11 Reasons Why “Stairway to Heaven” Is Banned In Guitar Stores

Besides the reasons we’re about to go through, there’s a good reason for the Wayne’s World joke about “No Stairway!” 

Led Zeppelin is famous not only for their legendary rock albums like Zoso (Led Zep IV) and Physical Graffiti but for how protective they are of their legacy.

There are very few live records, live performances to watch, or bootlegs because they want to be in total control of their art.

It’s why there are only two live DVDs and why Jimmy Page produced all the albums himself.

Sadly, it’s also why there are not many Youtube videos you can browse from their years in the 70s. 

So their albums and their songs, like “Stairway To Heaven,” are what most people will ever know about the band.

Jimmy Page doesn’t allow hardly anyone, including Mike Myers, to use their music. 

The reasons why Stairway is banned are a bit more complicated, but it’s due to the following:

Reason #1: Every seasoned player is sick of it

Look. Everyone must start somewhere. 

Most guitar players start out playing songs from Metallica’s Black Album, AC/DC’s “Back In Black,” and Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.”

These three albums alone contain some of the greatest rock riffs ever, and it’s a rite of passage. 

That’s where Led Zeppelin IV comes in. It’s another great rock album jammed with great riffs like “Rock n’ Roll,” “When The Levee Breaks,” and “Black Dog.” 

After a while, though, these riffs are just boring to play if you’re a seasoned player.

Several years later, if you’re progressing on your instrument, you should be playing Dream Theater, Wes Montgomery, or Brad Paisley (depending on your genre of choice). 

So playing “Stairway To Heaven” in a guitar store automatically pegs you as an absolute beginner who hasn’t gotten their chops up yet.

If you play this in a guitar store, most of the people in there will see you as a midget trying to dunk on Lebron James…

Reason #2: There are lots of other great Led Zeppelin songs to play

Not only does Led Zeppelin have great songs, but fantastic albums to listen to as well.

They’re an album-oriented band who never planned on releasing singles or promoting themselves in a place like the MTV Video Music Awards. 

That’s why every album has songs like “Babe I’m Gonna Leave You” from Led Zeppelin I, “Whole Lotta Love” from Led Zeppelin II, “Achilles Last Stand” from Presence, and “The Ocean” from Houses Of The Holy.

I could go on and on for a very good reason. 

I’ve listened to all of these albums dozens upon dozens of times and have studied the music inside and out.

Many guitar players aren’t going to know this much about Led Zeppelin, which also annoys many guitar store owners. 

The Real Reason Why Robert Plant Hates Stairway To Heaven

Many in the rock community can be purists and try too hard to out someone as a poseur.

To these people, if you can’t name all of their albums or give a book report on the band’s history, then you’re not a real fan of the band.

I will say that if you’re going to learn the instrument, take the time to learn the roots of the instrument and what made it so popular.

I say this because many guitar store owners want to hear you play “Kashmir” or “The Wanton Song” instead of Stairway To Heaven.  

Reason #3: It’s an evil song? 

Jimmy Page was quite infamous for his fascination with the occult.

On VH1, they’ve shared stories about him opening an occult bookstore as well as buying the home of Aleister Crowley, who was the famed occultist Ozzy Osbourne made a song about on Blizzard Of Ozz. 

So, many religious groups don’t like Led Zeppelin just because of this, and there will be several guitar store owners who want to hear “Peace In The Valley” instead of “The Immigrant Song.” 

False Things You Believe About Led Zeppelin

Many others suspect that Page left many clues of his occult leanings in his songs, which include Stairway.

“Forests will echo with laughter” and “In my thoughts, I have seen rings of smoke through the trees” suggest scenes of pagan-like worship and other scandalous things witches and occultists do in the woods. 

Page seemed pretty serious about his fascination with the occult, and some argue that it’s why the band suffered misfortune in the latter half of their career. 

Reason #4: It’s outshined many other great classic rock songs

Those same guitar store owners also think that you should play their favorite rock band’s riffs and that you should’ve known that before entering the store. 

Don’t know Iron Maiden’s “Seventh Son Of A Seventh Son?” They knew it.

You’re a poseur. Of course, you wouldn’t listen to any Genesis before Phil Collins either or Hendrix’s “Band Of Gypsies” album either. 

The thing is that it’s quite amazing how often this very long song gets played on classic rock radio.

“Freebird,” “American Pie,” and “Bohemian Rhapsody” are only a few other songs that are as long they get played as much. 

Basically, many people resent the fact that Led Zeppelin has such an immovable position in rock history.

There is a legitimate criticism for how they “borrowed” riffs from Willie Dixon and others, but the question of whether Deep Purple or Black Sabbath is “better” is subjective. 

