Almost Famous - "Starway to Heaven" Deleted scene 

The way his mom's head snaps toward him at the lyric "and my spirit is crying for leaving". She knows he's not hers for much longer, amd that's the moment she almost lets herself give in to the song. By the end she's a bit hot and bothered and trying hard not to admit she likes it. Frances McDormand is a treasure, and I'm grateful to Cameron Crowe for giving us this scene, even if he probably always knew it wouldn't make the movie.

"The boyfriend" playing all the instruments is SOOOO relatable

This scene would fit in so beautifully in the end credits

So it was with me ... I sat my mother opposite and turned Rain Song, by Zep, for her. I really wanted that her to understood my music. So it was ... I was born in the USSR and today, when I look Almost famous, Im cry... I missed everything. Sorry... Emotion

I wish this had been in the movie, I truely could have watched Almost Famous for 5 hours if everything filmed had beel left in. A true American Classic.

I am 73 and watching these young actors reacting to Led Zeppelin reminds me of how I felt listening to them at that age. No matter how old I get, I'll never forget the magic of seeing them live at the Fillmore East in the early summer of 1969, when I was only 18 years old. I saw them four more times but that first time was the best. I never again saw them play with such energy, abandon and joy as they did that night at the Fillmore. I'm so glad that I was part of the counterculture and not like so many other Boomers who were as straight as their parents, listening only to Herb Alpert, Jay and the Americans, the Four Seasons, etc.

THIS IS THE WAY to feel the music.

"when's the st..." brilliant timing, Frances is amazing 😍

It scares me how well this describes myself every time I listen to this song. Or any rock song, I just can't avoid playing an invisible guittar even though I don't even know how to play one, or the drums. This movie is so FUCKING AWSOME.

I love Almost Famous and totally enjoyed this scene. Frances McDormand is so awesome playing the Mom and the only person trying not to be affected by Led Zeppelin. Excellent experience 👏

There was a magic(k) to hearing Stairway for the first time. Seeing it in this scene almost brought it back. Almost.

I've been there kid. This exact same scenario played out with me and my dad (whose tastes ran more toward Frank Sinatra and Peggy Lee). I played him "Wild Horses" by the Rolling Stones. Afterward he said the song was "OK, too bad the singer can't carry a tune".

I was lucky. My mom was born in Sarnia, Ontario (1934) and she Introduced me to the music of Zeppelin, Hendrix, Joplin, Simon & Garfunkle and sooo many other great bands. I didn't have to educate her on rock n roll, it was the other way around. Lol! I got most of my musical influences from my mom. She was a hip chic and I wish I could thank her but she passed away in 78 from cancer. She bought me tickets to go see The Who in 75 for my first concert. It was my Christmas present for 75. And I never had to worry about her yelling at me to turn my music down cause she liked it as much or more than I did. Lol. ❤️

I love this, So much. I totally love this. It's exactly my my feeling on discovering Led Zep and I wish this had been in the film.

I’m just dying over her expressions! Omg saying so much w/o saying anything! 😂❤️❤️

Green shirt guy aced that!!! I was born in 1960...every move...the drums the guitar and the parts that he sang in his expressions and how he had his hand up in the air at certain times I've seen that over and over again back in the seventies this was flawless

FYI there’s a fuller version of this scene out there with more dialogue at the beginning and end of the scene. This is his thesis to proof that not all rock n roll music is about sex and drugs, some of it is poetry, ex this is was inspired by Tolkien

Stairway To Heaven has got to be one of the best songs all time. I listened to Led Zeppelin IV as a kid and I was hooked to rock n roll.

Looooord I Couldn't even Imagine How many Times this 58 year Ole Man has done the same EXACT Scenario when this Song is Played!!!!! Exactly!!!

The film uses Tangerine, That’s the Way and the Rain Song perfectly. Coincidentally, they’re my favourite zeppelin songs!

This is filmmaking, people acting even though there's no dialogue. Beautiful.

I had this album back in the day and sometime during the summer of ‘73. I come home and while my mom was doing some upstairs cleaning I hear it blaring out of my bedroom off my little stereo system. I go up there and see her doing her chores. She sees me, smiles and keeps on going.

Love this movie.. so many great actors and a fantastic soundtrack....

This captures every feeling of listening this song, like every fucking time and is exactly how it feels listening to rock songs with my family (And there's always that comment of my uneducated sister who says "can you turn down the volume on that.").

I remember the first time I heard this song. It was 1991 and I was 14 year olds on skiing camp in Austria. A 18-year old guy in our dorm and I started talking about music and he told me "Stairway to heaven" was the best song ever. He gave me his headphones and I listened from start to finish.

Classic Zeppelin. It doesn’t get much better. This is how I have seen people react to Stairway To Heaven. This should have been in the movie. I love this!

