Ed Sheeran news – live: Singer hugs lawyers after winning Marvin Gaye plagiarism lawsuit
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A Manhattan jury has found that Ed Sheeran did not plagiarise Marvin Gaye’s 1973 song “Let’s Get It On” for his 2014 single “Thinking Out Loud”.
The British singer-songwriter had been sued by the heirs of Ed Townsend, the songwriter who composed the slow jam classic with Gaye.
They accused Sheeran’s song of copying the anthem’s harmonic progressions as well as melodic and rhythmic elements without permission.
In a defiant statement after the verdict, Sheeran said he would not “allow myself to be a piggy bank”.
The lawsuit was initially filed in 2017, but took six years to finally reach a Manhattan federal court.
Sheeran vehemently denied plagiarising “Let’s Get It On”. His lawyers argued that the song used common constructions found in many pop tracks.
He told the court earlier this week that, should he lose, he planned on quitting music.
Key Points
Ed Sheeran wins Marvin Gaye ‘Thinking Out Loud’ plagiarism case
Singer-songwriter missed grandmother’s funeral in Ireland to attend court case
05:21 , Roisin O'Connor
Ed Sheeran has released his latest studio album, Subtract, just hours after he triumphed in a plagiarism lawsuit over his 2014 single “Thinking Out Loud”.
The case had threatened to overshadow the new record, with the singer-songwriter going so far as to threaten to quit music if he were found liable. Yet the Manhattan jury delivered the verdict on Thursday 4 May that Sheeran did not plagiarise Marvin Gaye’s 1973 song “Let’s Get It On”, prompting him to issue a defiant statement that he would “not be used as a piggybank”.
Read The Independent’s review of Subtract here:
Video: Ed Sheeran shares statement after Marvin Gaye copyright trial win
07:55 , Peony Hirwani
Sheeran shares defiant statement after win: ‘I am not a piggy bank'
07:25 , Peony Hirwani
The singer shared a lengthy statement with reporters after his win Wednesday (3 May).
“I’m just a guy with a guitar who loves writing music for people to enjoy. I am not and will never allow myself to be a piggy bank for someone to shake,” he said.
“Having to be in New York for this trial has meant that I’ve missed being with my family at my grandmother’s funeral in Ireland and I will never get that time back.”
Read his full statement here:
Ed Sheeran shares defiant message after winning Marvin Gaye copyright trial
Early reaction to Ed Sheeran’s new album Subtract
06:45 , Peony Hirwani
Early reviews for Eh Sheeran’s new album Subtract are in.
The Guardian’s Alexis Petridis gave the album a four out of five-star review, writing: “Subtract is easily [Sheeran’s] best album.”
Will Hodgkinson of The Times also gave the album a four out of five-star review.
The Telegraph’s Neil McCormick wrote that Subtract is “a powerful grief album worthy of Bob Dylan”.
Sheeran says copyright trial would never have been brought about by another artist
05:45 , Tom Murray
“The thing with these cases, it’s not usually songwriters that are suing songwriters. I mean sometimes it is, but it’s not,” Sheeran stated in an exclusive clip from Zane Lowe’s radio show, shared with Rolling Stone.
“I feel like in the songwriting community, everyone sort of knows that there’s four chords primarily that are used and there’s eight notes. And we work with what we’ve got, with doing that.”
Read more:
Ed Sheeran suggests copyright trial betrayed unspoken solidarity between songwriters
What would have happened if Sheeran was found liable
03:50 , Tom Murray
If the New York jury had sided with the plaintiffs, the trial would have entered a second phase to decide how much he’d owe in damages.
Ed Sheeran review: ‘Subtract'
02:49 , Tom Murray
The release of Sheeran’s new album, Subtract, has coincided with his trial in New York.
In a three-star review, The Independent’s music correspondent Roisin O’Connor writes: “Lyrically, the album does fall short, but then Sheeran has spent over a decade trading in vague yet universal issues. Heartbroken? Crushing on someone? Drinking with mates? He has you covered.”
Read more:
On Subtract, Ed Sheeran (and Aaron Dessner) prove that less is more - review
What other copyright cases has Sheeran been embroiled in?
01:52 , Tom Murray
In 2016, Sheeran was faced with his first copyright infringement lawsuit, from the pair of songwriters behind “Amazing”. The writers sued Sheeran, claiming that his hit track “Photograph” copied aspects of their song, which had been performed by The X Factor winner Matt Cardle.
