Immigrant Song
Encyclopedia
"Immigrant Song" is a song by the English rock
band Led Zeppelin
. It was released as a single from their third album
, Led Zeppelin III
, in 1970.
at the beginning of the song, and is built around a repeating, staccato
Jimmy Page
/John Paul Jones
/John Bonham
riff in the key
of F# minor. There is a very faint count-off at the beginning of the track with lots of hiss which appears on the album version, but is trimmed from the single version. The hiss is feedback from an echo unit.
"Immigrant Song" was written during Led Zeppelin's tour of Iceland, Bath and Germany
in mid-1970. The opening date of this tour took place in Reykjavík
, Iceland
, which inspired Plant to write the song. As he explained:
Just six days after Led Zeppelin's appearance in Reykjavik, the band performed the song for the first time on stage during the Bath Festival
.
The song's lyrics are written from the perspective of Vikings rowing west from Scandinavia
in search of new lands. The lyrics make explicit reference to Viking conquests and the Old Norse religion (Fight the horde, sing and cry, Valhalla
, I am coming!). In a 1970 radio interview, Plant jokingly recalled:
"Immigrant Song" is one of Led Zeppelin's few single
releases, having been released in November 1970 by their record label, Atlantic Records
, against the band's wishes. It reached #16 on the Billboard charts
. Its B side, "Hey Hey What Can I Do
", was otherwise unavailable before the release of the band's first boxed set in 1990. The single was also mistakenly released in Japan
with "Out on the Tiles
" as the B-side rather than "Hey Hey What Can I Do." That single is now a rare collectible.
First pressings of the U.S. single of the song have a quote from Aleister Crowley
inscribed in dead wax by the run-out groove: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."
One of the lines from the song became part of Led Zeppelin lore. The line, "The hammer of the gods/will drive our ships to new lands" prompted some people to start referring to Led Zeppelin's sound as the "Hammer of the Gods." The phrase was used as the title of Stephen Davis'
famous biography of the band, Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga
. The lyrics also did much to inspire the classic heavy metal
myth, of mighty Viking-esque figures on an adventure, themes which have been adopted in the look and music of bands from Iron Maiden
to Manowar.
"Immigrant Song" was used to open Led Zeppelin concerts
from 1970 to 1972. On the second half of their 1972 concert tour of the United States
, it was introduced by a short piece of music known as "LA Drone
", designed to heighten the sense of anticipation and expectation amongst the concert audience. By 1973, "Immigrant Song" was occasionally being used as an encore
, but was then removed from their live set. Live versions of the song can be heard on the Led Zeppelin albums How the West Was Won (featuring a performance at Long Beach Arena in 1972) and the Led Zeppelin BBC Sessions (a version from the Paris Theatre
in London
in 1971). When played live, Page played a lengthy guitar solo
, which was absent on the recorded Led Zeppelin III version. "Immigrant Song" was played as part of the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
induction ceremony for Jeff Beck
by both Page and Beck.
In the song, Page probably played his Gibson Les Paul
1959 with gold finish which he began to use in 1969 (prior he played his 1964 Fender Telecaster given as a present by Jeff Beck) with Marshall or Vox Amplification. John Paul Jones played his Fender Precision Bass
.
games. The song is also one of the few Led Zeppelin songs to have been licensed for a film. For the 2003 film School of Rock
, actor Jack Black
filmed himself on stage, along with thousands of screaming fans, begging Led Zeppelin to let them use "Immigrant Song". The song also appears, in a slightly changed version due to licensing reasons, in Shrek the Third
, when Snow White
attacks the city gates, guarded by Huorn
s. She cries the characteristic war cry of Robert Plant, backed by the riff
, as in the beginning of the original song.
"Immigrant Song" also appeared in the 1999 documentary about the 1972 Munich Olympic Games massacre
, One Day in September
, the trailers for the BBC1 drama series Life on Mars
and during the Christmas 2010 episode of Doctor Who Confidential
. Starting from the 2007 season
, the Minnesota Vikings
play this song during their team introductions and before kickoffs. During the 2007/8 football season, Brentford FC played this song immediately before kick-off. Late professional wrestler Frank Goodish, better know by his ring name Bruiser Brody, used this song as his entrance music, along with Beethoven's
Symphony No. 5
. In Japan, he had a cover of this song without lyrics.
The Max Weinberg 7 played this song regularly during Late Night With Conan O'Brien. The song was placed over an animation of kittens in Viking costumes on rathergood.com.
Comedian Denis Leary
did a comedic cover of the song during his MTV Unplugged
special in 1993. Vanilla Ice
used "Immigrant Song" as the basis for "Power", a rap metal
song performed in concerts in 1999. An instrumental version of the song was used in the opening credits of a 1973 martial arts film, Young Tiger, starring Fei Meng and a young Jackie Chan
.
In May 2011 it was reported that Karen O
from Yeah Yeah Yeahs
had collaborated with Nine Inch Nails
frontman Trent Reznor
on a cover version of "Immigrant Song" for the soundtrack to the English-language version of the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
, for which Reznor is composing the score. This version can be heard over the "red band" trailer for the film for the International release and in the "green band" trailer for the North American release.
1970 7" radio edit (US: Atlantic 45-2777 PL)
1970 7" single (Colombia: WEA 167/168, Costa Rica: Atlantic 70.029, Mexico: Atlantic 1701-1919, Philippines: Atlantic 45-3741)
1970 7" single (Japan: Nihon Gramophone DT-1180)
1970 7" single (South Africa: Atlantic ATS 528)
1970 7" single (Uruguay: Atlantic 2164013)
1970 7" single (Venezuela: Atlantic 5-018)
1970 7" EP (Mexico: Atlantic 2207-014)
1970 7" EP (Bolivia: Polydor 608030)
1971 7" single (Argentina/Chile/Peru: Atlantic 2091 149)
1992 CD single (US: Atlantic 2777-2)
Note: The official UK Singles Chart
incorporated legal downloads as of 17 April 2005.
