Chibson USA Unveils First Feature Film: "Dread Zeppelin: A Song of Hope" – Coming December 21st, 2024
Pasadena, CA – Chibson USA is thrilled to announce the authorized release of its first full-length feature film, Dread Zeppelin: A Song of Hope, set to be released on December 21st, 2024. This long-awaited documentary film chronicles the unlikely journey of the '90s cult sensation, Dread Zeppelin—a band known for their revolutionary mashup of Led Zeppelin’s music with a reggae beat, led by the unforgettable 300-pound Elvis impersonator, Tortelvis.
From their first show in Pasadena in 1989, Dread Zeppelin was an instant success.. Their unique blend of rock and reggae, paired with their theatrical performances, captured the attention of music fans and critics alike. Within just six months, the band was making waves on MTV, even earning the endorsement of Led Zeppelin’s own Robert Plant, who declared them his favorite band. The endorsement helped them secure a coveted three-record deal with IRS Records, propelling them to global success.
Dread Zeppelin’s rise was meteoric. They toured the world, appeared on talk shows, radio, award shows, and earned the respect of major artists like INXS, Metallica, and Weird Al. Their innovative approach to music paved the way for future parody bands, such as Mac Sabbath and Beatallica, solidifying their place in music history despite internal challenges and lineup changes.
Dread Zeppelin: A Song of Hope captures the band’s extraordinary story using hours of unreleased archival show footage, personal tape recordings, and hundreds of unpublished photographs. It also delves into the band’s history, personnel changes and Tortelvis' complex relationship with fame and fortune.
Featuring exclusive never-before-seen footage, the film includes cameos and special appearances from Kyra Phillips and is narrated by Michael Starr from Steel Panther.
Directed by Sharif Nakhleh and produced by Jason USA, the film will be released for free on YouTube due to the complexities of music rights, despite interest from major distributors.
Chibson USA is proud to bring this incredible untold story to the digital screen and celebrate a band that changed the face of satire in music. Stay tuned for more updates on the film and exclusive content leading up to the premiere coming December 21st.