Stephen Colbert on Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” Lawsuit: “They’re Screwed”

Rob Slater on June 17, 2016


The members of Led Zeppelin are in court this week as their “Stairway to Heaven” lawsuit begins with the estate of Randy Wolfe, of the group Spirit, alleging that the legendary Brit rockers lifted the riff from their tune “Tauraus” as the intro to “Stairway.” 

Last night on Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the host had some fun with the lawsuit by playing each sample back to back. “They’re screwed,” he concluded after both clips were played. “Take your money and hide it in Panama,” Colbert suggested. Not a bad idea as this lawsuit marks the third copyright dispute in the band’s history, with previous settlements for songs like ‘Whole Lotta Love” and “Dazed and Confused.” 

Watch the humorous clip below.