Rock music
Rock music is a genre of popular music that developed during and after the 1960s, particularly in the United Kingdom and the United States. It has its roots in 1940s and 1950s rock and roll, itself heavily influenced by rhythm and blues and country music...
band Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band, active in the late 1960s and throughout the 1970s. Formed in 1968, they consisted of guitarist Jimmy Page, singer Robert Plant, bassist/keyboardist John Paul Jones, and drummer John Bonham...
. It was released as a single from their third album
Gramophone record
A gramophone record, commonly known as a phonograph record , vinyl record , or colloquially, a record, is an analog sound storage medium consisting of a flat disc with an inscribed, modulated spiral groove...
, Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin III
Led Zeppelin III is the third studio album by the English rock band Led Zeppelin. It was recorded between January and July 1970 and released on 5 October 1970 by Atlantic Records. Composed largely at a remote cottage in Wales known as Bron-Yr-Aur, this work represented a maturing of the band's...
, in 1970.
Overview
The song is famous for its distinctive, wailing cry from vocalist Robert PlantRobert Plant
Robert Anthony Plant, CBE is an English singer and songwriter best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. He has also had a successful solo career...
at the beginning of the song, and is built around a repeating, staccato
Staccato
Staccato is a form of musical articulation. In modern notation it signifies a note of shortened duration and separated from the note that may follow by silence...
Jimmy Page
Jimmy Page
James Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
/John Paul Jones
John Paul Jones (musician)
John Paul Jones is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger and record producer. Best known as the bassist, mandolinist, and keyboardist for English rock band Led Zeppelin, Jones has since developed a solo career and has gained even more respect as both a musician and a...
/John Bonham
John Bonham
John Henry Bonham was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was esteemed for his speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove...
riff in the key
Key signature
In musical notation, a key signature is a series of sharp or flat symbols placed on the staff, designating notes that are to be consistently played one semitone higher or lower than the equivalent natural notes unless otherwise altered with an accidental...
of F# minor. There is a very faint count-off at the beginning of the track with lots of hiss which appears on the album version, but is trimmed from the single version. The hiss is feedback from an echo unit.
"Immigrant Song" was written during Led Zeppelin's tour of Iceland, Bath and Germany
Led Zeppelin Tour of Iceland, Bath and Germany, Summer 1970
Led Zeppelin's Summer 1970 tour of Iceland, Bath and Germany was a concert tour by the English rock band. The tour commenced on June 22 and concluded on July 19, 1970.-Overview:...
in mid-1970. The opening date of this tour took place in Reykjavík
Reykjavík
Reykjavík is the capital and largest city in Iceland.Its latitude at 64°08' N makes it the world's northernmost capital of a sovereign state. It is located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói Bay...
, Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
, which inspired Plant to write the song. As he explained:
Just six days after Led Zeppelin's appearance in Reykjavik, the band performed the song for the first time on stage during the Bath Festival
Bath International Music Festival
The Bath International Music Festival, also known as the Bath Music Fest, is held each summer in Bath, South West England. Inaugurated in 1948, the festival includes many genres such as orchestral, contemporary jazz, folk and electronica...
.
The song's lyrics are written from the perspective of Vikings rowing west from Scandinavia
Scandinavia
Scandinavia is a cultural, historical and ethno-linguistic region in northern Europe that includes the three kingdoms of Denmark, Norway and Sweden, characterized by their common ethno-cultural heritage and language. Modern Norway and Sweden proper are situated on the Scandinavian Peninsula,...
in search of new lands. The lyrics make explicit reference to Viking conquests and the Old Norse religion (Fight the horde, sing and cry, Valhalla
Valhalla
In Norse mythology, Valhalla is a majestic, enormous hall located in Asgard, ruled over by the god Odin. Chosen by Odin, half of those that die in combat travel to Valhalla upon death, led by valkyries, while the other half go to the goddess Freyja's field Fólkvangr...
, I am coming!). In a 1970 radio interview, Plant jokingly recalled:
"Immigrant Song" is one of Led Zeppelin's few single
Single (music)
In music, a single or record single is a type of release, typically a recording of fewer tracks than an LP or a CD. This can be released for sale to the public in a variety of different formats. In most cases, the single is a song that is released separately from an album, but it can still appear...
releases, having been released in November 1970 by their record label, Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records
Atlantic Records is an American record label best known for its many recordings of rhythm and blues, rock and roll, and jazz...
, against the band's wishes. It reached #16 on the Billboard charts
Billboard charts
The Billboard charts tabulate the relative weekly popularity of songs or albums in the United States. The results are published in Billboard magazine...
. Its B side, "Hey Hey What Can I Do
Hey Hey What Can I Do
"Hey Hey What Can I Do" is a song by the English rock group Led Zeppelin released in 1970 as the B-side of "Immigrant Song" outside the United Kingdom. It is Led Zeppelin's only non-album track released during the band's existence. It did however appear on the Atlantic Records UK various artists...
", was otherwise unavailable before the release of the band's first boxed set in 1990. The single was also mistakenly released in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
with "Out on the Tiles
Out on the Tiles
"Out on the Tiles" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin, from the 1970 album Led Zeppelin III. The title of the song is derived from the British phrase for going out for a night on the town. Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham would talk about going "out on the tiles," meaning to go to bars,...
" as the B-side rather than "Hey Hey What Can I Do." That single is now a rare collectible.
First pressings of the U.S. single of the song have a quote from Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley , born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, astrologer, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other...
inscribed in dead wax by the run-out groove: "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law."
