Led Zeppelin appeal to throw out 'Stairway' plagiarism case dismissed

A US judge has refused to dismiss the case of Spirit guitarist Randy California, who argues that Led Zeppelin ripped him off for their classic track 'Stairway To Heaven'. 

Led Zeppelin had called for the case to be thrown out, arguing that Pennsylvania courts had no jurisdiction in the matter. However, District Court Judge Juan Sanchez denied the motion to dismiss without prejudice, reports Billboard. 

"What happened to Randy California and Spirit is wrong," said the Plantiffs. "Led Zeppelin needs to do the right thing and give credit where credit is due. Randy California deserves a writing credit for 'Stairway To Heaven' and to take his place as an author of rock's greatest song."

Spirit have claimed that Zeppelin stole the intro of their track 'Taurus' for the classic track, and have launched a legal case against the band, claiming they plagiarised their work. In a brief statement to French publication Liberation, Page stated simply: "Ridiculous," before adding: "I have no further comment on the subject."

It is not clear whether he was simply keeping silent or if he refused to comment due to ongoing legal proceedings.

Spirit claim to have been working for a long time on the lawsuit and are preparing to issue an accusation of copyright infringement. At the same time they wish to present an injunction against the reissue of IV unless proper recompense is given for the presence of 'Stairway to Heaven' on the album. 

Sprit shared various bills with Zeppelin in the late 60's with Robert Plant and company alleged to have also incorporate the band's 'Fresh Garbage' into their set. In 1997 singer Randy California told Listener Magazine: “[They] made millions of bucks on it and never said thank you; never said, ‘Can we pay you some money for it?’”

If they are successful, the group could win compensation amounting to a share of 'Stairway to Heaven''s $560m (£333m) worth. Safe to say it could amount to a rather substantial amount.