Watch Pavement play hilariously mangled 'Stairway To Heaven' cover in Oakland

In the midst of a sweltering summer evening in Oakland, California, something peculiar happened. Pavement, the legendary US indie band, took to the stage at Mosswood Meltdown's official pre-party, hosted by cult filmmaker John Waters. The event was a precursor to the main festival, headlined by Iggy Pop and Bikini Kill. As the band, led by Stephen Malkmus, embarked on their set, they surprised the audience with a hilariously ramshackle cover of Led Zeppelin's 'Stairway To Heaven'. The performance, which marked their first live show since November's Mexico City Hipnosis Festival, was evidence of Pavement's enduring spirit of creativity and experimentation.

Midway through their set, Pavement launched into 'Harness Your Hopes', followed by an unexpected partial rendition of the 1971 Zeppelin classic. However, this was no straightforward cover. Stephen Malkmus largely abandoned the original words in favour of half-improvised lyrics as he and Scott Kannberg loosely noodled their way through the track. The result was a surreal, mangled rendition that was equal parts baffling and captivating. Fan-captured footage of the performance offers a glimpse into the band's playful dynamic, with Malkmus and Kannberg trading lines and experimenting with the song's iconic melody.

The show in Oakland marked the beginning of a run of US dates for Pavement, which continues tonight in Portland's Revolution Hall. The band's remaining 2026 US tour schedule includes stops in Seattle, St. Paul, Chicago, Cleveland, Philadelphia, Richmond, Nashville, and more. For fans of the band, this is a welcome opportunity to see Pavement perform live, with the promise of more surprises and creative experimentation along the way.

Pavement's decision to cover 'Stairway To Heaven' in such a manner is a nod to their legacy as innovators and outsiders. The band's music has always been characterized by a sense of playfulness and irreverence, and this performance is evidence of that spirit. In a year that has seen the release of their first newly recorded music in over 25 years, with a cover of Jim Pepper's 'Witchitai-To', Pavement continues to push the boundaries of what it means to be a rock band.

Pavement's influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary bands, from the lo-fi sensibilities of Guided by Voices to the experimental leanings of Sonic Youth. Their music has also inspired a new generation of filmmakers, as seen in the part-documentary, part-biopic project 'Pavements', which blended footage of the band preparing for their reunion tour with the creation of a Pavement museum exhibition, a jukebox musical, and a fictional Hollywood biopic. In a four-star review of 'Pavements', NME wrote: “In short, this is a thrillingly creative music documentary that serves as a loving tribute to the band and the sense of fun that Perry is having behind the camera is both palpable and infectious.”

As Pavement continues to tour and create new music, it's clear that their legacy extends far beyond their own music. They have inspired a generation of musicians and filmmakers, and their influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary artists. The performance in Oakland was a reminder that, even after all these years, Pavement remains a band that is unafraid to take risks and push the boundaries of what is possible.

A key fact to note is that Pavement's remaining 2026 US tour dates include stops in several major cities, offering fans a chance to see the band live and experience their unique brand of creative experimentation firsthand.

In the end, Pavement's performance in Oakland was evidence of the band's enduring spirit of creativity and experimentation. As they continue to tour and create new music, it's clear that their legacy will endure for many years to come.