One of the lines from the song became part of Led Zeppelin lore. The line, "The hammer of the gods/will drive our ships to new lands" prompted some people to start referring to Led Zeppelin's sound as the "Hammer of the Gods." The phrase was used as the title of Stephen Davis'
Stephen Davis (music journalist)
Stephen Davis is an American music journalist and historian.Davis was born in New York City and attended Boston University. He began his career writing for the Boston Phoenix in 1970...
famous biography of the band, Hammer of the Gods: The Led Zeppelin Saga
Hammer of the Gods (book)
Hammer of the Gods is a book written by music journalist Stephen Davis, published in 1985. It is a biography of the English rock band Led Zeppelin. After its release it became a New York Times bestseller, and is probably the best known Led Zeppelin biography in existence...
. The lyrics also did much to inspire the classic heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
myth, of mighty Viking-esque figures on an adventure, themes which have been adopted in the look and music of bands from Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden
Iron Maiden are an English heavy metal band from Leyton in east London, formed in 1975 by bassist and primary songwriter Steve Harris. Since their inception, the band's discography has grown to include a total of thirty-six albums: fifteen studio albums; eleven live albums; four EPs; and six...
to Manowar.
"Immigrant Song" was used to open Led Zeppelin concerts
Led Zeppelin concerts
From September 1968 through the summer of 1980, English rock group Led Zeppelin were one of the world's most popular live music attractions, performing hundreds of sold-out concerts around the world.-History:...
from 1970 to 1972. On the second half of their 1972 concert tour of the United States
Led Zeppelin North American Tour 1972
Led Zeppelin's 1972 North American Tour was the eighth concert tour of North America by the English rock band. The tour was divided into two legs, with performances commencing on May 27 and concluding on June 28, 1972. It included two warm-up shows in Europe....
, it was introduced by a short piece of music known as "LA Drone
LA Drone
"LA Drone" is a short piece of music that the English rock band Led Zeppelin played as an intro tape on the second half of their 1972 concert tour of the United States...
", designed to heighten the sense of anticipation and expectation amongst the concert audience. By 1973, "Immigrant Song" was occasionally being used as an encore
Encore (concert)
An encore is an additional performance added to the end of a concert, from the French "encore", which means "again", "some more"; multiple encores are not uncommon. Encores originated spontaneously, when audiences would continue to applaud and demand additional performance from the artist after the...
, but was then removed from their live set. Live versions of the song can be heard on the Led Zeppelin albums How the West Was Won (featuring a performance at Long Beach Arena in 1972) and the Led Zeppelin BBC Sessions (a version from the Paris Theatre
Paris Theatre
The Paris Theatre was a former cinema located in Lower Regent Street, London, which was converted into a theatre by the BBC for radio broadcasts...
in London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
in 1971). When played live, Page played a lengthy guitar solo
Guitar solo
In popular music, a guitar solo is a melodic passage, section, or entire piece of music written for an electric guitar or an acoustic guitar. Guitar solos, which often contain varying degrees of improvisation, are used in many styles of popular music such as blues, jazz, rock and metal styles such...
, which was absent on the recorded Led Zeppelin III version. "Immigrant Song" was played as part of the 2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum is a museum located on the shore of Lake Erie in downtown Cleveland, Ohio, United States. It is dedicated to archiving the history of some of the best-known and most influential artists, producers, engineers and others who have, in some major way,...
induction ceremony for Jeff Beck
Jeff Beck
Geoffrey Arnold "Jeff" Beck is an English rock guitarist. He is one of three noted guitarists to have played with The Yardbirds...
by both Page and Beck.
Personnel
- Robert PlantRobert PlantRobert Anthony Plant, CBE is an English singer and songwriter best known as the vocalist and lyricist of the iconic rock band Led Zeppelin. He has also had a successful solo career...
- lead vocalsSingingSinging is the act of producing musical sounds with the voice, and augments regular speech by the use of both tonality and rhythm. One who sings is called a singer or vocalist. Singers perform music known as songs that can be sung either with or without accompaniment by musical instruments...
, backing vocals - Jimmy PageJimmy PageJames Patrick "Jimmy" Page, OBE is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and record producer. He began his career as a studio session guitarist in London and was subsequently a member of The Yardbirds from 1966 to 1968, after which he founded the English rock band Led Zeppelin.Jimmy Page...
- electric guitarElectric guitarAn electric guitar is a guitar that uses the principle of direct electromagnetic induction to convert vibrations of its metal strings into electric audio signals. The signal generated by an electric guitar is too weak to drive a loudspeaker, so it is amplified before sending it to a loudspeaker... - John Paul JonesJohn Paul Jones (musician)John Paul Jones is an English multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, composer, arranger and record producer. Best known as the bassist, mandolinist, and keyboardist for English rock band Led Zeppelin, Jones has since developed a solo career and has gained even more respect as both a musician and a...
- bass guitarBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick.... - John BonhamJohn BonhamJohn Henry Bonham was an English musician and songwriter, best known as the drummer of Led Zeppelin. Bonham was esteemed for his speed, power, fast right foot, distinctive sound, and "feel" for the groove...
- drumsDrum kitA drum kit is a collection of drums, cymbals and often other percussion instruments, such as cowbells, wood blocks, triangles, chimes, or tambourines, arranged for convenient playing by a single person ....
In the song, Page probably played his Gibson Les Paul
Gibson Les Paul
The Gibson Les Paul was the result of a design collaboration between Gibson Guitar Corporation and the late jazz guitarist and electronics inventor Les Paul. In 1950, with the introduction of the Fender Telecaster to the musical market, electric guitars became a public craze. In reaction, Gibson...
