Organist wins 'Whiter Shade of Pale' battle

A legal battle over who wrote the famous organ melody in Procul Harum's 1967 hit 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' has led to founding member Matthew Fisher being awarded 40% of the song's copyright.

Mr Justice Blackburne rejected singer Gary Brooker's claims that he wrote the entire song alongside lyricist Keith Reid. Until now, the pair have been the only ones credited for the composition. However, Fisher - who played the organ on the song - was not awarded royalties dating back 40 years.

The judge stated: "I find that the organ solo is a distinctive and significant contribution to the overall composition and, quite obviously, the product of skill and labour on the part of the person who created it."

Brooker, who still tours with Procul Harum, now faces legal bills estimated to be at least £500,000. Fisher left the band in June 2004 and is currently working as a computer programmer in Surrey. 'A Whiter Shade of Pale' was also a hit for Scottish singer Annie Lennox in 1995.