Stairway to Heaven

The Zoo Crew, those groovy hippie DJs at THE ZOO radio station, are spinning a unique rendition of "Stairway to Heaven" by The Beatnix, featured on the album The Money or the Gun. This track is a standout from the Australian comedy show The Money or the Gun, which aired on ABC from 1989 to 1990. The show had a quirky tradition where each musical guest performed their own cover of Led Zeppelin’s iconic "Stairway to Heaven." The Beatnix, known for their Beatles tribute act, delivered a Beatlesque version that’s both nostalgic and whimsical, transforming the hard rock anthem into a 1960s Merseybeat vibe. This cover was part of a compilation album featuring 22 different takes on the song, showcasing artists ranging from comedians to theater performers, with The Beatnix’s rendition standing out for its playful authenticity.

One fascinating piece of trivia comes from the show’s concept, as shared in a Laughing Squid post from 2007: the idea was to reimagine "Stairway to Heaven" in wildly different styles, and The Beatnix nailed it by channeling The Beatles’ early sound, complete with jangly guitars and harmonious vocals. A Reddit thread from 2024 on r/UtterlyBizarre praised the grainy video quality of their performance, noting it enhances the Beatlesque charm, with one user joking, “When you play this track in reverse, CANT BUY ME LOOOOOOOVEEEE!” The performance, available on YouTube, captures the band’s meticulous attention to Beatles-era instrumentation, making it a fan favorite among Zoo Freaks tuning in.

The Beatnix began their journey in March 1980, founded by Tony Dean, who envisioned a live performance tribute to The Beatles that would stand the test of time. As detailed on their Wikipedia page, the band is among the longest-running Beatles tribute acts globally, with a commitment to authenticity that includes using period-appropriate instruments like Gretsch, Höfner, Rickenbacker, and Gibson guitars, Vox amplifiers, and a Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl drum kit akin to Ringo Starr’s. Their early days were marked by local gigs in Australia, but their reputation grew, leading to international performances in Hong Kong, Malaysia, Bangkok, and New Zealand. Over the years, the band’s lineup has evolved, but their dedication to recreating The Beatles’ sound and style, from early mop-top looks to Sgt. Pepper costumes, has remained unwavering.

The band’s discography extends beyond The Money or the Gun, with recordings for albums like It’s Four You (1994, Raven Records) and various TV and radio commercials, as noted on their official website. Their ability to blend humor and musical precision made them a perfect fit for The Money or the Gun’s eccentric challenge. Fans can connect with The Beatnix through their Facebook page, where they share updates on gigs and nostalgic throwbacks, or follow their Instagram for behind-the-scenes glimpses of their performances. Their X account offers occasional updates, though it’s less active. For dedicated Zoo Freaks, fan communities like the Beatles Australia Facebook group celebrate tribute acts like The Beatnix, sharing memories and performance clips, keeping the spirit of their "Stairway to Heaven" alive.