Ed Sheeran told the Manhattan federal court, Monday that he will step away from music indefinitely if he is found guilty in his copyright infringement trial, reports Huff Post.
The pop singer is facing a lawsuit against Ed Townsend’s estate, co-writer of Marvin Gaye’s 70’s classic
“Let’s Get It On,”
over claims that his 2014 hit
“Thinking Out Loud”
stole similar
“elements”
from the song.
“The two songs share versions of a similar and unprotectable chord progression that was freely available to all songwriters,”
Townsend’s daughter Kathryn previously stated.
The singer-songwriter took the stand, announcing that he will leave music behind forever if he loses this trial.
“If that happens, I’m done, I’m stopping,”
he said.
“I find it really insulting to devote my whole life to being a performer and a songwriter and have someone diminish it,”
he further explained.
Sheeran credited Irish musician Van Morrison for the inspiration behind his break-out single.
“Quite frankly, if I’d done what you’re accusing me of doing, I’d be quite an idiot to stand on a stage in front of 20,000 people and do that,”
he told the court.
The plaintiffs are suing for $100 million in restitution.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
