In the early 70s a friend gave the 45 of Black Dog... that was it, the bar was set. Back then in my circle of young and middle aged teens we all knew Zeppelin was king. It wasn’t just music, it was something else. Like a door opening up to another place. If rock was a pyramid, Led Zeppelin owns the top... period.
There were so many excellent bands then, it took a long time to figure out which were the GOAT rock bands. That said, they were a top 5 favorite from the moment I heard them.
I'm late to this party but just want to say that I'm really enjoying your reactions. I've been listening to Led Zep for 50+ years and, yeah, we immediately knew these guys were something very special. Individually, they were exceptional, together they were a frigging force. They didn't use auto tune when recording back then, which is why they sound just as good live as they do on their recordings. Can't fake that. As you said, many great bands out there but imo none of them have yet to touch the genius of Led Zeppelin. Glad you're exploring and enjoying. Rock on!
I came out of the 60's and 70's and i have always loved Led Zeppelin but now that i am much older i am about 5 years younger then them but as i got older and helth issues i came back to them listening to them all the time and realy appreciating their music and lyrics made me feel happy and alive like when i was young i feel it kind of brought me back to life again and even made my stronger in fighting my disease and moving forward it makes you feel alive
Nobody better live!! I knew they were the greatest and special when I was 12 years old...when I heard the first album. I'm 60 years old. But yeah...there were so many great bands and I loved most of them...but I knew Zeppelin was something different right away.
I think its the opposite, almost no band touched them in the studio but live there were better bands, case in point when Grand Funk Railroad opened for them and Peter Grant had to pull em of the tour for outplaying Zeppelin
Mr Abdullah Hassan Peter Grant never pulled a band for our plans up I don't know where you got your info but that's totally wrong it was the other way around there was only one band that open for and even Carmen a piece that they bloom off the stage so it was only them on stage by themselves doing three to four hours by what other band did that name one
I saw them on 15 January 1973, aged 17, in Stoke in the UK and again in December 2007 in London. In the 1970s they were there along with The Who, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Clapton, Black Sabbath, Bowie, Queen and many others. I think you made the right suggestion; that we were spoiled for choice. That is such a great version of STH and they were always such a great band to see and to listen to their music.
For me the 1st time I heard them 11 years my brothers am fm clock radio 1973 WHOLE LOTTA LOVE I had never heard anything like it I was blown away thats when I started my journey They became my favorite group my 1st album Was led zeppelin 1 then zep 2 went to get tickets for the 75 seattle show but was sold out but made it to the 77 king dome show yes amazing I realized then they where special then. thanks !
I KNEW this band was special in the late 70’s. The first time I heard them was during my 8th grade. Me and my buddy were just smoked to Thai stick...dropped the album THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME on the turntable and then dropped a needle on the vinyl. We smoked a few bong hits...and when I heard this song (STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN), NO QUARTER, ETC...BUT DAZED AND CONFUSED CAUSED ME START PLAYING GUITAR...LOVE YOUR REACTIONS! GOD BLESS MIGHTILY.
My best friend turned me on to you a couple years ago and we both have enjoyed your sensitive and insightful reviews of some of our favorite music. Your question is a fabulous one.....wanting to know when the folk who were around back in 1969 and that era, knew that the Mighty Led Zeppelin were special. For me, I can recall like it was yesterday placing that first album on my crappy little turntable and stereo in a suburb of Baltimore in March of 1969. I was there when The Beatles invaded, was a Cream and Hendrix fan, and dug the heck out of James Brown and Motown, so yes there was a boatload of great music around. But that first track on that first Zep album, Good Times Bad Times....when I dropped the needle down and heard just the first several seconds, the very first thing that hit me, was the ambience of the recording...it sounded so big, like it was recorded in a big hall with lots of natural reverb. Apparently Jimmy Page was very savvy on recording techniques and getting a big studio sound, so he placed microphones at various distances from the instruments during the recording at Olympia Studios in London. Page is a studio genius. At the same time that hit me, I was hit with the onslaught of the crunch of Page's guitar on this first song, the heavy but tight power drumming of John Bonham especially his right foot in that song, that triplet pattern between the hi hat and his bass drum which blew every rock drummer on the planet socks right off. Then there was Robert Plant's stratospheric vocals, and John Paul Jones' steady thumping bass line. The song was crunchy, tight, cool, had that dramatic stop and pause that set up Page's searing lead solo. The whole thing left me breathless. I played it three times before even moving on to track 2. Then the rest of the album was just incredible. The heavy, plodding blues, contrasted by the haunting Babe I'm Gonna Leave You and Page's gorgeous acoustic guitar work. Dazed and Confused, literally scared me with the descending sinister riff, Plant's tormented vocal, Bonhams massive drum thunder, and especially Page's demonic violin bowing of the guitar. The whole track sounded like a tormented man standing at the gates of hell. The second half of the song is a powerhouse of incendiary fury climaxed and segued back to earth by Bonham's famous hand to foot triplets around the kit. The album was dripping with innovative sonic depth, stellar musicianship, great songs loaded with dynamics, light and shade as Page called it, a stratospheric intense singer, a visionary guitarist who was also a studio genius, a drummer who was on fire, and a rock steady bassist/keyboardist, and showed a diverse range of style and influence, as well as incredibly heavy interpretation of traditional guitar blues. Needless to say, I was blown away by it. ..became a lifelong fan and like you Soul Train Bro, I get Goose bumps when I listen. In recent years, happily, I am listening on a better stereo than the one I had way back in 1969! Even still, with that mediocre sound system, all that sonic depth and groundbreaking music and talent instantly made me know that these boys, as you so aptly stated, " are touched with something". I hope you enjoyed reading this. We enjoy you and I am so glad my friend got me into checking you out. Keep up the great work!
