Led Zeppelin face lawsuit over 'stolen' 'Stairway to Heaven' intro

Led Zeppelin are facing a lawsuit claiming that they stole the influential opening to their classic hit, 'Stairway to Heaven'. 

Zeppelin have faced various claims of song-theft throughout their career with 'Dazed and Confused', 'The Lemon Song' and 'Whole Lotta Love' having previously been brought under question. Each of these cases were eventually settled out of court, but now the band face another case from band Spirit who claim 'Stairway to Heaven' is stolen from their track 'Taurus'. 

The band 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.