Stairway to Heaven vs. Taurus

Thieves Are Welcome in Heaven

Rock Gods "Led Zeppelin" created one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. Is it an original work or is it a stolen song that was never brought to the limelight?

By: Nicco Fox

Cover art from Spirit's self-titled debut album
The cover art can be obtained from Epic Records/Legacy Recordings.

Uncanny Similarities

Since its initial performance in 1971, Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven" has been one of the most recognizable rock tunes ever. However, "Taurus" by Spirit features an indisputably similar chord. As mentioned by Kirby Ferguson in his "Everything in a Remix" series, failure to attribute original songwriters was not unusual for Led Zeppelin. The credits for "Stairway to Heaven" claim that the song was written by Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. When played side by side, the descending chord of Stairway's opening seems to be a direct ripoff from "Taurus" which was released three years earlier in 1968. Is this an example of plagiarism, inspiration, or coincidence? 

Generic Musical Elements

It is not uncommon for songs from similar genres to share characteristics or melodies. However the opening in "Stairway to Heaven" sounds like a sample from "Taurus". If it were properly sampled Spirit's guitarist Randy Wolfe (known by stage name Randy California), should have been contacted and properly credited. 

The tune at hand is a descending progression which is a common musical element across endless songs and genres. Led Zeppelin claims that their opening came about organically and was not at all inspired by "Taurus". When questioned about "Stairway to Heaven's" conception, Jimmy Page stated, "It was totally alien to me".

Side-by-side comparison of the two songs
Video via YouTube by BYUCopyright

Invention or Innovation

Whether Led Zeppelin invented the tune or simply stole it, they certainly innovated it to be the masterpiece that it is. They expanded upon the base instrumental and breathed life into it integrating impactful lyrics and other complex rhythms. In this regard, "Stairway to Heaven" contains enough of its own original aspects to be far more than just a remix of "Taurus".

The debate on whether Led Zeppelin stole the riff is fueled by the fact that both bands performed on the same stage in 1968. I believe Jimmy Page likely would have at least heard the song subconsciously. Perhaps while in a jam session, he played something similar and then it subliminally evolved into what it is. Whether deliberate or accidental, "Taurus" never had the potential to appeal to the masses the way "Stairway to Heaven" did. 

Conclusion

While "Stairway to Heaven" and "Taurus" have acutely similar guitar chords, the consensus is that Led Zeppelin did not unlawfully infringe on Spirit. In 2016, the estate of Randy Wolfe launched a lawsuit against Led Zeppelin. The verdict of which was,"["Stairway to Heaven"]was not intrinsically similar".

I believe Led Zeppelin should have provided credit wherever it was due. If not in this case, then definitely to the inspirations of other hits such as, "Dazed and Confused" or "Babe I'm Gonna Leave You". Nonetheless, the notorious music thieves have earned their spot in rock-n-roll heaven.

An excerpt from 90's film "Wayne's World". 

The joke was that "Stairway to Heaven" was so overplayed by new guitarists that store policy forbade it. Added complexities are that Led Zeppelin allegedly would not allow the song to be used commercially. Ironic that they would not allow another creative outlet to use a song which they "stole".
Video via YouTube by MrEWhite