We all realize, then and now, just how special this band is. The reaction back then is the same as it is now, and nothing has changed to diminish them. 50 years has passed. But their music, their presence, and persona feels just as vital to this day. This band will remain for a hundred years. Timeless and eternal.
We knew how special they were from the beginning. There were so many bands at the time so there was loads of competition. But they had a very unique sound from other bands of the time and they were trying such different types of music with each song. I saw them just once in 1977 in New York City - mesmerizing and jaw dropping at the same time! I literally fell in love with Jimmy Page...that guitar was a part of his soul and he could make it sing like no one I had ever heard...goosebumps!
I never expected "old folks" to enjoy Led Zeppelin. Then I got old and found out how wrong I was. I think, at the time, I felt "Stairway to Heaven" was a landmark in the rock world and was exceptionally unique.
Robert is spectacular here, but when I watch Jimmy play that solo on my 55 inch TV, it's unbelievable. Emotional. It's like I just witnessed a historical event...
I was 14 when I was blown away with zeppelin 1. I liked Jimmy Page from his yardbirds days, when I heard whole lotta love I didn't think that they could top it boy was I wrong, they just kept on improving and reinventing themselves with such a variety of music that changed with every album. And they could play them all live. I think only the Beatles had similar variety, but they made great studio recordings but they could not be played in a live concert, that's why they stopped touring. Stairway to heaven to me is the greatest song ever written, it takes you on an emotional journey from the soft intro to the thunderous finale. As for band I don't think there's ever been another group with every member being so gifted musically as Led zeppelin. As for Jimmy page I think he's a musical genius, from the start he had a vision of what he wanted in the group and the stars aligned when he found the rest of the band
They were such a truly superb band ! Their music is on a very specific wavelength that cannot be replicated . It isn’t just their expertise as high quality musicians … it’s something else that is difficult to put into words . Other bands play extremely well but they don’t have that unique magic.
There were bands in that era that treated audiences with disdain. Ticket prices were astronomical and concerts all over in little more than an hour. Bands tried to perform drunk or drugged. In Sydney one such band was playing one song while the rhythm guitarist played another. Led Zeppelin's only tour of Australia had no concert of less than two hours and it was three in Sydney. No drunken confusion, no lazy disinterest. They delivered the goods brilliantly, professionally, awesomely. All for a mere $3.20 Australian.
The first time I heard them it was summer, and I was 13. Staying the night at my friend Sarah’s house. We were hanging in her room, when suddenly I heard this music playing from an album in my friend’s 17 year old brother’s bedroom. I shot straight up on my feet from the bed, bolt upright, and said “WHO IS THAT? THAT MUSIC IS INCREDIBLE! WHO IS THAT?” My friend Sarah said “it’s just my stupid brother playing his Led Zeppelin AGAIN” and she rolled her eyes. I was like lead what?? 😂 I said “let’s go to his room!” and I bee-lined to his room down the hall, with her behind me; banged on his door, LOUDLY 🤣 and that night was my introduction to the greatest band of all time. He was eager to geek out with me on his favorite band, and could see from my reaction and expression that I was in. All in with Zeppelin. And we were musical kindred. That very night. That very moment. The very moment I heard “Living Loving Maid” blaring though my friend’s bedroom wall, it was if the heavens opened wide, and the angels were singing and it was music from the heavens themselves. And with a full on floodgate, so started my introduction to The Mighty Led Zeppelin. He went on full Zeppelin overdrive. Proclaimed that I was now listening to the greatest band that ever was. He started quickly going through stacks of tapes, albums were shuffled, drawers opened and closed. He Started playing Zeppelin’s fist album and said I had to listen to albums in their entity, and to start in sequential order, or it would mess up the flow and interpretation of the music. He started piling cassette duplicates into my eager hands, said I could keep them he had “the actual vinyl albums” 😂 He gave me cassettes of LZ 1, 2 and 3. So Literally the very moment I heard them, something in my very soul stirred. Truly. It was a musical awakening unlike any other musical moment for the rest of my life thus far. Sarah got bored and went downstairs to make popcorn. But I couldn’t tear myself away from the music. When she came back upstairs, being a good friend and all, I reluctantly cleaved myself away. However, I played the cassettes in her room and he stood outside the door, grooving. Looking very proud and joyous that he could now bestow this music on someone who felt it the second they heard it. He looked very happy and kind of weirdly parental. Or Like I was a puppy from the Zeppelin pound who was finally getting a forever music home😂but that was how Zeppelin entered my life. The next weekend I went over he rented the VHS of The Song Remains The Same. We were ate up. We watched it five times in a row 🤣 analyzing, pausing and rewinding, singing and playing imaginary air drums. The music he shared with me that night went on to be the soundtrack of my youth, my life, my memories of friends and good times. The music I always turned to, longed for, and never got tired of hearing. I in turn shared the music with other firmed who’d never heard them. And so the song remained the same generation after generation. He was and still is my musical brother. Although he’s in his 50’s now and I’m in my 40’s, we have teens of our own now getting ready to venture off into the o world. I owe him a debt of gratitude forever though. He gave me my favorite band of all time. He gave me music that stirred my soul like no other. He gave me the soundtrack of my life. Music that has sustained me in times of trouble. Music that I shared with a good fiend and she loved it like I did. And we always blasted it in the car and knew and sang every word. If not for that night and his generosity, she would have never heard it from me and we both would have missed out on everything this music gave us. The three of us then passed that music on to our own kids. Who love it just as much as we did and do. And that is the story of how I discovered the greatest band of all time. 😌 Sarah still rolls her eyes when I mention Led Zeppelin. But I love her just the same and never expected her to “get” Zeppelin. After all, she was a a huge Warrant fan 🤢🤮😂
They were huge from the moment they arrived! They were played EVERYWHERE. There's a reason all Led Zep reactions get so manyviews..all of us who know how special they are CAN'T WAIT to see and hear the uninitiated discover the genius that is LZ
Was 14 when i saw them at MSG. And Yes we knew. You couldn't see them live and not know. Nobody was close. You didn't watch them or listen to them. You experienced them. They penetrated you, went home with you and stayed with you...And it is just as much fun listening to them today as it was 45+ years ago. Don't know if Stairway is my favorite rock song, but for the life of me i can't think of a rock song i like more.
