Ray Repp, a composer of religious songs and a Baltimore clothing salesman, has accused Lord Lloyd Webber of stealing his 1978 tuneTill You and adapting it into the Phantom Song.

Evita in 1978: An early hit for Lord Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice

After appearing in the New York court on Monday Lord Lloyd-Webber said he was fighting the case "for the sake of all songwriters and lyricists" and that he was supported by friends Elton John, Sting, and Mick Jagger.

"This is another in a long line of meritless cases brought against successful composers and lyricists. I have done absolutely nothing wrong and I am forced to defend myself against his false claim," he said.

'Never' listens to music in the car

Mr Repp seeks unspecified damages in his suit, but Lord Lloyd-Webber maintains that Repp cannot prove he has ever heard his 1978 song before.

Speaking in court Lord Lloyd Webber said that he doesn't like to listen to music in cars or restaurants and denied the suggestion that he could remember every song he had ever heard.

"I hate it when it's in a restaurant or in a car or a taxi. My driver has instructions never to have the radio on," he said.

Sarah Brightman, the singer who married Lloyd Webber in 1984, later divorcing him in 1990, also testified.

She said the song in dispute was written at the beginning of their relationship

Ms Brightman also played the role of Christine in Phantom of the Opera.

She said Lloyd Webber did not write anything down when he created his music.