show from 2007 at the O2 Arena in London, though they’ve expressed no desire to reunite for any more live shows.

AC/DC Give In To The Digital Age And Sell Music On ITunes


AC DC Beatles Led Zeppelin Apple

AC/DC - one of the biggest bands to resist the transition into the digital age of music - have allowed their entire back catalogue of rock music to be sold by e-distribution giants Apple, via iTunes.

"AC/DC's thunderous and primal rock and roll has excited fans for generations with their raw and rebellious brand of music, which also resonates with millions of new fans discovering AC/DC everyday," Columbia Records and Apple, said in a statement announcing the deal, Reuters reports. "Their growing legion of fans will now experience the intensity of AC/DC's music in a way that has never been heard before," they added. Fans will be able to buy the whole lot - studio albums, live recordings and compilations - for £99.99. Alternatively, if you don't want the extra bit, and just fancy the 16 studio albums, they'll be available in a download bundle for £79.99, meaning each album will cost less than £5.

Other huge acts like The Beatles and Led Zeppelin had previously resisted Apple in their quest to distribute music via their hugely popular iTunes format. This was largely to do with business clashes between Apple Records, part of Apple Corps (started by the Beatles) and Apple Computers in the case of The Beatles, and Atlantic Records in the case of Led Zeppelin, but, like AC/DC, Apple eventually came to agreements with both bands, and their respective record companies, to allow their music to be sold by them. 

Why Did Led Zeppelin Dodge Reunion Shows Question?


Led Zeppelin

Speculation that Led Zeppelin may well be returning to the stage has intensified after the group dodged questions about possible reunion shows during a press conference in London. The group played a gig at London’s O2 Arena five years ago, and the release of a new concert movie was the reason for Jimmy Page, Robert Plant and John Paul Jones getting together in the capital.

Asked whether they might consider reuniting, guitarist Page replied, “Can I ask you a question? You've all been to see the film. Did you enjoy it?” A room full of seasoned rock journalists were only going to give one answer, and Page duly responded “Then we've done our job.” An estimated 20 million people applied for just 18,000 tickets for the O2 gig, underlining the demand for the band to play live more regularly. Page and Plant have never been ones for biting their tongues – if a Zeppelin reunion was definitely out of the question, the journalists gathered in London would have heard about it. So it looks as though all you Zep fans may well be dusting off your tour t-shirts pretty soon, if you can get a ticket that is.

The band’s new concert movie ‘Celebration Day’ will be show in selected movie theatres on October 17, 2012, though will be available on audio and video formats from November 19.


Are Led Zeppelin Set To Return To The Stage?


Led Zeppelin Robert Plant Jimmy Page

Led Zeppelin would not be drawn into answering reunion questions at a press conference on Monday, reports The Guardian.

Asked whether a comeback was on the cards, Jimmy Page gave a frank answer: "Let me ask you a question," he said. "Have you seen the film? Did you enjoy it? Then we've done our job, haven't we?" The band were also full of praise for Jason Bonham, who replaced his father John. "Jason was absolutely monumental in his performance," Page said. "Nobody else could have done it." The performance, their last ever, featured Bonham on drums. “We played with him before, at his wedding," added Robert Plant. "But sadly he decided to go to bed at his wedding reception. Because I was a friend of the family from way back, I was the one who had to go to his room and get him out of bed."

Celebration Day - directed by Dick Carruthers - shows Zeppelin's entire 16-song set at the tribute concert. The film will get a worldwide theatrical release on 17 October, and a multi-format home release on 19 November.

Continue reading: Are Led Zeppelin Set To Return To The Stage?

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