There was a lot of "great music" back then. But, for me the 1st time I heard them I was 12yrs old. I personally knew they were something special, they had a gift. A lot bands didn't have. I remember sitting with my head phones listening to that live album, I must have worn it out. I was a fan an never turned back I realized there GREATEST! No one better for me!
My late brother Jimmy emulated Jimmy Page in the 70s. He played a mean guitar and he even had a double neck guitar like his.We saw Led Zeppelin three times in the 70s at San Diego sports Arena.My fondest memory of him is sitting in our seats until the first song started,Every time my brother would get up and say,See you later. And I would watch him go down and work his way through the crowd until he was upfront staring up at Jimmy Page for two hours😊And The first time I saw them tickets were $8.00 :) Love your show man😉
My first concert ever was when I was 17 and traveled to see them in Montreal at the forum in 1969,needless to say will never forget that day. Returned in 1970 same place for their return concert. Price of ticket was $8.50
Absolutely knew from the first listen they were best ever for me....this was when all I did was listen to all great bands in 70s when I was teenager.... Zepp and Pink Floyd spoiled me for now 50 yrs......still timeless music and probably will be in the far distant future....
Their “specialness” didn’t occur to me until I was grown and understood what objectivity meant. As a kid, I loved them, but thought my feelings were rooted in adolescence. As an adult, I now get that Zeppelin were gifted.
1973 I was 10 at the time. From then on. The words and music were, are, magical. Its like they were able to transcend time and consciousness, encapsulating it all into their music
I was a little too young to see Led Zep live, I was 14 in 1980 but when I was 15 I discovered them for me by "Stairway to Heaven" which was very often played in German Radio in a weekly broadcast. Because of that song I immediately bought the double live album "The Song remains the Same", and only two months later I bought every album. In my humble opinion the first four albums are the best, and of course "Physical Grafiti". What I always admired about them was that they were playing in the same lineup all that years and that they did not replace the great John Bonham, when he died. I was also astounded that they reformed the music business by their great manager Peter Grant. Truly a remarkable band.
Soul Train Bro. When Zeppelin 1 came out, I was 16. I remember being blown away by Dazed & Confused. The vocals, guitar and drums. I mean listen to Bonham do the rolls. None are exactly alike. But the bluesy Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You ("I ain't joking women I've got to ramble") and I Can't Quit You. Please. I knew they were SPECIAL right off. But when Zep4 came out with Stairway to Heaven, it was almost a spiritual re-awakening. I judge a song on 3 things, the musical composition, the lyrics and the spirit. It hit at 100% in all 3 categories. If you haven't already, listen to the studio version and read along. Best rock song ever written. Seen them live 3 times, back when I was still in my right mind.
I LOVED them before but BURNED into my memory is a time when i was !8 maybe early 19. I went to the lake alone to cruise and get in the 420 mood. Had a new Cassette Led Zeppelin Houses of the Holy. Put it in and drove around the beach area. Fond a good parking spot and just got TOTALLY into the tunes. I can still see it in my head 44 years later. I play and can play EVERY song on their 4th album, only 4 on this one, The Rain song i learned most of but work got in the way (Hell of a song look up the chords) but i forever had them as my #1 band after that afternoon. Tunes were so good i totally forgot about the babes i went to scout out :-)
The First Album blew everyone away from day 1 of it's release. I was 14 yrs old when it came out, and knew they we're SPECIAL and still are today. Thanks Man, love your videos, welcome back. Tim
My brother had a lot of different albums around 1979 or 1980, when I was 12.Ramones, talking heads, b-52s, but then he had this other band that sounded totally different. It's new album was called "in through the outdoor" and I listen to through it and was stunned at the diversity of it even though I didn't like all of it. There are so many different styles of music that it was almost astonishing to hear. I really liked "in the evening." Unfortunately Bonham died around this time so the amount of Zeppelin music on the radio exploded. As I started recognizing the voice in the music across the different genres, and recognizing how powerful the music was, I became hooked. Never looked back. I like the Beatles, I like the stones, I like the who, I Love Led Zeppelin. For a while in late 80s and early 90s U2 was at their apogee and had some greatness, but they never had the musicianship. Only one of the grunge bands had the amazing talent, Stone Temple pilots, but they were shredded by drugs before they could even get there. Motley Crue was the only hair band that I thought could play live and be great. No one else has ever bumped up. What do I listen to in my car now? I just had the live Achilles from Knebworth. What's better?
The first song theirs that I heard, around 1969 at 15 years old, was Good Times Bad Time. The drummer did a roll on the bass drum with one foot! Page did the pentatonic run down the neck and I was blown away. However, it wasn’t until I started revisiting their music recently that I realized they were truly special.
Yes, I knew they were special. First time I ever heard them. Love loads of different people and different genres. Love Neil Young too and Leonard Cohen. Whatever changes or feeds your emotions at the time...
When I heard "Over the Hills and Far Away" on the radio, which was the first Zeppelin song I'd heard knowing it was Zeppelin, the lightbulb went off. And down the rabbit hole I went.
I first heard Led Zeppelin via Led Zeppelin II and I thought it was amazing. I remember playing it over and over very loudly. The thing is that there were so many good bands at the time that I don't remember thinking they were exceptional at the time, but I remember thinking they did sound very different. They had a very heavy rock sound, much heavier than I'd heard before, but it really grabbed you. There wasn't a bad song on the album either. In fact I don't think there are any bad songs on their albums.