1959 with gold finish which he began to use in 1969 (prior he played his 1964 Fender Telecaster given as a present by Jeff Beck) with Marshall or Vox Amplification. John Paul Jones played his Fender Precision Bass
Fender Precision Bass
The Fender Precision Bass is an electric bass.Designed by Leo Fender as a prototype in 1950 and brought to market in 1951, the Precision was the first electric bass to earn widespread attention and use. A revolutionary instrument for the time, the Precision Bass has made an immeasurable impact on...
.
Cultural influence
In the United States, the song is commonly played by marching bands at high school and college footballAmerican football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
games. The song is also one of the few Led Zeppelin songs to have been licensed for a film. For the 2003 film School of Rock
School of Rock
School of Rock, also called The School of Rock, is a 2003 American musical comedy film directed by Richard Linklater, written by Mike White, and starring Jack Black...
, actor Jack Black
Jack Black (actor)
Thomas Jacob "Jack" Black is an American comedian, actor and musician. He makes up one half of the comedy and satirical rock duo Tenacious D. The group has two albums as well as a television series and a film. His acting career is extensive, starring primarily as bumbling, cocky, but internally...
filmed himself on stage, along with thousands of screaming fans, begging Led Zeppelin to let them use "Immigrant Song". The song also appears, in a slightly changed version due to licensing reasons, in Shrek the Third
Shrek the Third
Shrek the Third is a 2007 American animated film, and the third film in the Shrek series. It was produced by Jeffrey Katzenberg for DreamWorks Animation, and is distributed by Paramount Pictures. It was released in U.S. theaters on May 18, 2007...
, when Snow White
Snow White
"Snow White" is a fairy tale known from many countries in Europe, the best known version being the German one collected by the Brothers Grimm...
attacks the city gates, guarded by Huorn
Huorn
The Huorns are fictional characters from J. R. R. Tolkien's Middle-earth legendarium. They are described as "trees" that can speak to Ents and are capable of locomotion.- Description :...
s. She cries the characteristic war cry of Robert Plant, backed by the riff
RIFF
The Resource Interchange File Format is a generic file container format for storing data in tagged chunks. It is primarily used to store multimedia such as sound and video, though it may also be used to store any arbitrary data....
, as in the beginning of the original song.
"Immigrant Song" also appeared in the 1999 documentary about the 1972 Munich Olympic Games massacre
Munich massacre
The Munich massacre is an informal name for events that occurred during the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Bavaria in southern West Germany, when members of the Israeli Olympic team were taken hostage and eventually killed by the Palestinian group Black September. Members of Black September...
, One Day in September
One Day in September
One Day in September is a 1999 documentary film directed by Kevin Macdonald examining the 5 September 1972 murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany...
, the trailers for the BBC1 drama series Life on Mars
Life on Mars (TV series)
Life on Mars is a British television series broadcast on BBC One between January 2006 and April 2007. The series combines elements of science fiction and police procedural....
and during the Christmas 2010 episode of Doctor Who Confidential
Doctor Who Confidential
Doctor Who Confidential is a documentary series created by the British Broadcasting Corporation to complement the revival of the long-running British science fiction television series Doctor Who. Each episode was broadcast on BBC Three on Saturdays, immediately after the broadcast of the weekly...
. Starting from the 2007 season
2007 NFL season
The 2007 NFL season was the 88th regular season of the National Football League.Regular-season play was held from September 6 to December 30....
, the Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings are a professional American football team based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Vikings joined the National Football League as an expansion team in 1960...
play this song during their team introductions and before kickoffs. During the 2007/8 football season, Brentford FC played this song immediately before kick-off. Late professional wrestler Frank Goodish, better know by his ring name Bruiser Brody, used this song as his entrance music, along with Beethoven's
Ludwig van Beethoven
Ludwig van Beethoven was a German composer and pianist. A crucial figure in the transition between the Classical and Romantic eras in Western art music, he remains one of the most famous and influential composers of all time.Born in Bonn, then the capital of the Electorate of Cologne and part of...
Symphony No. 5
Symphony No. 5 (Beethoven)
The Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67, was written by Ludwig van Beethoven in 1804–08. This symphony is one of the most popular and best-known compositions in all of classical music, and one of the most often played symphonies. It comprises four movements: an opening sonata, an andante, and a fast...
. In Japan, he had a cover of this song without lyrics.
The Max Weinberg 7 played this song regularly during Late Night With Conan O'Brien. The song was placed over an animation of kittens in Viking costumes on rathergood.com.
Comedian Denis Leary
Denis Leary
Denis Colin Leary is an Irish-American actor, comedian, writer and director. Leary is known for his biting, fast paced comedic style and chain smoking...
did a comedic cover of the song during his MTV Unplugged
MTV Unplugged
MTV Unplugged is a TV series showcasing many popular musical artists usually playing acoustic instruments. The show has received the George Foster Peabody Award and 3 Primetime Emmy nominations among many accolades.-Unplugged:...
special in 1993. Vanilla Ice
Vanilla Ice
Robert Matthew Van Winkle , best known by his stage name Vanilla Ice, is an American rapper, extreme athlete and home improvement television personality...
used "Immigrant Song" as the basis for "Power", a rap metal
Rap metal
Rap metal is a subgenre of rap rock which fuses vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop music with heavy metal.-History:Rap metal originated from rap rock, a genre fusing vocal and instrumental elements of hip hop with rock...
song performed in concerts in 1999. An instrumental version of the song was used in the opening credits of a 1973 martial arts film, Young Tiger, starring Fei Meng and a young Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan
Jackie Chan, SBS, MBE is a Hong Kong actor, action choreographer, comedian, director, producer, martial artist, screenwriter, entrepreneur, singer and stunt performer. In his movies, he is known for his acrobatic fighting style, comic timing, use of improvised weapons, and innovative stunts...
.
