Robert Plant has cancelled his upcoming appearance at next month’s Meltdown Festival in London in order to appear at Led Zeppelin’s copyright infringement trial over “Stairway To Heaven.”
Plant was due play a June 19 date at the city’s Southbank Centre as part of “The Boat We're In”, a benefit for the British Red Cross’ refugee awareness campaign.
The singer and festival confirmed the schedule change, saying, “Robert is a defendant in a court case in LA which was due to take place May 10th. Through court rearrangements, the hearing has been moved to June 14th. Robert has been proud to contribute towards the British Red Cross/Refugee awareness campaign through his participation on the Long Rd EP. The Elbow song ‘Blanket Of Night’ is a spellbinding and remarkable succinct piece of music.
“Robert has been enthusiastic to help in any way to the increased awareness and support of so many powerless and distraught peoples. Therefore the opportunity afforded at Guy Garvey’s Meltdown was an event that Robert was passionately drawn to.”
Meltdown have cancelled the benefit concert while offering refunds to all ticket holders.
Plant and guitarist Jimmy Page – and possibly bassist John Paul Jones – are expected to testify at the June 14 trail in Los Angeles to defend a suit brought by Randy California's estate and members of Spirit by Michael Skidmore over claims the acoustic introduction to 1971’s “Stairway” was lifted from their 1968 instrumental, “Taurus.”
The trial is expected to last less than a week as attorneys will have no more than 10 hours per side to present evidence.
“Stairway To Heaven” appeared on the UK band’s 1971 album, “Led Zeppelin IV.”
One of the best-selling albums in music history, the project went on to sell more than 37 million copies worldwide, including 23 million in the US alone.
See also:
Led Zeppelin members to appear at Stairway To Heaven trial
AUDIO: Train preview Led Zeppelin II covers album
Led Zeppelin: Stairway To Heaven trial delayed
Led Zeppelin merchandise sales record beaten by Kobe Bryant
Search Led Zeppelin at hennemusic
