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Procol Harum in copyright battle Procol Harum in copyright fight
(about 13 hours later)
Members of UK rock band Procol Harum are due in court in a dispute over their 1967 hit A Whiter Shade of Pale. Members of UK rock band Procol Harum have appeared in court in a dispute over the hit A Whiter Shade of Pale.
For almost 40 years the number one song has been credited to the lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid.For almost 40 years the number one song has been credited to the lead singer Gary Brooker and lyricist Keith Reid.
But now the group's former keyboard player Matthew Fisher says he wrote the song's distinctive organ melody and is claiming a share of the copyright. But now the group's former keyboard player Matthew Fisher says he wrote the song's distinctive organ melody and is claiming up to £1m in royalties.
Mr Fisher and Mr Brooker are expected to play a keyboard brought in to the High Court in London for the case. In an opening statement, Mr Fisher claimed he was inspired by his experience of classical music.
Musicologists and people present when the song was written will be called to give evidence. Iain Purves QC, representing Mr Fisher, said: "The origin of this solo is the biggest bone of contention.
Mr Fisher could get £1m if he is successful"Mr Fisher is a classically trained musician and that the piece is inspired by Bach can be seen."
He went on to say Mr Fisher traced the music back to an album of Bach's music he had bought in Paris in 1961, aged 17.
At this the judge, Mr Justice Blackburne, remarked he must have a very good memory.
The court has already heard a recording of the piece and it is expected both Mr Fisher and Mr Brooker will play an electric organ in court.
In a statement on the band's website, Beyond the Pale, Mr Brooker said: "A Whiter Shade Of Pale was written by Keith Reid and me before Matthew even joined the band.In a statement on the band's website, Beyond the Pale, Mr Brooker said: "A Whiter Shade Of Pale was written by Keith Reid and me before Matthew even joined the band.
My client has always maintained he wrote the parts, or composed the parts, he claims he composed Mr Fisher's solicitor, Mike Shepherd
"I am shocked and dismayed that after Matthew had worked with us quite happily over the course of 40 years without him once alleging that his role on A Whiter Shade of Pale was anything other than as a musician, it is only now that he claims he recalls writing part of the song."I am shocked and dismayed that after Matthew had worked with us quite happily over the course of 40 years without him once alleging that his role on A Whiter Shade of Pale was anything other than as a musician, it is only now that he claims he recalls writing part of the song.
"People can draw their own conclusions from this.""People can draw their own conclusions from this."
But Mr Fisher's solicitor Mike Shepherd said the time between the song's release and the court proceedings was irrelevant. Mr Fisher was still with the band into 2003 but is now a computer programmer, leaving Mr Brooker as the only original member still touring.
"My client has always maintained he wrote the parts, or composed the parts, he claims he composed," he said. The case continues.