In May 2011 it was reported that Karen O
Karen O
Karen Lee Orzolek , better known by her stage name Karen O, is the vocalist for New York rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.-Early life:...
from Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs
Yeah Yeah Yeahs are an American indie rock band formed in New York City in 2000. The group is composed of vocalist and pianist Karen O, guitarist and keyboardist Nick Zinner, and drummer Brian Chase. They are complemented in live performances by second guitarist David Pajo, who joined as a touring...
had collaborated with Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails
Nine Inch Nails is an American industrial rock project, founded in 1988 by Trent Reznor in Cleveland, Ohio. As its main producer, singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist, Reznor is the only official member of Nine Inch Nails and remains solely responsible for its direction...
frontman Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor
Michael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
on a cover version of "Immigrant Song" for the soundtrack to the English-language version of the film The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011 film)
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is an upcoming English-language drama thriller film that is the second film based on the Swedish novel of the same name by Stieg Larsson. The first film was the 2009 Swedish-language adaptation. The upcoming film is written by Steven Zaillian and directed by David...
, for which Reznor is composing the score. This version can be heard over the "red band" trailer for the film for the International release and in the "green band" trailer for the North American release.
Formats and tracklistings
1970 7" single (US/Australia/New Zealand: Atlantic 45-2777, Austria/Germany: Atlantic ATL 70460, Belgium: Atlantic BE 650222, Canada: Atlantic AT 2777, France: Atlantic 650 226L, Holland: Atlantic ATL 2091043, Italy/Jamaica: Atlantic ATL 45-2777, Greece: Atlantic 2091 043, Japan: Warner Pioneer P-1007A, Portugal: Atlantic ATL N 28101, South Africa: Atlantic ATS 531, Spain: Atlantic H 671, Sweden: Atlantic ATL 70.460, Turkey: Atlantic 71505)- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "Hey Hey What Can I Do" (Bonham, Jones, Page, Plant) 3:55
1970 7" radio edit (US: Atlantic 45-2777 PL)
- A. "Immigrant Song" [stereo] (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "Immigrant Song" [mono] (Page, Plant) 2:25
1970 7" single (Colombia: WEA 167/168, Costa Rica: Atlantic 70.029, Mexico: Atlantic 1701-1919, Philippines: Atlantic 45-3741)
- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "TangerineTangerine (Led Zeppelin song)"Tangerine" is a folk rock song composed by Jimmy Page and performed by English rock band Led Zeppelin. It was released on their 1970 album Led Zeppelin III....
" (Page) 3:10
1970 7" single (Japan: Nihon Gramophone DT-1180)
- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "Out on the Tiles" (Bonham, Page, Plant) 4:07
1970 7" single (South Africa: Atlantic ATS 528)
- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "FriendsFriends (Led Zeppelin song)"Friends" is the second track from the 1970 album Led Zeppelin III, the third studio album of English rock band Led Zeppelin. Jimmy Page and Robert Plant wrote the song in 1970 at Bron-Yr-Aur, a small cottage in Wales where they stayed after completing a grueling concert tour of the United...
" (Page, Plant) 3:54
1970 7" single (Uruguay: Atlantic 2164013)
- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "Gallows Pole" (trad. arr. Page, Plant) 4:56
1970 7" single (Venezuela: Atlantic 5-018)
- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "Whole Lotta LoveWhole Lotta Love"Whole Lotta Love" is a song by English rock band Led Zeppelin. It is featured as the opening track on the band's second album, Led Zeppelin II, and was released in the United States and Japan as a single. The US release became their first hit single, it was certified Gold on 13 April 1970, when it...
" (Bonham, Jones, Page, Plant, Dixon) 3:12
1970 7" EP (Mexico: Atlantic 2207-014)
- A1. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- A2. "Tangerine" (Page) 3:10
- B. "Out on the Tiles" (Bonham, Page, Plant) 4:07
1970 7" EP (Bolivia: Polydor 608030)
- A1. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- A2. "Celebration DayCelebration Day"Celebration Day" is the third track from English rock band Led Zeppelin's 1970 album Led Zeppelin III.The track was almost left off the album, due to a studio oversight in which an engineer accidentally erased the first few bars of John Bonham's drum track...
" (Jones, Page, Plant) 3:29 - B. "Since I've Been Loving YouSince I've Been Loving You"Since I've Been Loving You" is a blues-rock song in C minor by English rock band Led Zeppelin, released on the 1970 album Led Zeppelin III.-Overview:...
" (Jones, Page, Plant) 7:23
1971 7" single (Argentina/Chile/Peru: Atlantic 2091 149)
- A. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- B. "Bron-Y-Aur StompBron-Y-Aur Stomp"Bron-Y-Aur Stomp" is a song on English rock band Led Zeppelin's third album, Led Zeppelin III, released in 1970.-Song history:Jimmy Page and Robert Plant constructed the song in 1970 at Bron-Yr-Aur, a small cottage in Wales where they stayed after completing a gruelling concert tour of the United...
" (Jones, Page, Plant) 4:16
1992 CD single (US: Atlantic 2777-2)
- 1. "Immigrant Song" (Page, Plant) 2:25
- 2. "Hey Hey What Can I Do" (Bonham, Jones, Page, Plant) 3:55
Single
| Chart (1971) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Italian Singles Chart | 59 |
| US Cash Box Top 100 Singles Chart | 8 |
| US Record World 100 Top Pops | 10 |
| Canadian CHUM Chart | 2 |
| Canadian RPM Top 100 Chart | 4 |
| Japanese Singles Chart | 13 |
| US Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart | 16 |
| Dutch Singles Chart | 9 |
| South African Top 20 Singles Chart | 7 |
| Australian Go-Set Top 60 Singles Chart | 16 |
| German Singles Chart | 6 |
| Swiss Singles Chart | 4 |
| Austrian Singles Chart | 13 |
| New Zealand Top 50 Singles Chart | 4 |
| Spanish Singles Chart | 11 |
Single (Digital download)
| Chart (2007) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles Chart | 109 |
| US Billboard Hot Digital Songs Chart | 71 |
| Canadian Billboard Hot Digital Singles Chart | 54 |
Note: The official UK Singles Chart
UK Singles Chart
The UK Singles Chart is compiled by The Official Charts Company on behalf of the British record-industry. The full chart contains the top selling 200 singles in the United Kingdom based upon combined record sales and download numbers, though some media outlets only list the Top 40 or the Top 75 ...
incorporated legal downloads as of 17 April 2005.
