The Money or the Gun - Stairways to Heaven

The Money or the Gun was an Australian topically satirical comedy programme, with a different theme focused upon each episode. The show ran on ABC, from 1989 to 1990 (with occasional specials and reunions since). Each episode featured a different pop/ rock artist, comedian, theater performer (or a group along those lines) – performing a different arrangement of Led Zepplin’s classic ballad ‘Stairway to Heaven’.

Of the 26 performances broadcast, 22 selections would collected on the original 1992 compilation for the show. An official VHS tape came out the same year, making all but one of those 26 performances available for home viewing. Versions by Friends Of The Castanet Club, Bob Downe, and The Jeff Duff Orchestra appear as tracks 13, 15 and 19 on this release. (Rory O'Donoghue’s performance has never been officially made available since first airing – but can be seen on YouTube in full).

The compilation was promoted by at least two singles. A single was released for The Beatnix and Neil Pepper’s versions of the song, in the style of ‘60s artists – being tribute acts for The Beatles and Elvis Presley respectively.

The more successful single came from (now personally disgraced) performer Rolf Harris, whose version was a success beyond the expectations of those involved. The song hit #7 on the UK Charts in 1993, and this arrangement of the song would later become a staple of his live set. The single was backed by the performance from The Australian Doors Show.

The compilation would be released again on CD in 1995, shortened to just 12 tracks, for the Atlantic record label.