I believe it served as inspiration for the Stairway progression, but I don’t see it as a rip off either.
“I believe it served as inspiration for the Stairway progression, but I dont see it as a rip off either.”
That’s my view too. The fact the 2 bands toured together adds a little more to the story, no doubt the song was part of Spirit’s set list. I am sure Page was at least influenced but it’s going to far to say he copied it. Too bad Spirit wasn’t better known they did some really good stuff and Randy California was a great guitar player