Cover versions
- 1986: QueenQueen (band)Queen are a British rock band formed in London in 1971, originally consisting of Freddie Mercury , Brian May , John Deacon , and Roger Taylor...
(Magic Tour) - 1987: Minimal CompactMinimal CompactMinimal Compact were an Israeli rock band associated with the post punk and indie rock movement of the 1980s.-Biography:Between its foundation in 1981 and its dissolution seven years later, Minimal Compact played a small role in the European rock scene...
(The Figure One Cuts) - 1988: Great WhiteGreat WhiteGreat White is an American hard rock band, formed in Los Angeles in 1978. The band gained popularity during the 1980s and early 1990s. The band released several albums in the late 1980s and gained airplay on MTV with music videos for songs like "Once Bitten, Twice Shy"...
(Recovery: Live!Recovery: Live!Recovery: Live! is a live album released by the American hard rock band Great White in 1988. Several versions of the album were released, with variations in both covers and track listings. The US version feature 5 cover songs recorded direct-to-2-track in 1986, as well as 5 live songs from 1983...
) - 1988: Royal Crescent MobRoyal Crescent MobRoyal Crescent Mob was a four-person punk-funk band from Columbus, Ohio, that was formed in 1985. Also known to their fans as the R.C. Mob the band members included "Brian Emch" , David Ellison , Harold "Happy" Chichester and Carlton Smith . The band released five albums of material and one ep in...
(Something New, Old, and Borrowed) - 1988: 7 Come 11 (Hammond Organ Trio)
- 1989: Dark AngelDark Angel (band)Dark Angel was an American thrash metal band from Los Angeles, California. Their over-the-top style earned them the nickname "the L.A...
(Leave ScarsLeave ScarsLeave Scars is the third studio album released by the American thrash metal band, Dark Angel.-Track listing:-Credits:*Ron Rinehart - Vocals*Eric Meyer - Rhythm and lead guitar, Backing vocals...
) - 1989: Headface (The Song Retains the Name)
- 1990: Dread ZeppelinDread ZeppelinDread Zeppelin is an American band best known for performing the songs of Led Zeppelin in a reggae style as sung by a 300 pound Vegas Elvis impersonator. Over the years they would also perform songs originally by Elvis Presley, Bob Marley and The Yardbirds. The group toured extensively around the...
(Un-Led-EdUn-Led-EdUn-Led-Ed is the debut album by Dread Zeppelin. Released in 1990 to a skeptical public, the album became a sensation on the strength of glowing reviews and a public endorsement by Led Zeppelin vocalist, Robert Plant, who claimed he preferred Dread Zep's version of "Your Time Is Gonna Come" to Led...
) - 1993: Infectious GroovesInfectious GroovesInfectious Grooves is a funk metal band led by Suicidal Tendencies frontman Mike Muir. It also features former Excel guitarist Adam Siegel, ex-Suicidal Tendencies bassist Robert Trujillo , and ex-Jane's Addiction drummer Stephen Perkins...
(Sarsippius' ArkSarsippius' ArkSarsippius' Ark is the second album from Infectious Grooves. It was released in 1993.-Track listing:# "Intro" – 0:41# "Turtle Wax " – 3:30...
) - 1995: Michael White & The WhiteMichael White & The WhiteMichael White & The White is an American hard rock combo and occasional Led Zeppelin cover band, formed around singer Michael White.Michael White started his career in 1973...
(Plays the Music of Led Zeppelin) - 1996: GotthardGotthard (band)Gotthard is a Swiss hard rock/heavy metal band founded in Lugano by Steve Lee and Leo Leoni. Their last eleven albums have all reached number 1 in the Swiss album charts, making them one of the most successful Swiss acts ever....
(G.G. (album)G. is the third studio album released by the hard rock band Gotthard.-Track listing:All songs written by Steve Lee/Leo Leoni/Chris von Rohr except where noted.# "Sister Moon" – 3:55# "Make My Day" – 3:45# "Mighty Quinn" – 3:15...
) - 1997: InformatikInformatikInformatik formerly known as Informätik is an electro-industrial/futurepop duo from Boston that was formed in the 1990s and is represented by Metropolis Records in the US and Dependent Records in Europe. Band members currently reside in San Francisco area...
(Direct Memory Access v2.0) - 1997: Blue Shift (Not the Future I Ordered)
- 1997: Mike Keneally (Half Alive in Hollywood)
- 1998: Paper Parrot (Before the Balloon Went Up)
- 1998: Rick Brannon (Guitar Freak)www.guitarfreak.com
- 1999: Coalesce (There Is Nothing New Under the Sun EP)
- 1999: Steve Whiteman (A Tribute to Led Zeppelin: The Song Remains Remixed)
- 2001: Sebastian BachSebastian BachSebastian Bach is a Canadian heavy metal singer who achieved mainstream success as frontman of Skid Row from 1987 to 1996. Since his departure from Skid Row, he has had many television roles, acted within Broadway plays, and leads a successful solo career.-Early life:Bach was born Sebastian...
