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| Procol Harum Are Going To Court  Two members of Procol Harum are going to court over royalties from their the iconic sixties song 'A Whiter Shade Of Pale' which was sold ten million copies worldwide and is regarded as one of the greatest pop songs ever. The song has been credited to its frontman Gary Brooker - and lyricist Keith Reid. But nearly forty years after the tune's release - the band's organist Matthew Fisher says he wrote its distinctive organ melody and that he is entitled to half the copyright and earnings. On the Procol Harum website, Brooker said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the claim. "A Whiter Shade of Pale was written by Keith Reid and me before Matthew even joined the band," he said.Iain Purvis QC, representing Matthew Fisher, said the claim was mainly based on Fisher's organ solo which forms the introduction to the song and is repeated - a crucial element to the song's success. Matthew Fisher is claiming back royalties of around GBP1 million, will also use a Yamaha keyboard in court to illustrate his contribution. However Gary Brooker will argue that it is "extraordinary" that his former bandmate, who left in 1969, is bringing the case after nearly 40 years. write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |