On This Day in 2016, Jimmy Page Walked Into Court to Defend ‘Stairway to Heaven’ — and Played the Legend to Win
On a day etched into rock history, June 14, 2016, legendary guitarist and Led Zeppelin co-founder Jimmy Page entered a Los Angeles courtroom, not with his guitar slung over his shoulder, but with a $79 million lawsuit hanging over his head. The case was high-stakes and deeply personal: it centered on the iconic opening riff of “Stairway to Heaven,” one of rock’s most celebrated compositions. Accusations had surfaced claiming that Page and singer Robert Plant had stolen the riff from Spirit’s 1968 song “Taurus,” written by Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe. The legal battle was not only about money but about the very integrity of Led Zeppelin’s legacy.
The lawsuit, filed by Michael Skidmore, speaking on behalf of Wolfe’s estate, alleged that Led Zeppelin had copied the opening motif from “Taurus,” and that the band’s legendary song was essentially a rip-off. The claim threatened to tarnish the reputation of one of rock’s most revered bands and cast a shadow over the history of “Stairway to Heaven,” a song that had become an anthem for generations.
Page, a calm yet resolute figure in the courtroom, took the stand to defend the band’s innocence. He testified that he had never even heard “Taurus” until the allegations surfaced on the internet. His words carried the weight of a man who had spent decades defending his music and reputation. But then, in perhaps one of the most dramatic moments of the trial, Page did something unexpected: he picked up a guitar and played the opening riff of “Stairway to Heaven” right there in the courtroom, in front of the judge and jury.
The act was both a demonstration and a statement—a way to show that the riff was an original creation rooted in the band’s musical exploration. The notes rang out clearly, reaffirming the song’s unique identity. As the notes faded, the courtroom was silent, the significance of the moment sinking in. It was a powerful declaration that “Stairway to Heaven” was not a copy but a product of Led Zeppelin’s creative genius.
In the end, the court ruled in favor of Led Zeppelin, affirming that the band had not plagiarized “Taurus.” The judge concluded that the similarities between the two riffs were insufficient to establish copyright infringement. Led Zeppelin’s legacy remained intact, and the band’s reputation as pioneers of rock music was preserved.
This courtroom encounter was more than just a legal victory; it was a defining moment in rock history. It showcased Jimmy Page’s unwavering confidence in his artistry and his willingness to stand up for his work under intense scrutiny. The act of playing the iconic riff in court became a symbol of artistic integrity and a reminder that, sometimes, the best defense is to let the music speak for itself.
Years later, “Stairway to Heaven” continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest rock songs ever written, and the lawsuit remains a fascinating chapter in its storied history. Jimmy Page’s courtroom performance on that day in 2016 has become legendary—a testament to the power of music, the importance of artistic ownership, and the enduring legacy of Led Zeppelin.