Reason #5: The riffs aren’t challenging enough to impress others

Stairway to Heaven essentially has about four riffs or chord progressions comprising the song and the famous guitar solo.

Although a lot of guitarists learn this as their first song, I don’t believe it’s an absolute beginner song like “Smoke On The Water.” 

The progression of (Am – Eaug/G#) – (C/G – D/F#) – Fmaj7 – (G/B – Am) is the core riff.

It’s based in A minor, and the progression has the foreign chords of Eaug and D/F#.

This is actually a very fascinating chord progression, as you often never see augmented chords, and the progression uses passing notes in the bass. 

However, many more seasoned players don’t care about that.

Why is Stairway to Heaven BANNED in Guitar Stores?

To them, if you’re a “real” guitar player, you should know how to play “The Rain Song” or “Bron-Yr-Aur Stomp.” 

This reason overlaps with others. Every guitar player in the store is trying to scope out who is the best player and who are the guys that can’t play as well.  

So if you’re going to play Zeppelin that’s going to wow someone, then play one of those songs!

Reason #6: Many people hate the lyrics

Although guitar stores resemble jam sessions more than an open mic night, many guitar players will be quick to tell you how they can’t stand the lyrics. 

That’s because most male guitar players fall into either the hippie, jam-band types or the very masculine I want to shred and look tough type.

The guitar world is dominated by the latter type, in my opinion. 

That means that messages of love, inner peace, or whatever the song is about will not appeal to many guys. 

This is ironic because Led Zeppelin was one of the most hedonistic rock bands ever.

They and The Who wrote the templates for outlandish rock-star behavior. 

Throwing TVs out the window? That was Led Zeppelin. Driving motorcycles through a hotel lobby? Them too. Satan worship? We covered that earlier…

Reason #7: Jimmy Page wouldn’t license the song to Wayne’s World

Jimmy Page has made it well known how little he thinks of the press and doing interviews or television spots.

In the Led Zeppelin DVD that was released in the early 2000s, Page remarked how little footage there was of the band playing live, but it was for a good reason. 

In one spot on the DVD, Page and Plant are asked their opinions of The Beatles, which apparently annoyed them both.

Wayne's World- Filming Location- No Stairway To Heaven

On a tv performance of “Communication Breakdown,” the camera interspersed shots of the audience who did not approve of the performance. 

Page also once said that Led Zeppelin couldn’t be heard properly through the speaker technology widely available then.

So when the DVD came out, he remarked that this was all there was of Led Zeppelin live. 

So when Wayne’s World came around, Page was still not open to licensing his music to anyone.

In the movie, Wayne barely plays a few notes before the store associate stops his playing and points at the “No Stairway To Heaven” sign.

Page’s refusal to license the song was the reason you only heard a few notes. 

“School Of Rock” and “Fast Times At Ridgemont High” are only a few of the movies out there that have been able to get permission for their songs.

This is because of Cameron Crowe’s friendship with the band and Jack Black making a video with a live audience pleading to use “The Immigrant Song.” 

Reason #8: You should learn Bohemian Rhapsody instead 

Again, lots of guitar store owners have their favorite bands and a strong opinion of what everyone should be playing.

The title of this section is mostly a joke as most of Bohemian Rhapsody, in particular, the “operatic” section, would be quite difficult to play just on the guitar. 

Many feel this way because the guitar has become an Olympic sport instead of an art form.

There’s too much pressure and expectancy to play fast arpeggios in 32nd notes or song arrangements with tricky right-hand tapping passages and percussive techniques. 

It all goes back to trying to be the best in the room.

For many, it’s not good enough to play the melody as it’s heard in the song but to embellish it to the point of it being nearly unplayable for most.

And too often, that means it’s also unlistenable. 

Reason #9: People love the meme

The “No Stairway To Heaven” meme is an internet staple.

It seems like every week, there are new versions that pop up on YouTube or Reddit.

For some, this has gotten them to the point where they can’t play the song without getting kicked out of the store.

But for most, it’s just a funny joke shared with friends or family.

So even if you don’t want to learn the riff, it’s likely still worth your time to look at some of the different versions out there and laugh over its ridiculousness. 

Reason #10: It’s a challenge

At the end of the day, playing “Stairway To Heaven” is a challenge.

It takes time to learn the riff and the arrangement, but it’s worth it in the end.

Plus, once you have it down, you can impress your friends and family with your amazing guitar skills!

It might be that one song that gets you the nod from other guitarists or even some applause from your audience.

So don’t let anyone tell you when and what to play – challenge yourself today, learn “Stairway To Heaven,” and show off your chops!

On the other hand, the challenge can be to not play the song and still be the star of the show.

Either way, you’ll have fun, and that’s what playing guitar is really all about.

