Jimmy Page deeply moved by fan support during Led Zeppelin trial

Sued by the estate of late Spirit guitarist Randy Wolfe, on 23rd June after a week-long trial in Los Angeles Led Zeppelin were cleared of stealing the opening guitar lines in their seminal 1971 opus from the Spirit track ‘Taurus’.

Now, in response to the fan reaction during the trial and in the ensuing weeks, Jimmy has released a heartfelt statement expressing his eternal gratitude.

He wrote: “A few weeks have past since the judgement of the Stairway to Heaven case in Los Angeles, with the jury reaching a unanimous decision in a remarkably short time.

“Throughout the lengthy journey to that verdict, and even more recently, I have received and been aware of the overwhelming wave of support, encouragement, and congratulations that has been deeply moving.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank all those who contributed such a positive energy to me.”

Immediately after the trial, Jimmy and Robert Plant released a short statement reading: “We are grateful for the jury's conscientious service and pleased that it has ruled in our favour, putting to rest questions about the origins of Stairway To Heaven and confirming what we have known for 45 years.”

Last week it was announced that Led Zeppelin’s acclaimed BBC Sessions album has been expanded and remastered.

Set for release on 16th September, the collection features a third disc consisting of nine tracks including three rescued tracks from a much-fabled “lost” 1969 session.