Few performers have reimagined the violin like Lindsey Stirling. Her music stands as a powerful intersection of classical virtuosity and rock-and-roll innovation. Stirling’s stage presence also brings new dimensions to the idea of violin performance, and she proved that again at Lollapalooza Paris 2003 with a jaw-dropping rendition of a classic rock favorite.
“Kashmir” was originally released by Led Zeppelin in 1975 on their sixth studio album, “Physical Graffiti.” The song is noted for its orchestral flair, utilizing strings and brass over a hypnotic chord progression, and became a staple of the legendary rock band’s performances for the rest of their career.
Stirling’s version makes it a showcase for her ability to transition from delicate passages to explosive crescendos—and we do mean explosive. Her stage show includes loads of fireworks as she performs a choreographed dance.
“’Kashmir’ has always been one of my favorite rock songs and I’m so excited I got to work with the legendary producers Howard Benson (Motörhead, All American Rejects) and Neil Sanderson (Three Days Grace, My Darkest Days) on imagining a way to bring it to life in my style,” she stated when releasing the song as a single.
Her cover captures the unmistakable flair of the Zeppelin original, but elevates it to a contemporary space with technical mastery on her instrument. The arrangement begins with the iconic riff, which features a chromatic ascending line over a static bass note D. Although the movement sounds natural after hearing it for so long, it features interesting rhythmic phrasing.
The guitar part is written in phrases of three while the song, particularly the drum part, is in 4/4. This polymeter combines with the chromatic riff to bring out a Middle Eastern sound. Although no one from Led Zeppelin had visited Kashmir, vocalist Robert Plant wrote it during a drive through the deserts of Morocco.
After the intense intro, Stirling brings things down dynamically with pizzicato playing. She eventually bows the vocal line, adding embellishments as the song progresses.
It’s worth noting that she performs with an electric violin that plugs into the sound system. In such a loud sound environment, a traditional violin will typically feedback. Electric violins have pickups that reject outside interference and can be amplified to match a full rock band.
Stirling plays far beyond the simple, desolate melody of “Kashmir.” Her arrangement spices up the tune with slides and articulations as well as blazing arpeggios between the melody notes that recall something closer to Paganini than Jimmy Page.
This performance is a microcosm of what makes Lindsey Stirling so exciting. She’s bringing fans together by bridging eras, genres, and cultures. She’s introducing the violin to new audiences in a new way, as evidenced by the 60,000 fans at Lollapalooza Paris 2023. It’s an inspiration to generations young and old, and that’s what music is all about.
Watch her incredible performance above and follow along with the sheet music for “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin:
