‘Stranger Things’ Sought Led Zeppelin Song for Series Finale

In a recent revelation regarding the finale of “Stranger Things,” music supervisor Nora Felder discussed the music selection process for the highly anticipated conclusion of the series. The finale featured songs from Prince, specifically “When Doves Cry” and “Purple Rain,” which accompanied dramatic moments in the show.

Led Zeppelin’s Involvement Considered

During her conversation with Variety, Felder mentioned that the team considered a variety of iconic songs for the series finale. Among those considered was the legendary rock band Led Zeppelin. Felder expressed that she had hoped to secure “Stairway to Heaven” for the series but faced challenges due to the band’s strict licensing policies.

Challenges with Licensing Music

Led Zeppelin is known for its meticulous approval process regarding the use of its music in film and television. Robert Plant, a member of the band, previously noted that the decision-making involves collaboration among all members of Led Zeppelin. He mentioned, “there are two Capricorns and one Leo” in the band, implying the complexities involved in reaching a consensus.

• Felder revealed that despite efforts, Led Zeppelin’s iconic track did not make it to the final cut.
• They aimed to find music that adds substance to the series.
• Previous licensing attempts for “Stairway to Heaven” in projects have not succeeded.

The Pursuit of Quality Music

The band holds a strong belief that many offers to use their music do not match the quality they expect. Plant added that finding suitable projects that resonate with their artistic vision is a difficult task. He emphasized the importance of the music connecting with the story’s substance, stating that many proposals lack taste and depth.

While Prince’s tracks were ultimately chosen, the discussion around Led Zeppelin highlights the challenges of integrating classic rock into contemporary media. The combination of nostalgia and relevance is crucial for music supervisors like Felder when curating soundtracks for modern series.