George Ezra forced to pay out royalties from number-one hit Shotgun to little-known singer who accused him of copying

GEORGE Ezra has been forced to pay royalties from his smash-hit Shotgun after a little-known singer accused him of copying the tune.

Derek Ryan gets seven-and-a-half per cent of the income from the tune — last year’s third best-selling song.

4

The settlement came after Irish singer Derek, 35, said the song was similar to his 2014 tune Flowers In Your Hair.

Millionaire George, 25, insisted he had never heard of Derek’s song before penning Shotgun in a Barcelona apartment.

But his lawyers agreed to pay Derek royalties in a secret deal.

MOST READ IN TV&SHOWBIZ

xmas shock

Gemma Collins' heartbreak as fiancé Rami is rushed to hospital in an ambulance

noel arrival

Lisa Armstrong's Xmas joy as she introduces baby boy as new addition to family

footie mad

Chrissy Teigen slams British 'kn**s and t***s' after 'major error' at Arsenal

hel' of a look

Watch as Helen Flanagan puts on eye-popping display in lingerie

A source said: “Shotgun put George back on the map, going three times Platinum in the UK and pretty much earning him his Best Male Brit.

“Label bosses acknowledged a section of Shotgun has a similarity to the chorus melody of ‘Flowers’.”
Country singer Derek released his tenth record last year.

4

4

4

• GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]