Reason #11: It’s the very first song many people learn on the guitar

For those new to the guitar, “Stairway to Heaven” is often the very first song they attempt to play.

The iconic intro riff is one of the most recognizable and well-known pieces in music history, so it’s no surprise that budding guitarists gravitate toward this classic.

But because of this, it tends to classify you as a beginner, and some people may think less of you as a player.

That’s why it’s important for those learning the song to take their time with it and truly understand its music theory rather than just playing the notes by rote.

It will give you a solid foundation on which to build your skills and make you a better player in the long run.

Proper Guitar Store Etiquette

Some of you, at this point, are probably thinking, “Why should I care what the guitar store owner thinks about my playing?” 

There’s a good point to this question.

You probably don’t want to do business with a person who wants to make you feel inferior because of your “bad” music taste and lack of skills.

Many owners probably won’t care if you play this riff, but there are a few pieces of etiquette when it comes to playing instruments in a store:

• Be cautious of your song choices, as the staff may or may not be tired of the song you’re playing.
• Be ready to tune the guitar if it’s out of tune. The staff may be able to help, but it depends on how you approach them. 
• Bring your own picks. It’s really thoughtful, and the store owner won’t have to worry about replacing anymore for the moment you’re playing.
• Don’t grab any guitars that are out of reach. Ask for help getting a guitar down, or risk breaking it and paying for it.
• Be courteous of other players around you, and don’t drown out their sound with yours.
• Don’t try out a pedal if the store is busy or if you’re not really interested in it.
• Return any cables you use after you’re done playing.

The reason I’m including this in a Led Zeppelin article is so that you avoid coming across as the guitar player everyone hates in the store.

This is a big part of why people hate “Stairway To Heaven” and many beginner players.

Background Of The Song’s Composition

Page and Plant were fond of using a mobile recording studio manned by Ian Stewart, the Rolling Stones manager at the time.

The Stones had grown tired of the 9-5 limitations of studio recording and wanted an option that offered more flexibility. 

Once Glyn Johns provided his insight into what a mobile studio should consist of, the Rolling Stones Mobile Studio was born.

Many other bands, including Zeppelin, were interested in using it as well.

Page would book the RSMS for Led Zeppelin III and loved it enough to book again for Led Zeppelin IV’s recording. 

Page had the band start rehearsals, and song-writing sessions in December 1970 at a mansion in the English Countryside called Headley Grange.

It had unreliable heating but was touted as a reliable rehearsal space.

It was built in 1795 as a workhouse for the poor. 

During the winter of 1971, most of the song was composed and recorded, with Page coming up with the chord progression and Plant writing most of the lyrics in one day. 

Jimmy Page: How Stairway to Heaven was written - BBC News

There has been debate over Page plagiarizing the progression from a band called Spirit.

In 2020, a U.S. district court ruled that Led Zeppelin did not plagiarize the song. 

Why should Led Zeppelin have a biopic?

By now you may have gleamed that Zeppelin has a pretty fascinating story as a band.

Many of the cliches of rock star excess actually come from Page, Plant, and John Bonham. John Paul Jones is famous for being the quieter member who did not partake in many of their adventures. 

When John Bonham died, the band had gone through many heaps of trouble by the end of the 1970s.

Plant had nearly died in a car crash in the English countryside, and rumors of Page’s participation in occult rituals brought a black cloud upon the band. Plant had also lost a son in 1977. 

Combine this with the cocaine parties on their private jet, the songwriting sessions at Headley Grange, as well as the early days of Page playing with Eric Clapton and Jeff beck…and you’ve got an award-winning biopic if put in the right hands. 

Another interesting story that can be included is whether Led Zeppelin put in masked Satanic messages in Stairway To Heaven.

Page, Plant, and their legendary engineer Eddie Kramer all vehemently deny this, but it’s interesting as a precursor to similar allegations against Ozzy Osbourne and Judas Priest. 

List Of Overplayed Songs in Guitar Stores

As mentioned earlier, “Stairway To Heaven” is considered one of the most overplayed songs in guitar stores.

But, there’re other songs that are commonly played in guitar stores, which can get annoying to other players and store owners.

Some of them include the following:

• “Wonderwall” by Oasis
• “Crazy Train” by Ozzy Osbourne
• “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses
• “Smoke On The Water” by Deep Purple
• “Back In Black” by AC/DC
• “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana
• “Enter Sandman” by Metallica
• “Purple Haze” by Jimi Hendrix
• “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Aside from these, there’re many other songs that are overplayed in guitar stores, and it’s important to remember your audience when playing them.

It would be wise to learn various songs so that you don’t become known as the guitar player everyone hates in the store.

With patience and practice, you can learn more difficult songs and impress your peers with something new.