Guitar Center is scrapping its unofficial in-store ban on Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven” as CEO Gabe Dalporto works to rebuild the once-bankrupt retailer into a community hub. After a COVID-era misstep of over-stocking beginner instruments, Guitar Center has flipped its inventory — 75% now targets serious musicians, up from just 25% before. The strategy appears to be working. The company posted $2.6 billion in revenue in 2025, a 4% increase, with 10 consecutive quarters of sales growth. Dalporto, who became CEO in 2023, is modeling the turnaround partly on Barnes & Noble’s revival, prioritizing in-store experience, open mic nights, and knowledgeable staff. “If all you have is Amazon, you have no local music gear community,” Dalporto said