1976, 12 years old and my older brother had the 4th album. Snuck it from his bedroom and listened to it in my bedroom. That was the start for me, and wasn’t even smoking weed yet. My favorite Zep tune is Ten Years Gone! Resonates with my life…
MY brother introduced me to zeppelin when i was eleven in 74. then he brought me to see them live at the montreal forum in 1975 , imagine it only costed $8.75 for a ticket
It wasn’t so much as a reckoning, it was just a time period where we did not have the future to compare our music which was abundantly available to us all during that time period against music in the future. I do remember being surprised that instead of rock continuing to produce giants, the 80’s changed all that. I did not like 80’s music in the 80’s except for some choice bands like the police. However, at the time in the 70’s, with all those superstar bands, there were three basic categories of great bands. There was Led Zeppelin all alone at the top. There was Pink Floyd who could not be touched with their music all by themselves. Finally there was everyone else. When Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd released a new album, it was an event. We lost our minds to get to the record stores. I remember the MEGA HUGE HYPE for the new upcoming Fleetwood Mac album TUSK and then the major letdown listening to it. Zep and Floyd walked the walk. Stairway to Heaven is unique. I could never rank it or ever say it’s my favorite. It’s like a patron Saint. It’s holy.
I saw led Zeppelin Live in Seattle in 75 I loved their music and when I saw them live in the Seattle center coliseum they literally blew my mind Physical graffiti just came out also they played for almost 3 1/2 hours which is unheard of now. But anyway I could not believe that guy could sing like that for so long it was just an incredible experience. I will tell they let you know who was the best and then I saw them in the Kingdome in Seattle in 77. It was so wonderful growing up at that time To this day there is no one that can match Led Zeppelin. I love your reactions you need to do Achilles last stand live at knebworth. Pure genius
I've listened to all of their music growing up and I loved them from day one! I must admit there was really good music back then but they stood out. I can honestly say they didn't have one song I didn't like. Everyone I knew listened to them, including my parents, siblings and friends. They were loved by all!
I was in high school in the 70's when these guys came out. I was learning and playing guitar. A lot of Cat Stevens and similar stuff which is easy to learn with. When I heard Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page - besides being floored - I realized what awesome sounds a human being can make with a guitar. Jimmy Page would win the Guitar Player top guitarist for a bunch of yrs straight, tickets for 40K seat venues sold out in 15 minutes and you could never get tickets. - And to Me, Jimmy just always seemed to play the perfect solo or part. Some of his songs and solos on Led Zep III and Physical Graffiti are my favorites. He was like a reference for what a guitarist SHOULD play. He could hear it (make it up) AND play it - So I knew they were pretty badass. I did manage to see them live twice. Once at Madison Sq Garden in 77 where there was an ad in the Sunday NY Times and a mail in coupon - probly cuz they didnt want a riot at the ticket ofc. - and I sent in for the max 8 at $10 or 12 dollars each - which was high cuz other concerts I went to at MSG like Bowie and Dylan were only $7.50. I went w a group of high school friends and they were nose bleed seats - but we were there - no big screen TVs or anything at the time, so we basically heard a live album. Heres a better view of it than I ever saw.. th-cam.com/video/uV3jVUYFqEg/w-d-xo.html The other time is when I was living in Berlin in 1980 and they came to town. I was extremely stoked of course and got tickets with a friend - easy in Berlin. It was a more laid back, still rockin but shorter show - and they were dressed in normal get ups - normal shirts and pants from what I remember and little did I know at the time - it was the Very Last Time the band played a concert. The final show of their 1980 European Tour... I dont have the stub but I found a copy online... The last time Bonzo banged a stick on a drum before he put them down - live - forever - I heard it. I dont remember it, but I heard it...
I was 14 and i was in boarding school, and I had heard led zeppelin before, stairway to heaven and a few others. but i remember where i was even, i was in the class room, preparing for prep and listening to the radio, and on came black dog. and it was like those hollywood movies, you know, where the main character stands still but all the background moves up behind him? yeah, it was like that. All I wanted was to play it and play it and play it ever after. I to, am also 60 now and since those days my teastes have mellowed and I have discovered a lot more about led zeppelin since those days. I think my favourites today would be the songs that are more like when the levee breaks. love you stb.
Just to add an answer to your 14:00+ querry. I grew up on rock and funk/soul but yes, there were some that stood out for me like the Beatles, Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. I saw Led Zeppelin in 1977 and my mouth was agape the full concert. I knew when Physical Graffitti came out that this band was "special". Like the Beatles, only with a harder sound, they experimented and offered a taste of whatever you may be looking for in music.
Beatles, Stones, Who, Led Zep. Zep was admittedly the junior member of that Quadrinity - but transcended the rest of them. PS Yeah, some fans can be touchy. "HOW IN GOD'S NAME COULD YOU NOT KNOW THE PROPER TRACK ORDER OF ZEP IV?" etc LOL
Now I kind of get this feeling that the one downvote/dislike on this was simply looking for a reaction by doing so ..because I just cannot believe anyone could actually dislike such an epic piece of work. Loved your reaction sir! Rock on :)
I knew they were going to be my favorite band forever, i came in late in order of albums and Houses of the Holy was my first album at the age of 7, then i knew i had to go back to beginning to get a time line and it was then it all started to make sense to me, I also knew that it would be them that would be my main influence in becoming a musician myself, I love music from many genres and from all around the world and incorporate all that influence into my songwriting, nobody has ever heard it other than my own family because that is why i wrote it, to leave my story behind for them, and honestly i dont think anyone could tell those stories more perfect than Zeppelin could, all in all i can't even imagine a world without this song it is a staple song in bridging that gap between all laguages worldwide and these four men from another dimension of sort are real soul grabbers with this one especially this version, thx for sharing
I first was made aware of Led Zeppelin in the very early seventies by a college lecturer while on day release from the UK telecommunications company then known as G.P.O (General Post Office). It must have been the album cover from "Led Zeppelin", because I do remember the burning Zeppelin, who could ever forget that Icon. After that apart from hearing songs on radio stations I did not own any LP or CD until the last few years, starting with IV for obvious reasons. Was going to get "Physical Graffiti" before lockdown in the UK, but I guess after so long without I can wait a little longer. My favourite rock song has always been Let's Work Together by Canned Heat, featuring Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson. As I suspect you know it was first made famous as "Let's Stick Together" it is a blues-based rhythm and blues song written by Wilbert Harrison, released in 1962 by Fury Records. He further developed the song and in 1969, Sue Records issued it as a two-part single called "Let's Work Together". Although Harrison's original song did not appear in the record charts, his reworked version entered the U.S. Top 40. Several artists subsequently recorded the songs; "Let's Work Together" by Canned Heat (1970) and "Let's Stick Together" by Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music (1976) and were both chart successes. Your reactions and subsequent analysis are the most detailed and insightful on TH-cam by far. I especially liked your reference to the crowd, but it also pertains to the other band members especially Robert. Genuine class from all the four genius's
It was the movie. This song was on such heavy rotation for like five years, it drove me crazy. I still have it memorized. Watching a newbee revitalizes it.
