For every “unlicensed” song, the court imposed a penalty of 30,000 roubles (about 1,000 dollars) on the organizers of the concert for payment to the “Russian Authors’ Society” which, in its turn, is supposed to make payments to the authors – Gillan, Paice and Glover.

Lawyers say the real reason for the suit might be that the “Russian Authors’ Society” receives revenues from those royalties received.

The blogospere has been quick to react to the ruling, and is mostly critical of it.

“… damned Russian bureaucracy will finally discourage foreign performers from coming to Russia. BTW, what does the Deep Purple think of it all?” asks vmargelov.

“After such stupidity the Deep Purple might not tour Russia any more. The situation is similar to that in the 1990s, when you were constantly told: “You have to share!” said seversk_7.

“They will come anyway. There are few places where they are so popular as in the former social camp states,” disagrees road_cruise. “The thing is that the possible expenses will simply be charged to the audience,”

“next time they will have to pay penalties for every unsung composition,” said rust74, mocking the decision.

Blogger peplov points out that the judge misinterpreted the Articles of Association of the “Russian Authors’ Society”. It clearly says that the organization was created by authors for protecting their rights in their field of intellectual activities. “The Society is based upon the principle of free will, equal membership rights and democratic self-management,” peplov said, quoting the document. “Can’t the judge read?” the perplexed blogger asked.

Professional lawyers say the court’s ruling sticks to the letter of the law, noting that case law – which could help avoid such confusing situations – is not used in Russia.