Matthew Fisher's statement following the AWSoP lawsuit

Published on his own website, dated 20 December 2006

After having not been a co-writer of A Whiter Shade of Pale for 39 years, I think it's going to take a week or two for the reality to sink in.

Obviously I'd like to thank my legal team: Mike, Charlotte, Jens, Hugo and Iain for the wonderful job they did and Mr Justice Blackburne for reaffirming my faith in British Justice.  Also my family and friends for their support and encouragement, especially my wife Carol, who didn't ask to be dragged through two years of acrimonious litigation.

I think I can assume that from now on I'm going to be crossed off Gary and Keith's Christmas card lists, but I think that's a small price to pay for finally securing my rightful place in Rock 'n' Roll History.

Finally, I'd just like to say that it's a great pity this matter could not have been resolved amicably.  Unfortunately, all attempts at negotiation were unsuccessful, and I was left with no alternative but to seek redress through the courts.

Matthew Fisher - 20th December 2006