They were so good that in wash dc at the time they came out it felt like we needed them and young people at the time attached to the group like they were ours. We needed them and im sure much of the rest of the country embraced their tour de force in a simialer way.
I love your reactions to Led Zeppelin I can tell you I new they were Special after I went to see them when I was 16 almost 17 in March of 1975 in the Seattle center coliseum which was my first concert and back then they played for over 3 hours which is unheard of today. Days and Confused lasted 40 minutes the power they displayed during this concert dumbfounded me I could not believe it especially Plant being able to sing with such power, emotions and range for actually with encores over 3 hours. I new at 16 that there was NOBODY like these four guys and I actually am not surprised that people still almost 50 years later find them so incredible. What is so amazing is that I don't believe that anyone in those 50 years has matched them. Like you buddy those 4 guys were touched.
You hit the nail on the head when you speculated that some of us might have taken this band for granted. The "English Invasion" had taken place. "Rubber Soul", Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the "White Album" had been released. The Stones were hot. "The summer of love" and Woodstock and all of the incredible artists associated with it were in the rear view mirror, and the draft and Vietnam were in our faces. So I can't really pinpoint when it started dawning on me that they were more than just another good band. I do know that my respect for them has continued to grow for decades. I appreciate the time and effort and personal viewpoints that you bring to reacting to them.
“The meaning of "Stairway to Heaven" When I run or hike my mind often plays songs repetitively. If I don't like the song or don't know enough of the lyrics to make it a pleasant experience the resulting monotony can get quite burdensome. But if I'm lucky, a beautiful ballad that I know and love will play and I can enjoy the experience. "Stairway to Heaven" is one such song. Written in 1971 by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, performed by the incomparable Led Zeppelin, it played endlessly on the radio when I was in high school. And every time it came on, I turned up the volume and let the spell of that song carry me away. At over 8 minutes long, with lyrics scattered sparsely throughout, it's arguable that the lyrics aren't central to the song. It's one of the greatest rock anthems of all time - who even listens to the lyrics? I certainly didn't. Not until it started playing endlessly in my head. When you are forced to listen to a song 15 times in a row, you get past the awesome guitar solos and the ethereal mood of the song and you start to wonder, "What the F--- is this song really about?" At least I do. When I first heard the song it seemed to be about some rich lady who bought her way into heaven. The line "your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know" seemed appropriate to the endless loop I was experiencing. But it took a long time for the story to come together in my mind. As I got into it, there seemed to be a lot of non-sequiturs. Consider the line "in a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven." Where did THAT come from? We were just talking about the Stairway lady. It made me wonder. In time I realized the song is not a linear story. It's a series of images altered by the later context. It's kind of like a movie that starts in the middle of the story and only later supplies the context to understand what you've seen. "There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold, and she's buying a stairway to heaven." The lady and her stairway represent materialism. There's also a hint that she may be misguided because all that glitters is NOT gold. "When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed, with a word she can get what she came for." Money, privilege and power. Pretty simple so far. "There's a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure, 'cause you know sometimes words have two meanings." She doesn't trust anyone. Money has cut her off from people. Then comes the apparent non-sequitur. "In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven." So far the song has been about a lady and a stairway, or if we're already on the metaphorical bandwagon, it's about materialism and the way that cuts us off from other people. We can't understand this line except in the context of the rest of the song, but we'll soon see that a change from an old way of thinking to a new one is the real theme of this song. So eventually we'll understand that this line starts the real theme of the song and everything that came before it is a metaphor for the old way of thinking. The refrain is "Oooo, it makes me wonder." Wonder what? The singer is rethinking something. But what? The story takes a personal turn with the line, "There's a feeling I get when I look to the west and my spirit is crying for leaving." This is a lovely poetic line that boils down to "Facing death makes me think about what's important in life." Because the sun sets there, west has been a metaphor for death since at least ancient Egyptian times. "In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees and the voices of those who stand looking." Rings of smoke denote campfires, indicating that people live there, despite being hidden. Those who stand looking are people who witness evil, but say nothing. The people in his thoughts are coming out of hiding to stand up for what's right. "And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune, then the piper will lead us to reason." The vision continues.The tune and the piper are musical metaphors connoting the spread of the goodness and truth seen in the vision. "And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forest will echo with laughter." As the vision gathers momentum, the people are no longer hiding in the trees. But we're still not sure what this great vision really is. Does it have anything to do with the lady or the materialism she represents? In the next few lines, we the listener are brought into the song somewhat ambiguously. "Your" and "you" could refer to the lady, but as we'll see later, they don't. "If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now. It's just a spring clean for the May queen." Very poetic again, and very British. Some translation is needed. In rural England the hedgerow is the line of shrubs denoting the property line between your estate and the next, so a "bustle in your hedgerow" means something is changing in your life or your mind. The May queen was chosen by a village to represent youth, beauty, newness, and hope for a better future. So this line boils down to "if your old ideas start crumbling, don't be alarmed, you have new and better ideas forming in their place." It's also possible that the May queen is another reference to the lady, though significantly changed in her ways. "Yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on." This is a major clue to the still nebulous vision. It's a