Stairway to Heaven

The Zoo Crew is spinning a unique track today with The Beatnix’s cover of "Stairway to Heaven", a song that transforms Led Zeppelin’s iconic rock anthem into a Beatles-esque pop gem. This rendition, performed in the style of The Beatles’ "Twist & Shout," was featured on the Australian comedy show The Money or the Gun in the early 1990s. The show had a quirky tradition where each week’s musical guest performed their own version of "Stairway to Heaven," resulting in 22 covers compiled into the album Stairways to Heaven. The Beatnix’s version stands out for its note-perfect mimicry of The Beatles’ early sound, with critics noting it feels like a song the Fab Four could have written in 1963. Fans on platforms like AboveTopSecret have praised its creativity, though some argue it wouldn’t have matched the original’s legendary status.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s recording context. The Beatnix, known for their meticulous use of authentic Beatles-era instruments like Gretsch, Höfner, and Rickenbacker guitars, brought their expertise to this cover. Their performance was so convincing that WIRED described it as “admirable” for capturing the essence of a hypothetical Beatles take on the song. Social media buzz, particularly from YouTube comments on the official video, highlights fans’ amusement at the juxtaposition of Led Zeppelin’s mystical lyrics with The Beatles’ upbeat, jangly vibe. One commenter noted, “It’s like John Lennon decided to cover Zeppelin for a laugh!” The track also appeared on a 1993 vinyl release alongside a version by Neil Pepper, who performed it in the style of Elvis Presley’s "Viva Las Vegas," showcasing the song’s versatility across genres.

The Beatnix, the masterminds behind this inventive cover, began their journey in March 1980, founded by Tony Dean, a rhythm guitarist and vocalist who envisioned a live performance tribute to The Beatles. Dean’s passion for authenticity drove the band to use period-accurate instruments, including a 1960s Ludwig Black Oyster Pearl drum kit identical to Ringo Starr’s and Vox amplifiers that echo the Beatles’ sound. Over the years, the band has seen rotating members but has remained a staple in the tribute scene, performing internationally in places like Hong Kong, Malaysia, and New Zealand. Their commitment to replicating The Beatles’ look and sound, complete with early-era costumes and Sgt. Pepper outfits, has made them one of the longest-running Beatles tribute acts in the world. Beyond "Stairway to Heaven," they’ve recorded albums like It’s Four You, featuring “lost” Beatles tracks, and contributed to various TV and radio commercials.

Fans can connect with The Beatnix through their official website, where they share updates on performances and merchandise. Their Facebook page is active with posts about upcoming gigs and nostalgic photos from their decades-long career. On Instagram, they share behind-the-scenes clips and fan interactions, while their X account engages with followers through Beatles trivia and show announcements. For Zoo Freaks looking to dive deeper, fan communities like the Beatles Australia Facebook group often discuss The Beatnix’s performances, sharing memories of their shows and covers. While no dedicated Beatnix fan websites were found, platforms like Last.fm offer spaces for fans to explore their discography and connect with others who appreciate their unique spin on classics like "Stairway to Heaven."