MASTODON COVER ZEPPELIN CLASSIC

Mastodon are to release a version of ‘Stairway To Heaven’ on Record Store Day.

This being done to honour late manager Nick John, who died from pancreatic cancer last September.

In a statement, the band have said:

“In early September 2018, we lost one of our closest friends and our biggest fan, our manager Nick John. He was essentially the band’s Dad. From our highest highs to our lowest lows, he was always there. Every single move we made went through him first as our trust in him was marrow deep. His favourite band besides us and Gojira (who he also managed) was Led Zeppelin. We were asked to perform ‘Stairway To Heaven’ at his funeral. Afterward, finding out that someone had recorded it, we figured we should record a studio version and release it on Record Store Day as a tribute to Nick with all the proceeds to be donated to pancreatic cancer research.

“We would not be the band we are today without the help of Nick John. We miss him dearly and think of him always. We love you, buddy.

“The limited-edition 10-inch vinyl features the Studio Version on Side A and a Live Version on Side B. It will be available in participating independent retailers on Saturday, April 13, 2019.

“All of the proceeds benefit the Hirshberg Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research.”