Too bad this wasn't in the movie. I had to laugh. How many people have put that album on and put the needle right on track four. I in fact played out this scene with my mom, but with Roads to Moscow by Al Stewart. She liked the song. She also liked the song Let it Grow by Clapton from 461 Ocean Boulevard. Every time I played it she would ask, "Who sings that song?" "Eric Clapton." I would say. "What's he doing singing such a beautiful song?" Every single time. To my parents Led Zeppelin was neither here nor there. My dad liked Hendrix. Of course this was in the 70's.

I’m so glad I found this! My absolute favorite movie..and what an excellent scene to have missed.

One of the best songs ever produced! Still makes me cry when I hear it

great scene. But i couldnt imagine where in the movie it would have fit

I'm back in 74,I'm 12,and I'm in love with all music, but this song will always make me wonder, laugh and call the tune, as the forests grow again with laughter!

Love this film and Led Zeppelin!

This reminds me of past episodes where i wanted to get my dad to like the Beatles, the after years he became convinced and went crazy for Micheiie and harrison's My Sweet Lord, i miss you dad

They just wanted Stairway to Heaven on the sound track but in the end could not get the rights.

Oh come on Frances. Don't just sit there, join in already.

The other woman on the couch is Cameron Crowe's mother. The boy in green is boyfriend of Anita (the sister). Can't place the blond...the scene is a bit long, which is why CC said it had to be taken out. A mom listening to one song with four people staring her down isn't going to change her mind; it looks more like an intervention and it didn't further the story so out it went.

I am The Grass Man and I enjoyed this deleted scene

I can (somewhat) understand why they wouldn't allow the use of the song, but, my God, what a wonderful tribute to the song and the band! Watch this whenever I'm down -- best medicine ever. Also, obsessed with green shirt guy!

I swear my Mom had the same reaction!!! Priceless

I remember listening to this album for the very first time on vinyl. Seems like the first time again. I am home.

The point of this scene for those who question it is the effect it has on Frances McDurmond who cannot resist the music, no matter how hard she tries.

Oh, to listen to this song for the first time again. Not just to hear it, as I'm sure I must have over the years, but to go back to when I first sought it out deliberately. This scene makes me feel almost like I did then.

Eu tinha 14 anos nessa época de 1974...Starway to Heaven embalou minha vida como trilha sonora de tido o que vivi...aprendi no violão e na flauta a toca la

'73 I was a Freshman in HS...'77 I went off to Marine Boot Camp. This movie captures the times. I also enjoy "Dazed and Confused" as it captures my Junior year as well.

I'm picturing a sequel set about thirty years later, in which she's listening to her grandson play his NWA CD, and referring to it as an "oldie."

I took a road trip, throughout the western US with my Mom in 1976, I was in college at the time. I had about 5 8-tracks for the trip and LZ 4 was one of them. My mom was also a school teacher, just like Francis in the film. She more than tolerated the album.

Thanks to my dad, i'm a big fan of Rock and Metal. This song, The number of the beast album from Iron Maiden and the Somberlain from Dissection. Changed my life 4ever!

so utterly cool .. and includes a cameo .. lady dressed in black is Cameron Crowe's mum :)

For fun, watch this scene back to back with the members of Led Zeppelin being serenaded at the Kennedy Center Honors event Cameron Crowe's wife performing Stairway to Heaven in one of the most iconic performances ever. The kid's Mom would be impressed.

Thank you! I love Cameron Crowe, Almost Famous and the Zeps. I did not know about this scene!

I would have liked to heard a reaction at the end from the Frances McDormand character

When I was about 13/14 ( '66/67) Robert Plant came into our school a couple of times with John Bonham to see our Art teacher Jon Kelsey (they played together in the Band of Joy) . When they left ( the second time) I asked Jon why they'd come? He said 'Oh they want me to join a new band'. I asked 'Are you joining them then? (Jon was a very talented keyboard player and I do mean talented). He said 'No, They're always forming groups and then splitting up, but they said they are going to America with this new group. It would mean giving up my job and I know what's going happen, they'll split up and be back, that's if they ever go' The rest is history and some time later he asked if I had a Zeppelin album he could borrow? I loaned him Zeppelin 2. When he bought it back he said 'Bonham's been playing that solo (Moby Dick) round the pubs and clubs for years. Now they say he's the greatest rock drummer in the world' If you'd seen two Black Country hippies at Bilston Grammar School for Boys in those days, you wouldn't have risked it either😂

She is SO GREAT!

I remember sitting around with friend with new albums and we would listen to them, the whole album, maybe more than once in one sitting, and pass around the album cover and read the liner notes.

I don't have any words. Just cry...

I am a huge fan of this movie and it’s music and thought I knew a lot about it, and I never heard this or of this until tonight. Crazy.

I was born in 1973. Wish I could have experienced this time period

I love this movie... But I love it so much more with this scene!!!

