POP/ROCK - April 25, 1988

Mick Jagger takes the stand again today in a White Plains, N.Y., federal courtroom to testify in his copyright infringement trial. Reggae musician Patrick Alley, 37, claims that a song he recorded in 1983 constituted “the whole roots” of Jagger’s 1985 solo hit “Just Another Night.” Excited fans, autograph-seeking court employees, rumors of free concerts and milling reporters have turned the rock star’s court battle into a circus. Highlights: Wednesday, Jagger’s lawyer, Helene Freeman, was stopped by federal marshals as she entered the building and brought before U.S. Magistrate Joel Tyler. Tyler ordered the lawyer to get autographs for his two daughters, his law clerk and secretary. Thursday, word got out that Jagger was going to testify and maybe even play because his guitar and equipment were set up in the courtroom. Rumors of a free concert spread and by Friday the crowds forced building security forces to limit entry. Jagger never did sing, but tapes of the song were played--over and over--with jurors swaying to the beat and the judge, who said he doesn’t like rock music, occasionally looking pained. A spirited recitation of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” to demonstrate how repetition was used in his music, was as close as Jagger came to a concert.