Fisher -v- Brooker – ‘A Whiter Shade of Pale’ [2009] UKHL 41

4 April 2008

This was a dispute about who wrote and who was entitled to rights in the music of the iconic Procol Harum hit Whiter Shade of Pale. Hammond organist Mathew Fisher claimed joint credit for the composition after 38 years during which he had been content for Gary Brooker to be recognized as the author. Despite the passage of time, the judge was satisfied a fair trial was possible and held in favour of Fisher. The Court of Appeal denied Fisher any pecuniary remedy but his position was restored by the House of Lords. John Baldwin QC led Jessie Bowhill in the Court of Appeal and the House of Lords.