Stranger Things' Quest for a Rock Icon: The Unlicensed 'Stairway to Heaven'
The Duffer Brothers, creators of the hit series Stranger Things, found themselves on a musical quest for the series' finale. With a promise of a never-before-licensed television needle drop, the buzz centered around two potential artists: Prince and Pink Floyd's David Gilmour. While the former was eventually confirmed, the journey to secure the rights for a legendary song was far from straightforward.
Music supervisor Nora Felder revealed a surprising twist in the tale. In an interview with Variety, she admitted that the dream shortlist included a song that has become an anthem in rock history: 'Stairway to Heaven' by Led Zeppelin. However, securing the rights proved challenging. Led Zeppelin, known for their strict and exacting nature, has never allowed their iconic song to be used in films or TV. Robert Plant, the band's vocalist, explained that the approval process involves a complex consensus among the band members, who are selective about their music's usage.
The band's reputation for being difficult to work with is well-deserved. Plant mentioned that they receive numerous offers, but only a handful are deemed worthy of their music. The band's music is described as dynamic and waiting for the right context to enhance a film's substance. However, finding the perfect match is a rare and challenging endeavor.
The question arises: Would Led Zeppelin have agreed to have their iconic song associated with the Mind Flayer, a supernatural entity in Stranger Things? The answer remains a mystery, leaving fans to speculate and discuss the possibilities in the comments.