(Bach 2: BasicsBach 2: BasicsBach 2: Basics is the second solo release by Sebastian Bach former front man of Skid Row. The album was released in 2001. It consists mainly of covers from previously-released tribute albums. Original Skid Row drummer Rob Affuso played drums on Shock Me for this album.-Track listing:...
) - 2001: AdagioAdagio (band)Adagio is a French progressive metal band formed in 2001 by guitarist Stephan Forté. Adagio's music is known by its technical precision and dark orchestration. Adagio keeps unqiue complex lead workings which are complimented with a powerful and driving rhythm section...
(Sanctus IgnisSanctus IgnisSanctus Ignis is the debut album by French progressive/neo-classical metal band Adagio, released on May 8, 2001 in France by Nothing To Say, and in Europe by Limb Music.-Track listing:-Release and reception:...
) - 2001: IncubusIncubus (band)Incubus is an American rock band from Calabasas, California. The band was formed in 1991 by vocalist Brandon Boyd, lead guitarist Mike Einziger, and drummer Jose Pasillas while enrolled in high school and later expanded to include bassist Alex "Dirk Lance" Katunich, and Gavin "DJ Lyfe" Koppell;...
(performed on Howard Stern) - 2002: Red FlagRed Flag (band)Red Flag is a synthpop band founded in 1984 in San Diego by brothers Chris and Mark Reynolds.-History:After growing up in Liverpool, the brothers, following their father's itinerant job, moved to locations such as Montreal and Seattle; in 1979, the family settled in California, arriving first in...
(Fear Series box-set) - 2002: Consortium Project (The Music Remains the Same: A Tribute to Led ZeppelinThe Music Remains the Same: A Tribute to Led ZeppelinThe Music Remains the Same is a tribute album of Led Zeppelin songs. It was released on 25 November 2002 by American record label Locomotive Music.-Track listing:#"Kashmir" – Angra#"Dazed and Confused" – Blaze...
) - 2002: All the Queen's Men (Curvy Baby)
- 2002: Issa (The Electronic Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
- 2002: Stereofeed (The String Quartet Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
- 2003: Triprocket (Thrills and Chills)
- 2004: NirvanaNirvana (band)Nirvana was an American rock band that was formed by singer/guitarist Kurt Cobain and bassist Krist Novoselic in Aberdeen, Washington in 1987...
(With the Lights OutWith the Lights OutWith the Lights Out is a box set, containing three CDs and one DVD, of previously rare or unreleased material, including b-sides, demos, rough rehearsal recordings and live recordings, from the American rock band Nirvana. It was released in November 2004...
[1988 rehearsal recording]) - 2004: Tomoyasu HoteiTomoyasu Hoteiis a Japanese musician, guitarist and actor. In 2003, HMV Japan ranked Hotei at number 70 on their list of the 100 most important Japanese pop acts.- Life and career :...
(Electric Samurai (The Noble Savage)Electric Samurai (The Noble Savage)Electric Samurai is a 2004 album by Tomoyasu Hotei. In addition to a few original tracks, the album includes much of Hotei's work for the soundtracks of the films Samurai Fiction and Shin Jinginaki Tatakai...
) - 2004: Tracy GTracy GTracy G is an American heavy metal guitarist best known for his time with Dio from 1993 to 1999.His first band was with his father. It was called the Grijalva Brothers....
(Deviating from the List) - 2005: Iron HorseIron Horse (band)Iron Horse is a Bluegrass band from Killen, Alabama. They are known for performing and recording bluegrass cover versions of rock songs, particularly their bluegrass treatments of heavy metal songs popularized by Metallica. The band has two tracks on the tribute album Strummin' with the Devil: The...
(Whole Lotta Bluegrass: A Bluegrass Tribute to Led Zeppelin) - 2005: Cyro BaptistaCyro BaptistaCyro Baptista is a Brazilian musician, teacher, and recording artist specializing in percussion in the genres of jazz and world music....
(Love the Donkey) - 2005: Demons & WizardsDemons & WizardsDemons and Wizards is a power metal band conceived as a side-project of the metal bands Blind Guardian and Iced Earth. It is made up of the vocalist for Blind Guardian, Hansi Kürsch, and the guitarist of Iced Earth, Jon Schaffer. Schaffer writes the music and Kürsch writes the lyrics...
("Touched by the Crimson KingTouched by the Crimson KingTouched by the Crimson King is the second album of power metal/heavy metal band Demons and Wizards and was released in June 2005. The album contains a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Immigrant Song." It was also released as a limited edition digipak in Europe with an alternate cover and four bonus tracks...
") - 2005: Greg Rapaport (Led Zeppelin Salute: Get the Led Out!)
- 2005: Led Zepagain (A Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
- 2006: GotthardGotthard (band)Gotthard is a Swiss hard rock/heavy metal band founded in Lugano by Steve Lee and Leo Leoni. Their last eleven albums have all reached number 1 in the Swiss album charts, making them one of the most successful Swiss acts ever....
(Made In SwitzerlandMade In Switzerland (Live Album)Made In Switzerland is a live video and album release by Gotthard. It was released worldwide in 2006 as a combined DVD and CD package.The concert was filmed and recorded at the Hallenstadion in Zürich, Switzerland on December 8th, 2005 as part of the bands Lipservice tour.-DVD:# "All We Are"#...
) - 2006: Zepparella (Live at 19 Broadway [recorded 28 October 2005])
- 2006: The Rockies (The Music of Led Zeppelin)
- 2006: Studio 99 (Led Zeppelin: A Tribute)
- 2007: Vanilla FudgeVanilla FudgeVanilla Fudge is an American rock band. The band's original lineup – vocalist/organist Mark Stein, bassist/vocalist Tim Bogert, lead guitarist/vocalist Vince Martell, and drummer/vocalist Carmine Appice – recorded five albums during the years 1966–69, before disbanding in 1970...