A year later, the case was settled and the songwriters were then added to the credits of Sheeran’s 2014 track.
In 2017, Sheeran won his second copyright trial over his popular 2017 song “Shape of You”.
Sheeran missed grandmother’s funeral in Ireland this week due to trial
Friday 5 May 2023 00:59 , Tom Murray
Sheeran’s grandmother’s funeral took place in Ireland on Wednesday (3 May). The singer’s father confirmed that his son had to miss the occasion to attend his ongoing trial in New York.
“I am very sad that our son Edward is unable to be here today. He’s so upset that he cannot be present,” he said.
Ed Sheeran misses his grandmother’s funeral due to copyright trial
Sheeran’s trial coincided with the release of his emotional documentary
Friday 5 May 2023 00:11 , Tom Murray
In the Disney+ series, it was revealed that Sheeran “wrote seven songs in four hours” after wife Cherry Seaborn’s cancer diagnosis.
Seaborn, 30, was diagnosed with a tumour in 2022, during her pregnancy with her and Sheeran’s second child.
“We had the diagnosis of the tumour and the next day, Eds went down into the basement and wrote seven songs in four hours,” said Seaborn.
Read more:
Ed Sheeran ‘wrote seven songs in four hours’ after wife Cherry’s cancer diagnosis
Sheeran also faces another lawsuit from the owner of Gaye’s song
Thursday 4 May 2023 23:31 , Tom Murray
In the same New York City court, investment banker David Pullman – who owns one-third of Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” – is also suing Sheeran for copyright infringement.
A judge ruled last year that this lawsuit would also proceed to trial despite Sheeran’s motion for dismissal.
Ed Sheeran reveals plans for posthumous album
Thursday 4 May 2023 22:53 , Tom Murray
Ed Sheeran has revealed his plans for a posthumous album.
The 32-year-old singer, who is set to release his last mathematical album Subtract (-) this week, said he’s been working on a secret album that will be released upon his death.
“I want to slowly make this album that is quote-unquote ‘perfect’ for the rest of my life, adding songs here and there,” Sheeran told Rolling Stone. “And just have it in my will that after I die, it comes out.”
Read more:
Video: Listen to Ed Sheeran's 'Thinking Out Loud' side-by-side to Marvin Gaye track
Thursday 4 May 2023 21:42 , Tom Murray
How much was Sheeran sued for?
Thursday 4 May 2023 21:03 , Tom Murray
Damages in the case were unspecified, though the family said they were interested in “all of the money that is generated from the distribution and any other exploitation” of Sheeran’s track, according to PA.
Video: Ed Sheeran shares statement after Marvin Gaye copyright trial win
Thursday 4 May 2023 20:15 , Tom Murray
Sheeran’s statement in full
Thursday 4 May 2023 19:38 , Tom Murray
Sheeran gave a lengthy statement about protecting the rights of songwriters following his not liable verdict.
You can read it in full below:
“I’m obviously very happy with the outcome of the case. It looks like I’m not having to retire from my day job after all. At the same time, I’m unbelievably frustrated that baseless claims like this are allowed to go to court at all. We’ve spent the last eight years talking about two songs with dramatically different lyrics, melodies and four chords, which are also different and are used by songwriters every day, all over the world. These chords are common building blocks, which were used to create music long before ‘Let’s Get It On’ was written and will be used to make music long after we are all gone. They are in a songwriter’s alphabet, our toolkit, and should be there for all of us to use. No one owns them or the way they’re played in the same way no one owns the colour blue. Unfortunately, unfounded claims like this are being fuelled by individuals who are offered as music experts in musical analysis. In this instance, the other side’s musicologist left out words and notes; presented different and simple pictures as melodies and by doing so, created what I think we proved for all to see were misleading comparisons and disinformation to find supposed similarities where none exist, and I think we proved for all to see that they tried to manipulate my and Amy’s song to try and convince the jury that they had a genuine claim. I’m very grateful that the jury saw through those attempts. This seems so dangerous to me: both potential claimants who may be convinced to bring a bogus claim as well as those songwriters facing them. It’s simply wrong. By stopping this practice, we can also properly support genuine music copyright claims so legitimate claims are rightly heard and resolved. If the jury had decided this matter the other way, we might as well say goodbye to the creative freedom of songwriters. We need to be able to write our original music and engage in independent creation without worrying at every step of the way that such creativity will be wrongly called into question. Like artists everywhere, Amy and I work hard to independently create songs, which are often based around real-life, personal experience. It’s devastating to be accused of stealing someone else’s song when we’ve put so much work into our livelihoods. I’m just a guy with a guitar who loves writing music for people to enjoy. I am not and will never allow myself to be a piggy bank for someone to shake. Having to be in New York for this trial has meant that I’ve missed being with my family at my grandmother’s funeral in Ireland and I will never get that time back. These trials take a significant toll on everyone involved, including Katherine. I want to thank the jury for making the decision that will help protect the creative process of songwriters here in the United States and all around the world. I also want to thank my team who have supported me throughout this difficult process and to all the songwriters, musicians and fans who’ve reached out with messages of support over the last few weeks. Finally, I would like to thank Amy. Neither of us expected that nine years ago from our wonderful writing session we would have to be here defending our integrity. Amy, I feel so lucky to have you in my life. Thank you. We need songwriters and the wider community to come together and bring back common sense. These claims need to be stopped so the creative process can carry on and we can all go back to making music. At the same time, we absolutely need trusted individuals, real experts who help support the process of protecting copyright. Thank you.”