I can't believe I never knew, until a few days ago, there was a director's cut of this film, the theatrical release is that perfect. I'm not alone, according to Billy Crudup himself, he didn't know either. I ordered dvd for off ebay last night. Seeing the scene out of context has me anxious to see all deleted 30 minutes in context.

Great scene.. also understand why they cut it.

November 1971. Put on my just bought copy of Led Zeppelin IV. This brings it all back hearing Stairway for the first time. Stunned!

johm Bonham was the single inspiration for this great music,and he was the drummer.

My God I usta play the Stones, MC5, Johnny Thunders, Humble Pie for my mom. She thought I was nuts but she was cool enough to go along with me. My dad would snicker and walk out. God bless em both!!💞

the best rock song ever played , wrote , sung , etc……

It didn't appear in the movie not because of money. That is not the real story. Let me tell you what it is: When the movie was completed, Cameron took it to London to a private screening with Led Zeppelin's Jimmy Page and Robert Plant. After the screening, they agreed to let Cameron use one of their songs in the movie, as long as it wasn't Starway to Heaven. It was the first time they had ever consented a movie use one of their songs since allowing Crowe to use "Kashmir" in Fast Times at Ridgemont High. So, as you can see, it is not because of money, because Crowe had it, but simply because Led Zeppelin wouldn't allow it. So the movie has only one song from Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, and that is "That's the way". It is one of the best soundtracks ever compiled for a movie, and won a grammy in 2001.

I heard this song a thousand times but I never listened. It actually is an impressive piece of the history of rock music. Why is that relevant? Because of everybody.

I like a lot the movie, a real pity that this scene was not there

This is better than any music video ever

What a wonderful scene❤

The editor did a great job. This scene would have made her superb character less* formidable. Brilliant editing.

Aside from William and his mother who are the people in this scene and what's the context of it? With the Tiny Dancer scene the context makes it so much better, the band is falling apart and they're not getting along at all then the song seems to bring them back together as if it makes them realize that love of music is the reason they do what they do. I'm very curious to know what the context of this scene is, I've never seen it before.

Thanks very much! Love music, love the movie, never knew about this scene! Much appreciated🙋🖤

I absolutely love this.. thank you so much for this incredible experience with my favorite movie and music

Gracias vercanciones , IMPECABLE tu trabajo!!! me encantó... traducción del post de este video: "Esta escena no podía hacerlo en la película debido a los derechos es demasiado caro para la producción. Es en el DVD, pero ... Sin la música! Algo había que hacer, porque me encanta esta película sobre la música, mis 2 pasiones, de verdad. disfrutar"

It has to be said: The whole point of “Stairway To Heaven” was to turn people on to “The Incredible String Band” It’s an ISB song with added Bonzo and Electric Guitar… Jimmy, Robert and JPJ would tell you the very same… Btw This is a good scene, all the same And “Almost Famous” is a wonderful movie

I love the 2 guys in this , especially Green shirt guy that really gets into it. ❤Such a great movie. It would have been cool if they played this in the closing credits.

I watched the movie today, it was awesome.

So awesome! One is my favorite movies, fun to see an extra scene. ☺️

Ah, this is a great scene. Thanks for posting.

Love this flick and the soundtrack. 👉 "Your mom kinda freaked me out". "She means well" lol They seem to always leave some really good stuff on the cutting room floor when they're chopping it up for the theater. Some of the deleted scenes make you wonder where they cut it from? Hey, thanks for sharing.

This is a fantastic scene, it is the only deleted scene from anything I have ever seen, that I think should have actually been included, its really rather a crucial scene actually.

Looks like they cut some characters out of the movie too. I don't remember any of them except for the obvious 2.

I can see why the scene was deleted, you don't just stop a movie for 7 minutes like that to have people sitting and listening to a song.

That was awesome!!

Too bad money kept a great scene out of a great movie. Thanks for sharing!

There's this scene they conveniently left out of my favorite movie...kinda unforgivable...

Me listening to Led Zeppelin / My family:

So you made friends with The Rockstars, Well we did get on the cover 📔 of Rolling Stone magazine with R own Almost Famous story, That started out in 1969 at the Doors Concert!

Amazing Scene! Luv the movie and the Music, sure!

Thank God this scene was cut. I cringed throughout watching everyone's expression. Kinda made me uncomfortable. Stairway doesn't need the approval of those who don't get it.

Two things I never want to hear again as long as I live: The screams of puppies trapped in a kennel fire Stairway to Heaven

Would have loved this scene included

So glad you posted this. Too bad it was not in the movie

Learning to play this on guitar for the first time blew my mind

At least the guy in the green shirt has rhythm

and the forests will echo with laughter

Just the greatest song ever written!!

What a song!!

I could sooo relate with this scene.... the air drums, air guitars... the whole mood lifting experience. The power of Led Zeppelin’s music and the reactions of the ignorant musically deaf ears, great scene!!

This is fantastic.