“Led Zeppelin Never Let Anyone Use Their Music—Until This ‘Kickass’ Movie Changed Their Minds”

When School of Rock first hit cinemas in 2003, few could have predicted its enduring impact—or the fact that it would one day be spoken of in the same breath as cinematic heavyweights. But for a generation of music lovers, Jack Black’s tribute to the power of rock didn’t just entertain—it educated. And in one particularly legendary scene, the film even achieved the impossible: securing the rights to use Led Zeppelin’s iconic “Immigrant Song.”

Long regarded as fiercely protective over their catalogue, Led Zeppelin rarely licensed their music for films or advertising. But School of Rock proved to be an exception—thanks in large part to a heartfelt plea from Black himself.

In a now-famous video recorded on the set of the film, Black stood before a cheering crowd of extras and made his case directly to the band. With typical energy and sincerity, he shouted into the camera:
“Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones—the Gods of rock. The greatest rock band of all time. We need your song, man. We need the ‘Immigrant Song.’ This is a movie about rock, and without that song, this movie will crumble into smithereens. Oh no, the movie’s kickass, but dude, your song would be a hard-rocking cherry on the top of the mountain!”

The video did the trick. Led Zeppelin gave their blessing—and the resulting scene, with Black wailing along to the song while driving a van full of headbanging schoolkids, remains one of the most memorable moments in the film.

Reflecting on the decision, Robert Plant later shared that it wasn’t just Black’s passion that swayed him—it was the spirit of the film itself.
“Everyone gets it, young and old. It’s a great song. Not only slightly ridiculous but ridiculous,” he said.
“Considering that we wrote it in midair, leaving Iceland – a fantastically inspiring gig and an adventure beyond which there will be no books written. To give it to the kids is important. Send it up, send it down, and just keep sending it. Just dig it because there’s no hierarchy.”

That willingness to break from tradition marked a rare moment of accessibility for a band often shrouded in mystique. And Plant, clearly charmed by the film’s exuberance, saw an opportunity to reshape the narrative around Led Zeppelin for a new audience.

For those who first encountered classic rock through School of Rock, that moment was more than just cinematic magic—it was a gateway. The film didn’t just borrow from Zeppelin; it passed the torch. And in doing so, it earned its place in rock history.

As Black’s character famously taught his class, sometimes “sticking it to the man” means embracing what came before and blasting it forward with joy—and a Gibson SG slung over your shoulder.