Thursday 4 May 2023 18:39 , Tom Murray
Sheeran touches on having to miss his grandmother’s funeral for the trial: “I will never get that time back.”
Sheeran gives statement
Thursday 4 May 2023 18:37 , Tom Murray
“It looks like I’m not going to have to give up my day job after all,” singer tells press outside the courtroom.
Ed Sheeran wins Marvin Gaye ‘Thinking Out Loud’ plagiarism case
Thursday 4 May 2023 18:15 , Inga Parkel
The verdict is in.
Ed Sheeran wins Marvin Gaye ‘Thinking Out Loud’ plagiarism case
British singer was accused of ripping off Gaye’s 1973 classic, ‘Let’s Get It On’
Sheeran missed grandmother’s funeral in Ireland yesterday due to trial
Thursday 4 May 2023 18:00 , Inga Parkel
Sheeran’s grandmother’s funeral took place in Ireland today. The singer’s father confirmed that his son had to miss the occasion to attend his ongoing trial in New York.
“I am very sad that our son Edward is unable to be here today. He’s so upset that he cannot be present,” he said.
Read more:
Ed Sheeran missed his grandmother’s funeral due to copyright trial: ‘He’s so upset’
‘Our son Edward... has to be thousands of miles away in a court in America defending his integrity,’ father said during eulogy
The lawyers are back in the courthouse
Thursday 4 May 2023 17:40 , Tom Murray
Good morning/afternoon/evening, everyone. The jurors have commenced their deliberations and a verdict is expected soon. The plaintiff’s lawyers are reportedly in court but no one from the defence (Sheeran’s team) yet.
We’ll keep you updated with the latest here.
Everything you need to know about the trial so far
Thursday 4 May 2023 17:30 , Inga Parkel
While we’re waiting for the imminent verdict, expected to be delivered today, catch up on a brief of the case here:
Everything you need to know about Ed Sheeran’s latest copyright trial
Singer in court this week to defend himself over claims he stole from the most famous R&B anthem of all time
Ed Sheeran reveals plans for posthumous album
Thursday 4 May 2023 17:00 , Inga Parkel
Ed Sheeran has revealed his plans for a posthumous album.
The 32-year-old singer, who is set to release his last mathematical album Subtract (-) this week, said he’s been working on a secret album that will be released upon his death.
“I want to slowly make this album that is quote-unquote ‘perfect’ for the rest of my life, adding songs here and there,” Sheeran told Rolling Stone. “And just have it in my will that after I die, it comes out.”
Read more:
Ed Sheeran reveals plans for posthumous album
‘Shape of You’ singer is set to release his last mathematical album Subtract (-) in May
When will the verdict arrive?
Thursday 4 May 2023 16:30 , Inga Parkel
A source close to Sheeran told The Independent that the verdict is expected today. It could have huge repercussions given reports that the musician told the court this week that, should he lose, he plans on quitting music.
Sheeran also faces another lawsuit from the owner of Gaye’s song
Thursday 4 May 2023 16:00 , Inga Parkel
In the same New York City court, investment banker David Pullman – who owns one-third of Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” – is also suing Sheeran for copyright infringement.
A judge ruled last year that this lawsuit would also proceed to trial despite Sheeran’s motion for dismissal.
What part of the song is under copyright?
