Tommy Shaw of Styx recently premiered a cover of “Going to California,” the classic song from Led Zeppelin.
Though Shaw’s cover isn’t exactly “new” — it was recorded “many years ago,” per a statement — it feels fresh, and the decision to release the song on digital platforms this past Friday was a conscious effort to combat the COVID-19 pandemic era with new music.
After touring behind two Shaw-Blades albums, we discussed a second album of covers and actually recorded a few more, but we never officially set a project into motion. Styx would soon get back together and hit the road with the “Return to Paradise” tour. Will Evankovich and I decided to cut “Going to California” and did it at my home studio in the Hollywood Hills.
We recently gave it a listen and when Styx manager Charlie Brusco suggested we release it now to help fill the musical void that the lockdown had created, it suddenly had a new purpose. We had it mastered here in Nashville and created some artwork and got it placed on all the streaming platforms. Robert Plant’s original vocal is stellar, but I tried to make it my own while honoring its essence. I hope you enjoy it!
Love you all,
Tommy
Stream Tommy Shaw’s take on the song below:
Styx had to postpone planned March 2020 tour dates as a result of the pandemic.