(Out Through the in DoorOut Through the in DoorOut Through the In Door is the eighth album from Vanilla Fudge. It was released in June 2007, with the US finally following in August 2009....
) - 2007: Ann WilsonAnn WilsonAnn Dustin Wilson is an American musician, best known as the lead singer, flute player, songwriter, and occasional guitar player of the rock band Heart.-Personal life:...
(Hope & GloryHope & Glory (album)Hope & Glory is the first solo album by Heart singer Ann Wilson, released on September 11, 2007.Hope & Glory features guest appearances from Elton John, k.d. lang, Alison Krauss, Gretchen Wilson, Shawn Colvin, Rufus Wainwright, Wynonna Judd and Deana Carter...
) - 2007: Frankie BanaliFrankie BanaliFrankie Banali is an American rock drummer, best known for his work with multi-platinum heavy metal band Quiet Riot. He has been the band's manager during since 1994. He played drums in the heavy metal band W.A.S.P., as well as with Billy Idol...
& Friends (24/7/365: The Tribute to Led Zeppelin) - 2007: Julian BeestonJulian BeestonJulian Beeston is an English musician, mainly noted for his time in the electronic groups Nitzer Ebb and Cubanate. He has spent time as a remixing engineer working on artists such as Bob Marley...
(The Many Faces of Led Zeppelin [remix]) - 2007: Macdonald Duck EclairMacdonald Duck EclairMacdonald Duck Eclair is a Japanese "pico-pico" or picopop band associated with such groups as Micro Mach Machine and Miss Wonda and sounding similar to such groups as DAT politics etc. Based in Tokyo, they have been making music since 1999...
(Our Favourite Shops: Roots of KOGA Melody) - 2007: The SwordThe SwordThe Sword is an American heavy metal band that formed in Austin, Texas, in 2003. Since its inception the band has comprised vocalist and guitarist John D. Cronise, guitarist Kyle Shutt and bassist Bryan Richie, and currently includes touring drummer Jimmy Vela following Trivett Wingo's departure in...
(12" Split with Witchcraft) - 2008: Manny CharltonManny CharltonManny Charlton is notable for being a founding member of and the lead guitarist for the Scottish hard rock band, Nazareth from 1968 to 1990.-Charlton with Nazareth:...
(Led Box: The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Tribute) - 2008: Strikeforce (Misty Mountain Hop: A Millennium Tribute to Led Zeppelin)
- 2008: Black Stone CherryBlack Stone CherryBlack Stone Cherry is an American rock band formed in 2001 in Edmonton, Kentucky. They are signed to Roadrunner Records. The band consists of Chris Robertson , Ben Wells , Jon Lawhon , and John Fred Young...
(Played live on select dates of their December UK Tour) - 2008: PendulumPendulum (band)Pendulum is an Australian drum and bass and electronic rock band founded in 2002 in Perth by Rob Swire, Gareth McGrillen, and Paul Harding.Swire and McGrillen were members of the rock band known as Xygen. After hearing Konflict's "Messiah" at a club, they were inspired to enter into the drum and...
(BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1BBC Radio 1 is a British national radio station operated by the British Broadcasting Corporation which also broadcasts internationally, specialising in current popular music and chart hits throughout the day. Radio 1 provides alternative genres after 7:00pm including electronic dance, hip hop, rock...
Mash Up and DJ set mixes) - 2009: Hollywood UndeadHollywood UndeadHollywood Undead is an American rap rock band from Los Angeles, California. They released their debut album, Swan Songs, on September 2, 2008, and their live CD/DVD Desperate Measures, on November 10, 2009. Their second studio album, American Tragedy, was released April 5, 2011...
(On their CD/DVD album Desperate MeasuresDesperate Measures (Hollywood Undead album)-Disc Two :Live at the Sunshine Theater, Albuquerque, New Mexico and the Marquee Theater, Tempe, Arizona-Chart positions:-Personnel:Hollywood Undead*Charlie Scene - vocals, lead guitar*Da Kurlzz – drums, percussion, screams, vocals Deuce- Lead vocals...
) - 2009: SepulturaSepulturaSepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
& AngraAngra (band)Angra is a Brazilian metal band from São Paulo, Brazil known for its symphonic interludes, highly technical instrumental playing and Brazilian regional elements.- Biography :...
(live performances) - 2010: Bruno (On their demo album Plagiarized: EP])
- 2010: Les FradkinLes FradkinLes Fradkin is a guitarist, keyboardist, songwriter, composer and record producer. He is best known for being a member of the original cast of the hit Broadway show Beatlemania...
(On his solo Ztar album Hyper MIDI Guitar) - 2010: Threads of Scarlet (live performances)
- 2011: StryperStryperStryper is a Christian glam metal band from Orange County, California. The group's lineup consists of Michael Sweet , Oz Fox , Tim Gaines , and Robert Sweet...
('The Covering') - 2011: Trent ReznorTrent ReznorMichael Trent Reznor is an American multi-instrumentalist, composer, record producer, and leader of industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails. Reznor is also a member of How to Destroy Angels alongside his wife, Mariqueen Maandig, and Atticus Ross. He was previously associated with bands Option 30,...
& Karen OKaren OKaren Lee Orzolek , better known by her stage name Karen O, is the vocalist for New York rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs.-Early life:...
(trailer to the 2011 film adaption of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) - 2011: The Very End (Mercy & Misery)
- Unconfirmed Year: Modern Bliss
Sources
- Lewis, Dave (2004) The Complete Guide to the Music of Led Zeppelin, ISBN 0-7119-3528-9
- Welch, Chris (1998) Led Zeppelin: Dazed and Confused: The Stories Behind Every Song, ISBN 1-56025-818-7