I remember when this song first came out. If I was the judge I would toss this in a heartbeat. Why did you wait 43 years to file the lawsuit? This is a total waste of the judicial system. If they want to file a lawsuit they should have filed it before the statue of limitations expired. This is an Absolutely a joke.
This type of bogus lawsuit is exactly why the US should switch to a loser-pays legal system. Unfortunately, even though Zeppelin will win the suit, they will still be out their defense fees, which is unfair to say the least.
Love Zep, but there’s NO DENYING that Jimmy Page REGULARLY ripped off the blues greats like Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, but then so did bands like The Who and The Rolling Stones. The old blues masters got screwed out of royalties big time.
The lawsuit was brought about because Led Zeppelin’s IV was remastered and to be re-released in 2014. The lawsuit was filed not solely for damages, but also for California to be given co-writer credit. (And his estate would then get a share of royalties going forward.)
Fact is that Randy California mentioned this but took no action during his lifetime. Now family want to sue in his behalf so that Randy can be made whole? (sarcasm intended). The push is usually some plaintiff’s attorney who stands to get a big fat check, regardless of the settlement. These suits do nothing for justice. As for the comment about ripping off Willie Dixon or Muddy Waters, they were given credit for songwriting on the albums. Royalty payments are not negotiated by the band but by the record labels. Blame those who are really the blame. And sue those who should be sued, IMO
Why go after Zep now? Why didn’t California file suit years ago? Now that he’s dead, his family wants to profit? Plaintiff’s attorney will profit regardless of the outcome and who will pay? Not the record company when they distribute the profits and it is the company that is responsible for paying royalties. By the way, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon did not complain; they got credit for songwriting by many British bands and occassionaly would perform with them. They didn’t get that kind of treatment in the US but again royalties are paid by the label. Sue them instead!
Regardless of who wins it’s been a long strange trip and I have to applaud the Insurance Journal for reporting on this. I had the pleasure see Spirit and meet Randy California many years ago. btw- not is real name, Hendrix called him California because he was too high to remember his real name and California stuck. Half a century later its a shame people don’t remember what an innovative band Spirit was and what a talent California was. While they never became megastars 12 Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is very good. Natures Way might have been one of the first songs written about the environment. Been in the business for 36 years and it’s fun to see an insurance publication cover this to such an extent. Next story- why did judge rule that estate would only receive half of an award?
I remember when this song first came out. If I was the judge I would toss this in a heartbeat. Why did you wait 43 years to file the lawsuit? This is a total waste of the judicial system. If they want to file a lawsuit they should have filed it before the statue of limitations expired. This is an Absolutely a joke.
Just following the comments.
This type of bogus lawsuit is exactly why the US should switch to a loser-pays legal system. Unfortunately, even though Zeppelin will win the suit, they will still be out their defense fees, which is unfair to say the least.
“I agree. There is no way that Led Zeppelin will lose this case!”
-Robin Thicke
Love Zep, but there’s NO DENYING that Jimmy Page REGULARLY ripped off the blues greats like Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, but then so did bands like The Who and The Rolling Stones. The old blues masters got screwed out of royalties big time.
Regardless of the case outcome, the Song Remains the Same.
The lawsuit was brought about because Led Zeppelin’s IV was remastered and to be re-released in 2014. The lawsuit was filed not solely for damages, but also for California to be given co-writer credit. (And his estate would then get a share of royalties going forward.)
Fact is that Randy California mentioned this but took no action during his lifetime. Now family want to sue in his behalf so that Randy can be made whole? (sarcasm intended). The push is usually some plaintiff’s attorney who stands to get a big fat check, regardless of the settlement. These suits do nothing for justice. As for the comment about ripping off Willie Dixon or Muddy Waters, they were given credit for songwriting on the albums. Royalty payments are not negotiated by the band but by the record labels. Blame those who are really the blame. And sue those who should be sued, IMO
Stush is the name, not Stish, sorry for the typo
Why go after Zep now? Why didn’t California file suit years ago? Now that he’s dead, his family wants to profit? Plaintiff’s attorney will profit regardless of the outcome and who will pay? Not the record company when they distribute the profits and it is the company that is responsible for paying royalties. By the way, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon did not complain; they got credit for songwriting by many British bands and occassionaly would perform with them. They didn’t get that kind of treatment in the US but again royalties are paid by the label. Sue them instead!
You can’t sue the label for writing credit.
Wait–sorry, you can’t sue the label and not get it thrown out in summary judgment.
You have to name the person who actually committed the wrong-doing. In this case–the band.
If, in fact, it was held to be true.
And California did speak out, almost 20 years ago.
That being said–the jury will ultimately decide.
It would be perfect if the jury was comprised completely of aging 70’s rock fans.
Classic rock, and a classic metaphor in the involvement of “California”.
Regardless of who wins it’s been a long strange trip and I have to applaud the Insurance Journal for reporting on this. I had the pleasure see Spirit and meet Randy California many years ago. btw- not is real name, Hendrix called him California because he was too high to remember his real name and California stuck. Half a century later its a shame people don’t remember what an innovative band Spirit was and what a talent California was. While they never became megastars 12 Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus is very good. Natures Way might have been one of the first songs written about the environment. Been in the business for 36 years and it’s fun to see an insurance publication cover this to such an extent. Next story- why did judge rule that estate would only receive half of an award?
Jon, I stand corrected about suing the label; just hope that these guys will settle soon and the rancor will stop.