vision about a change for the better, one that we the listener can make. "Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know. The piper's calling you to join him." Since the bustle, hedgerow and May queen were so mysterious, this stanza restates and clarifies the previous one. The piper, as mentioned earlier, represents the vision, now evidently an idea because it is humming in our head. It's also a popular idea because here the piper is portrayed like the Pied Piper whose pipe magically lured rats and children to follow him. "Dear lady can you hear the wind blow, and did you know, your stairway lies on the whispering wind." There's a lot going on here. Blowing wind is a metaphor for popular opinion, just as it was in many other songs from this era. Now we see the flaw in materialism, represented by the lady. Her money is only good if people accept it. And her reliance on it has cut her off from those people to the point where she may not be able to hear them at all. "Dear lady" is a clue that the lady also represents the materialist part of ourselves, one of the "two paths you can go by." "And as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our souls." I really love this image. This song could have been about other people's flaws, but it's not. As time goes by, we inevitably grow more materialistic. One day we realize that we haven't lived up to the idealism of youth. Our material selves are now more important to us than our spiritual selves. But why shadows? A close inspection of the entire song shows a consistent differentiation between things seen and things heard. Things seen are false and misleading. Things heard are real and from the heart. This might seem strange, but remember, we're listening to a song. The truth is coming to us aurally, not visually. "There walks a lady we all know, who shines white light and wants to show, how everything still turns to gold." The shadows of the previous line come from the shining white light of a materialistic point of view. If we cast a shadow, it's because our materialism is showing. "And if you listen very hard, the tune will come to you at last." The tune returns. Like last time, the tune is the new way of thinking, the second path, the non-materialist way of living that is more genuine, and keeps us connected to other people. "When all are one and one is all. To be a rock and not to roll." It's too bad this line is so hard to understand in the recording because it really ties everything together. If the new way of thinking is good for one person, it's even better for a group. If enough like-minded folks get together and form a community then we'll live in a real, solid and reliable paradise. "And she's buying a stairway to heaven." If not, the materialists will take advantage of the rest of us. So that's how I interpret the song. It has added immensely to my enjoyment of Stairway to Heaven. I hope it does the same for you. Brian Robinson” This is the best interpretation of “Stairway to Heaven” lyrics I encountered so far. If you/anyone knows a better one, please share. “... It's one of those songs where… if you have a moment, with either someone else or just a moment where you're watching the sun rising or something… It's one of those moments that, this piece of music, if it connects, it's going to connect fully, into every vein you've got going, and makes something inside you… Your little atoms are stirred by it. Your being… it's one of those songs that actually connects with your being.” Krusher More than a Rock band, Led Zeppelin is an experience. An emotional rollercoaster able to show you places and feelings deep within yourself, that you, yourself, never knew existed. At least that's how I felt back in my teenage heroin addict self tripping with their music, in places and realms I didn't want to come back from. Today I find myself binging on people's reactions to their music trying to somehow get a glimpse of that. If that makes sense… As much as I like and respect other bands, that is the reason why, I personally think, Led Zeppelin is the greatest Rock band of all time. Oh, and as to where it ranks as my favorite song to date, well, let me put it this way: If this isn't played at my funeral, I'm going to raise up and cause a scene.
This has also been my interpretation of the song too. At the end the message is that there is a better way to live without materialism, greed and selfishness. That if we listen and take the right path and all stand together as one we will be able to live in a better world.
From day one and ever since .It was around a friends house that is the way we found new music back then (no streaming )like with you now sharing with friends was the way we discovered the best.
For me, I was in the early years of high school and had a good pal named Paul , who always seemed to discover the latest trending phenomenon in music at that time! But as much as he touted the very first album, it took me until the Led Zeppelin 2 album, before I really appreciated how great their blues themed music was! So, I still love all of their albums ,but have to love the second album best. Stairway to Heaven is the exceptional song that surpassed all songs for me!
Led Zeppelin 1 is still one of my favorite record ever, especially: Dazed and Confused . I was very young, but love all music till this day, but Led Zeppelin stays one of my ever favorites
Led Zeppelin 1 record has been my favorite no1 record forever especially: Dazed and Confused. You are right, on every corner there was a great band a great artist. The list is endless.
When did it dawn that they were special....from the first listen...this music hit so many as it was released...and we couldn't wait for the next album....a popular t shirt..read And the eighth day...He created Led Zeppelin
As much as it was derided as 'the most expensive home movie ever made', the totality of the musicianship, the many, many unforgettable solos, and the sheer length and breadth of the selections make this 'concert' a must listen to complete one's rock and roll journey. Thank god this exists.
When I first heard them it was whole lot of love I'm 58 and still listen to them everyday I was about 14 then the song remains the same movie came out man amazing must of seen it 50 time at least.
Through my teens all i did was sit play the album over and over again. I would wear my records out then renew. The whole family was hooked in such good times and feelings. Its just amazing you people finding this music this blows my mind watching reactions when you see how real this.
I saw this movie in 76’ when it hit the theaters. There was a lot of buzz about it. I was a fan but didn’t think about how special they were. But they were the most popular at the time.
Love your reaction and comments. I was in my late teens early twenty's when they became popular. I lived in a party house with two other guys and we had a house full of people and put Zep on and people just stopped what they were doing and were absolutely blown away. Yes we knew we were experiencing something so incredibly special that nothing could ever compare. They were so far ahead of their time. True Rock Gods.
