The Money or the Gun, hosted by Andrew Denton, had an interesting concept: Each week a guest would perform their own version of Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven. Versions would occasionally tie in with the theme of the episode (“Guns – the Musical” had a Broadway-style version by Jodie Gilles as the conclusion, while the episode on Australian Comedy had the Doug Anthony All Stars performing it with the assistance of Barry Crocker) but the most surprising of all was the version by Rolf Harris which eventually reached number 7 on the UK singles chart. Generally the performance of “Stairway” would be a break in the program and the artists would have no other part in the program. The CD release won an Aria Award in Australia in 1993.
Performers and styles included:
Kate Ceberano and The Ministry Of Fun, in a cool funk style with woodwind
John Paul Young, in the style of “Love is in the Air”
Pardon Me Boys, in a swing style (with numerous references to Glenn Miller songs)
The Beatnix, a Beatles tribute band, in the style of “I Want to Hold Your Hand”, “Please Please Me”, and “Twist and Shout”
Nick Barker & The Reptiles, in a heavy blues style
Rolf Harris, in the style of “Tie Me Kangaroo Down, Sport”
The Australian Doors Show, in the style of “When the Music’s Over” by The Doors
Sandra Hahn, Michael Turkic and chorus, in the style of an epic Wagner opera
Robyne Dunn, in the style of “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” by The Beatles
Elvis impersonator Neil Pepper, in the style of “Viva Las Vegas”
Toots – Jenny Lovell in the flesh, voice by Helen Jones, a femme fatale performance in the style of
The Whipper Snappers, in an indie rock girl group style
Friends Of The Castanet Club, as a sea shanty
Toys Went Berserk a post-punk version
Bob Downe, in the style of a lounge singer
The Rock Lobsters, a B-52’s tribute band, in the style of “Rock Lobster”
Jodie Gillies, in the style of a Broadway musical (with numerous references to “One” from A Chorus Line)
Etcetera Theatre Company, as a techno dance in the style of Talking Heads
The Jeff Duff Orchestra a chamber orchestra with vocals
Fargone Beauties, as a country thrash in the style of “Dueling Banjos”
Judi Connelli, as a gospel song
Barry Crocker and Doug Anthony All Stars in a unique style
Vegimite Reggae, as a modern reggae
The Symphony Chorus of the Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, as an a cappella chorus
Leonard Teale, as a dramatic poem
Rory O’Donoghue in the style of an advertising jingle and an Australian ballad
