Led Zeppelin did not actually write the famous descending acoustic riff for Stairway to Heaven, but rather blatantly lifted it from a relatively obscure instrumental track by the band Spirit.

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Led Zeppelin did not actually write the famous descending acoustic riff for Stairway to Heaven, but rather blatantly lifted it from a relatively obscure instrumental track by the band Spirit. They toured together in the late sixties, giving Jimmy Page plenty of time to sit in the wings, take mental notes, and supposedly steal the chord progression that would eventually buy him several castles. Despite decades of legal battles and undeniable sonic similarities, copyright law is just murky enough that wealthy rock stars can afford better lawyers than forgotten opening acts. It is the ultimate classic rock tradition: borrowing heavily from lesser-known artists, adding a mystical guitar solo, and reaping the astronomical financial rewards while claiming divine inspiration. Nothing says legendary musical genius quite like standing on the shoulders of your opening act and conveniently forgetting to give them a writing credit