SKILL! must be particularly hard not to laugh during the "forests will echo with laughter...does anyone remember laughter?" moment. But this guy does a great job!
Excellent reaction & questions. Yes, I think we were complacent & thought that this originality & genius was part of the scenery. I was 12 years old in 1973 when this concert was performed at MSG. Knowing what I know now, I would have sold everything my parents owned (I might have been in bother, but heh!😂) to get on a plane & be at that concert. There were some great trailblazers in the 60s & 70s, bit imo there were but 2 rock bands above ALL others - LZ & Pink Floyd.
Always knew...just grew up with it... people worked hard on their craft... students of music blues jazz read write music like we read write words. Gifted yes but well studied and not limited to who they listened and learned from
I was around 13 when I started listening to Zepp and eventually went to Knebworth '79 when I was 18 They were by far my favourite band, but I think the sheer genius and special status really only became clear as you realised that no one else in the blues/rock genre ever came along. Only Floyd reaching a similar status for me in Prog. Other bands like Sabbath, Rush, and even Thin Lizzy all had their place, but Led Zepp were special.
Here are my top five greatest rock anthems: 1 Stairway to Heaven 2 Bohemian Rhapsody 3 Light My Fire 4 Hey Jude 5 Heartbreak Hotel...... Your reactions are the best on TH-cam by far. THANK YOU SOUL TRAIN BRO.
I was real young when they came out if was even born lol but now that you mention it I had no idea how good these guys were going to be Iam a drummer and I feel the way you do bro I get chills to
mate we started listening to these guys 40 years ago...they still grow on me...best band of all time....the reference of fusion rock and the base of metal with roots in blues and jazz....no quarter was the song for me that put them in a strarosferic thinking in the 90s...early 90s....and before was dazed and confused...i would just hear it 10 times a day some times...especially after some emotional times members of the opposite sex
I bought my first album when I was 13, knew they were great. but time and the ability for the music to touch people beyond just one moment is what makes a band legendary. Glad you enjoyed this.
Dude, you were spot on when you said Zeppelin was touched with something SPECIAL. 4 VIRTUOSOS AT THEIR CRAFT.LED ZEPPELIN RULES!!!
1974 in 7th grade i fell in love with LZ. At 62 yrs old in 2023, still a huge fan!
In the early 70s a friend gave the 45 of Black Dog... that was it, the bar was set. Back then in my circle of young and middle aged teens we all knew Zeppelin was king. It wasn’t just music, it was something else. Like a door opening up to another place. If rock was a pyramid, Led Zeppelin owns the top... period.
There were so many excellent bands then, it took a long time to figure out which were the GOAT rock bands.
That said, they were a top 5 favorite from the moment I heard them.
I'm late to this party but just want to say that I'm really enjoying your reactions. I've been listening to Led Zep for 50+ years and, yeah, we immediately knew these guys were something very special. Individually, they were exceptional, together they were a frigging force. They didn't use auto tune when recording back then, which is why they sound just as good live as they do on their recordings. Can't fake that. As you said, many great bands out there but imo none of them have yet to touch the genius of Led Zeppelin. Glad you're exploring and enjoying. Rock on!
I came out of the 60's and 70's and i have always loved Led Zeppelin but now that i am much older i am about 5 years younger then them but as i got older and helth issues i came back to them listening to them all the time and realy appreciating their music and lyrics made me feel happy and alive like when i was young i feel it kind of brought me back to life again and even made my stronger in fighting my disease and moving forward it makes you feel alive
Nobody better live!! I knew they were the greatest and special when I was 12 years old...when I heard the first album. I'm 60 years old. But yeah...there were so many great bands and I loved most of them...but I knew Zeppelin was something different right away.
I think its the opposite, almost no band touched them in the studio but live there were better bands, case in point when Grand Funk Railroad opened for them and Peter Grant had to pull em of the tour for outplaying Zeppelin
Mr Abdullah Hassan Peter Grant never pulled a band for our plans up I don't know where you got your info but that's totally wrong it was the other way around there was only one band that open for and even Carmen a piece that they bloom off the stage so it was only them on stage by themselves doing three to four hours by what other band did that name one
I saw them on 15 January 1973, aged 17, in Stoke in the UK and again in December 2007 in London. In the 1970s they were there along with The Who, The Rolling Stones, Deep Purple, Clapton, Black Sabbath, Bowie, Queen and many others. I think you made the right suggestion; that we were spoiled for choice. That is such a great version of STH and they were always such a great band to see and to listen to their music.
For me the 1st time I heard them 11 years my brothers am fm clock radio 1973 WHOLE LOTTA LOVE I had never heard anything like it I was blown away thats when I started my journey They became my favorite group my 1st album Was led zeppelin 1 then zep 2 went to get tickets for the 75 seattle show but was sold out but made it to the 77 king dome show yes amazing I realized then they where special then. thanks !
I KNEW this band was special in the late 70’s. The first time I heard them was during my 8th grade. Me and my buddy were just smoked to Thai stick...dropped the album THE SONG REMAINS THE SAME on the turntable and then dropped a needle on the vinyl. We smoked a few bong hits...and when I heard this song (STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN), NO QUARTER, ETC...BUT DAZED AND CONFUSED CAUSED ME START PLAYING GUITAR...LOVE YOUR REACTIONS! GOD BLESS MIGHTILY.
The 1st moment I heard them it was special!! 9n yrs old in 69
Yes we all knew!!!! It donned on me the very first song I heard of them!! Even to this day I think I love them even more.
