"Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin is one of the most iconic and enduring rock songs in music history. Here are some interesting facts about the song:
Epic Length: "Stairway to Heaven" is known for its epic length, running at 8 minutes and 2 seconds. Despite its length, it became one of the most popular and frequently played songs on FM radio, defying the conventional wisdom that radio-friendly songs should be shorter.
Recorded Backwards: There have been persistent rumors that there are hidden messages when you play the song backward. Some believed this to be evidence of Satanic messages. However, the band has consistently denied any intentional backward messages.
No Single Release: Led Zeppelin never released "Stairway to Heaven" as a single in the United States, which was unusual for a song of its popularity. Instead, it gained immense popularity through album-oriented rock (AOR) radio.
Guitar Solo: The guitar solo by Jimmy Page in "Stairway to Heaven" is often regarded as one of the greatest guitar solos in rock history. It's a showcase of his virtuosity and has been studied and imitated by countless aspiring guitarists.
Never Performed in Full: Surprisingly, Led Zeppelin rarely performed the song in its entirety during live concerts. They usually played a shortened version or omitted it altogether, mainly due to the song's complexity and length.
Robert Plant's Lyrics: The lyrics of "Stairway to Heaven" were written by Robert Plant, the band's lead singer. He reportedly composed the lyrics in a single burst of creativity while sitting by a fire in a remote cottage in Wales. The lyrics are often seen as cryptic and open to interpretation.
No Sheet Music: Led Zeppelin never officially released the sheet music for "Stairway to Heaven." This has led to many aspiring guitarists trying to figure out the song by ear, contributing to its mystique.
Controversy: The song was involved in a copyright infringement lawsuit. In 2016, the band Spirit claimed that Led Zeppelin had copied the opening riff from their song "Taurus." The lawsuit was settled in 2020, with Led Zeppelin receiving a favorable ruling.
Kennedy Center Honors: In 2012, Led Zeppelin was honored at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. During the tribute performance, "Stairway to Heaven" was played by Heart, and the performance moved the band members to tears. It's considered one of the most emotional and memorable moments in the history of the Kennedy Center Honors.
Cultural Impact: "Stairway to Heaven" has been covered and parodied countless times in various forms of media, and it has become a symbol of classic rock. Its influence on rock music and popular culture is immeasurable.
These facts highlight the enduring legacy and fascination surrounding Led Zeppelin's "Stairway to Heaven."