The Video That Persuaded Led Zeppelin to Collaborate with Jack Black: “The Film Rocks”

I’m a member at my local cinema, and one of the things I really enjoy is their occasional “Classics” nights. These are special events where they bring back older films to the big screen—perfect for those who missed them during their original run or for fans who simply want to experience their favourites with that full cinematic impact once more. At first, these evenings were dedicated to undisputed masterpieces—films like The Godfather, showcasing Marlon Brando in crisp high definition. It made sense: these were time-honoured, critically acclaimed pieces of cinema. But over time, I noticed something interesting. The definition of a “classic” seemed to start stretching a bit. The programming became more varied, leaning into movies that, while beloved, wouldn’t traditionally be placed in the same category as Citizen Kane or Casablanca.

Not long ago, I was walking through the cinema, scanning posters outside each screening room and mentally jotting down what I might want to see next. That’s when something unusual on a poster caught my eye. There, larger than life, was Jack Black in a full-blown rock-and-roll pose—one leg forward, mouth open in a mid-scream, a red Gibson SG guitar slung around his neck. Above him was the title of the next “Classic” screening: School of Rock.

At first, I chuckled. School of Rock? A classic? But the more I thought about it, the more it made sense. The plot is straightforward: Jack Black plays a washed-up rock musician who, after a series of missteps, fakes his way into a substitute teaching job. Instead of teaching math or history, he ends up schooling a bunch of kids in the ways of classic rock music—turning them into a full-blown band to compete in a battle of the bands contest. It’s silly, yes, but it’s got a lot of heart. It’s energetic, funny, and oddly moving.

Would anyone have called it a “classic” back when it was made? Probably not. It was a fun family movie with a great soundtrack and a memorable performance by Black, but it wasn’t exactly Oscar material. And yet, in retrospect, School of Rock has become something much more than it might have originally set out to be.

To me, it’s earned its place in that “classic” lineup—not because it’s on the same artistic level as The Godfather, but because of what it means to a certain generation. I wouldn’t compare the two films in terms of craft or cultural weight. That’s not the point. A classic isn’t always about awards or formal accolades. Sometimes, it’s about the emotional impact a movie has on its audience. For people my age, School of Rock wasn’t just a fun watch—it was an introduction to something bigger. For 90 glorious minutes, we weren’t just viewers. We were those kids in the classroom. We were discovering the powerful riffs of “Smoke on the Water” and “Highway to Hell” for the first time. We were hearing about Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and The Who. We were learning what it meant to “stick it to the man.”

That shared experience stuck with a lot of us. So sure, The Godfather might be the superior film in a textbook sense—but it never taught me who Led Zeppelin were. And School of Rock did.

One of the most memorable and iconic scenes in School of Rock is when the kids finally land a spot in the battle of the bands. On the van ride home, Jack Black’s character is practically bursting with joy. He cranks up Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” as the kids nod along to the music in the backseat, soaking in every note. He’s in full rock god mode, screaming the lyrics:
“We come from the land of the ice and snow, from the midnight sun where the hot springs flow… Hammer of the gods!”

It’s a triumphant moment, one that not only captures the emotional high point of the story but also introduces a new generation to the sheer power of Zeppelin. What made it even more impactful was the fact that Led Zeppelin rarely—if ever—allowed their music to be used in films. They were notoriously protective of their catalog. So how did School of Rock manage to break through that wall?

The answer lies in Jack Black’s sheer passion. As it turns out, he made a personal video appeal to the band. In it, filmed during the final scenes of the movie and backed by an excited crowd of extras, Black made a heartfelt plea to the legendary rockers.

“Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones—the gods of rock, the greatest rock band of all time,” he says, looking into the camera with all the sincerity he can muster. “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.” He pauses, then grins. “Oh no, the movie’s kickass. But dude, your song would be a hard-rocking cherry on the top of the mountain!”

That plea must’ve struck a chord. Not only did the band grant permission, but Robert Plant later explained why. He said that there was so much myth and mystery surrounding Led Zeppelin that he welcomed the idea of introducing the band to a younger audience. He appreciated the way the film celebrated music and wanted to make it more accessible.

“Everyone gets it, young and old. It’s a great song. Not only slightly ridiculous—but ridiculous,” Plant said with a laugh. He went on to explain that they wrote the song midair, just after leaving Iceland, following an incredible gig. To him, letting a film like School of Rock use it was a way of passing that joy along. “To give it to the kids is important,” he said. “Send it up, send it down, and just keep sending it. Just dig it, because there’s no hierarchy.”

And that’s the beauty of it. School of Rock may not be a “classic” in the traditional sense, but it has touched lives in a deeply personal way. It introduced rock legends to kids who might have otherwise missed out. It showed us that passion and joy—especially when it comes to music—can be every bit as timeless as a mafia drama. And maybe that’s what makes something a classic, in the end.