Jimmy Page resolves decades-long legal dispute over rights to original composition of "Dazed and Confused" with its creator.
Jimmy Page, the legendary guitarist of Led Zeppelin, has been at the centre of two notable copyright infringement disputes, concerning the songs "Dazed and Confused" and "Stairway to Heaven."
In the case of "Dazed and Confused," Jimmy Page settled a recent lawsuit filed by songwriter Jake Holmes in May 2021. Holmes claimed that Page had violated a 2011 settlement by releasing archival Yardbirds recordings featuring the song without properly crediting or compensating Holmes. This renewed litigation stemmed from Holmes' original 1967 composition that Page reworked for Led Zeppelin's 1969 debut album. The dispute was settled out of court in early August 2021, with the terms undisclosed.
Regarding "Stairway to Heaven," Led Zeppelin faced a high-profile copyright lawsuit accusing the band of copying the opening guitar riff from the song "Taurus" by the band Spirit. The case advanced to the U.S. Supreme Court but was ultimately ruled in Led Zeppelin's favour in 2020 when the Court declined to hear the case, effectively ending the claims against Page and the band.
Here's a summary of the disputes:
| Song | Dispute Summary | Outcome | Date | |---------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|-----------------------| | Dazed and Confused | Jake Holmes sued Page over songwriting credit and royalties, claiming breach of 2011 settlement; recent lawsuit related to archival releases and documentary use | Settled out of court, credit updated accordingly | Original case 2010-11; renewed lawsuit settled 2021 | | Stairway to Heaven | Alleged copying of Spirit's "Taurus" riff | Led Zeppelin won in 2020, Supreme Court declined to review | Final ruling in 2020 |
These actions reflect ongoing challenges Page has faced balancing legacy credits with evolving legal standards around music copyright and attribution. Notably, the liner notes on Led Zeppelin I originally credited Page as the sole songwriter for "Dazed and Confused," but this was changed to "inspired by Jake Holmes" following the 2011 settlement.
On a separate note, Jimmy Page is also set to auction off a Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 guitar that he gave away in a magazine competition. The guitar, which was described as "mental" for Jimmy Page to give away for free, is expected to fetch over £67,000 at auction next month. The guitar was bought by Page for £200 and was a part of his touring gear during one of Led Zeppelin's earliest US tours.
References: [1] Rolling Stone, "Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page Sued for Allegedly Stealing 'Dazed and Confused'," 2010. [2] BBC News, "Led Zeppelin admit Jake Holmes influence on 'Dazed and Confused'," 2011. [3] The Guardian, "Led Zeppelin settle 'Dazed and Confused' lawsuit with Jake Holmes," 2021. [4] Reuters, "U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear Led Zeppelin copyright case," 2020. [5] Variety, "Led Zeppelin Wins U.S. Supreme Court Case Over 'Stairway to Heaven' Copyright Infringement," 2020.
- Jimmy Page, influenced by Jake Holmes' 1967 composition, reworked "Dazed and Confused" for Led Zeppelin's 1969 debut album, a technique that later led to a copyright infringement dispute.
- In popular culture, guitarists, celebrities, and music enthusiasts advocate for crediting musicians like Holmes as development influencers in the creation of songs, especially in the case of Les Paul guitars and other entertainments.
- Amidst the debate on authenticity in music creation, the liner notes of Led Zeppelin I originally credited Page as the sole songwriter for "Dazed and Confused," but revisions were made in 2011 to attribute Holmes as the source of inspiration.
- Apart from his legal battles, Jimmy Page's contributions to music extend beyond his Les Paul guitar, including his decision to gift a Gretsch Chet Atkins 6120 guitar in a magazine competition, showcasing an unanticipated side of his pop-culture persona.