Thursday 4 May 2023 15:30 , Inga Parkel
Given that Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” was released in 1973, it is restricted to the copyright laws for songs made before 1978, which for many leaves protection for only the contents of the sheet music submitted to the Copyright Office.
For Gaye’s anthem, the only portions protected include chords, lyrics and vocal melody. Meanwhile, other important aspects, such as its bass line and opening riff, were left out.
Therefore, the lawsuit can really only dispute the chord progressions between the two songs.
Sheeran’s lawyer says case ‘should never have been brought’
Thursday 4 May 2023 15:00 , Inga Parkel
It’s time for both sides’ lawyers to give closing arguments.
Sheeran’s attorney Ilene S Farkas begins by saying the trial should “never have been brought”.
“Ed Townsend did not create these basic musical building blocks. Ed Townsend was not the first songwriter to use and combine these elements. It was not original,” she says.
Video: Listen to Ed Sheeran’s ‘Thinking Out Loud’ alongside Marvin Gaye track
Thursday 4 May 2023 14:30 , Ellie Harrison
Hear the songs at the centre of the trial...
What other copyright cases has Sheeran been embroiled in?
Thursday 4 May 2023 13:45 , Ellie Harrison
In 2016, Sheeran was faced with his first copyright infringement lawsuit, from the pair of songwriters behind “Amazing”. The writers sued Sheeran, claiming that his hit track “Photograph” copied aspects of their song, which had been performed by The X Factor winner Matt Cardle.
A year later, the case was settled and the songwriters were then added to the credits of Sheeran’s 2014 track.
In 2017, Sheeran won his second copyright trial over his popular 2017 song “Shape of You”.
Sheeran’s trial coincided with the release of his emotional documentary
Thursday 4 May 2023 13:00 , Ellie Harrison
In the Disney+ series, it was revealed that Sheeran “wrote seven songs in four hours” after wife Cherry Seaborn’s cancer diagnosis.
Seaborn, 30, was diagnosed with a tumour in 2022, during her pregnancy with her and Sheeran’s second child.
“We had the diagnosis of the tumour and the next day, Eds went down into the basement and wrote seven songs in four hours,” said Seaborn.
Read more:
Ed Sheeran ‘wrote seven songs in four hours’ after wife Cherry’s cancer diagnosis
Sheeran missed grandmother’s funeral in Ireland this week due to trial
Thursday 4 May 2023 12:00 , Ellie Harrison
Sheeran’s grandmother’s funeral took place in Ireland on Wednesday (3 May). The singer’s father confirmed that his son had to miss the occasion to attend his ongoing trial in New York.
“I am very sad that our son Edward is unable to be here today. He’s so upset that he cannot be present,” he said.
Read more:
Ed Sheeran missing his grandmother’s funeral due to copyright trial
What impact could the outcome of this case have on the industry?
Thursday 4 May 2023 11:00 , Ellie Harrison
On Twitter, people have been speculating about the wider repercussions this case could have.
“I have no skin in the game,” wrote on social media user. “In my opinion, I don’t think Ed Sheeran is a great singer at all. But if he loses that lawsuit to Marvin Gaye’s estate, that’s bad for the music industry. I mean, who’s next? The two songs ‘Thinking Out Loud’ and ‘Let’s Get It On’ are totally different.”
Another added: “Hey uhhh idc how you feel about Ed Sheeran, if he loses this case, it will permanently change the music industry :) if you can copyright chord progressions, that is the end of songwriting as we know it :).”
A third posted: “Honestly, if Ed Sheeran loses this case, other artists are at risk of being sued over chord progressions too. The music industry is gonna plummet.”
When will the verdict arrive?
Thursday 4 May 2023 09:57 , Ellie Harrison
A source close to Sheeran told The Independent that the verdict is expected today. It could have huge repercussions given reports that the musician told the court this week that, should he lose, he plans on quitting music.
Sheeran also faces another lawsuit from the owner of Gaye’s song
Wednesday 3 May 2023 23:29 , Tom Murray
In the same New York City court, investment banker David Pullman – who owns one-third of Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” – is also suing Sheeran for copyright infringement.
A judge ruled last year that this lawsuit would also proceed to trial despite Sheeran’s motion for dismissal.
It’s now down to the jury
Wednesday 3 May 2023 22:55 , Tom Murray
That’s all foks. We’ve heard testimonies from both sides and lawyers for the plaintiffs and Sheeran have given closing arguments.
The jurors were sent home shortly after closing arguments and will return on Thursday morning to deliberate, Reuters reports.