My best friend turned me on to you a couple years ago and we both have enjoyed your sensitive and insightful reviews of some of our favorite music. Your question is a fabulous one.....wanting to know when the folk who were around back in 1969 and that era, knew that the Mighty Led Zeppelin were special. For me, I can recall like it was yesterday placing that first album on my crappy little turntable and stereo in a suburb of Baltimore in March of 1969. I was there when The Beatles invaded, was a Cream and Hendrix fan, and dug the heck out of James Brown and Motown, so yes there was a boatload of great music around. But that first track on that first Zep album, Good Times Bad Times....when I dropped the needle down and heard just the first several seconds, the very first thing that hit me, was the ambience of the recording...it sounded so big, like it was recorded in a big hall with lots of natural reverb. Apparently Jimmy Page was very savvy on recording techniques and getting a big studio sound, so he placed microphones at various distances from the instruments during the recording at Olympia Studios in London. Page is a studio genius. At the same time that hit me, I was hit with the onslaught of the crunch of Page's guitar on this first song, the heavy but tight power drumming of John Bonham especially his right foot in that song, that triplet pattern between the hi hat and his bass drum which blew every rock drummer on the planet socks right off. Then there was Robert Plant's stratospheric vocals, and John Paul Jones' steady thumping bass line. The song was crunchy, tight, cool, had that dramatic stop and pause that set up Page's searing lead solo. The whole thing left me breathless. I played it three times before even moving on to track 2. Then the rest of the album was just incredible. The heavy, plodding blues, contrasted by the haunting Babe I'm Gonna Leave You and Page's gorgeous acoustic guitar work. Dazed and Confused, literally scared me with the descending sinister riff, Plant's tormented vocal, Bonhams massive drum thunder, and especially Page's demonic violin bowing of the guitar. The whole track sounded like a tormented man standing at the gates of hell. The second half of the song is a powerhouse of incendiary fury climaxed and segued back to earth by Bonham's famous hand to foot triplets around the kit. The album was dripping with innovative sonic depth, stellar musicianship, great songs loaded with dynamics, light and shade as Page called it, a stratospheric intense singer, a visionary guitarist who was also a studio genius, a drummer who was on fire, and a rock steady bassist/keyboardist, and showed a diverse range of style and influence, as well as incredibly heavy interpretation of traditional guitar blues. Needless to say, I was blown away by it. ..became a lifelong fan and like you Soul Train Bro, I get Goose bumps when I listen. In recent years, happily, I am listening on a better stereo than the one I had way back in 1969! Even still, with that mediocre sound system, all that sonic depth and groundbreaking music and talent instantly made me know that these boys, as you so aptly stated, " are touched with something". I hope you enjoyed reading this. We enjoy you and I am so glad my friend got me into checking you out. Keep up the great work!
Enjoyed your comments very much. Thanks Tommy.
We all realize, then and now, just how special this band is. The reaction back then is the same as it is now, and nothing has changed to diminish them.
50 years has passed. But their music, their presence, and persona feels just as vital to this day. This band will remain for a hundred years. Timeless and eternal.
We knew how special they were from the beginning. There were so many bands at the time so there was loads of competition. But they had a very unique sound from other bands of the time and they were trying such different types of music with each song. I saw them just once in 1977 in New York City - mesmerizing and jaw dropping at the same time! I literally fell in love with Jimmy Page...that guitar was a part of his soul and he could make it sing like no one I had ever heard...goosebumps!
I never expected "old folks" to enjoy Led Zeppelin.
Then I got old and found out how wrong I was.
I think, at the time, I felt "Stairway to Heaven" was a landmark in the rock world and was exceptionally unique.
Robert is spectacular here, but when I watch Jimmy play that solo on my 55 inch TV, it's unbelievable. Emotional. It's like I just witnessed a historical event...
two beer Have to be honest, Plant’s monotonic delivery of the final stanza is a bit disappointing to me.
@@sr3974 Yeah just a touch, but the rest is so good...
My favorite of all time
Greatest riff ever
It’s called natural born God-given talent, hard work, practice and dedication
You are right, if you leave any of those choices out the whole thing comes down and will not work.
I was 14 when I was blown away with zeppelin 1. I liked Jimmy Page from his yardbirds days, when I heard whole lotta love I didn't think that they could top it boy was I wrong, they just kept on improving and reinventing themselves with such a variety of music that changed with every album. And they could play them all live. I think only the Beatles had similar variety, but they made great studio recordings but they could not be played in a live concert, that's why they stopped touring. Stairway to heaven to me is the greatest song ever written, it takes you on an emotional journey from the soft intro to the thunderous finale. As for band I don't think there's ever been another group with every member being so gifted musically as Led zeppelin. As for Jimmy page I think he's a musical genius, from the start he had a vision of what he wanted in the group and the stars aligned when he found the rest of the band
"Nobody better! The GODS OF ROCK!
They were such a truly superb band ! Their music is on a very specific wavelength that cannot be replicated . It isn’t just their expertise as high quality musicians … it’s something else that is difficult to put into words . Other bands play extremely well but they don’t have that unique magic.
There were bands in that era that treated audiences with disdain. Ticket prices were astronomical and concerts all over in little more than an hour. Bands tried to perform drunk or drugged. In Sydney one such band was playing one song while the rhythm guitarist played another. Led Zeppelin's only tour of Australia had no concert of less than two hours and it was three in Sydney. No drunken confusion, no lazy disinterest. They delivered the goods brilliantly, professionally, awesomely. All for a mere $3.20 Australian.
The first time I heard them it was summer, and I was 13. Staying the night at my friend Sarah’s house. We were hanging in her room, when suddenly I heard this music playing from an album in my friend’s 17 year old brother’s bedroom. I shot straight up on my feet from the bed, bolt upright, and said “WHO IS THAT? THAT MUSIC IS INCREDIBLE! WHO IS THAT?” My friend Sarah said “it’s just my stupid brother playing his Led Zeppelin AGAIN” and she rolled her eyes. I was like lead what?? 😂 I said “let’s go to his room!” and I bee-lined to his room down the hall, with her behind me; banged on his door, LOUDLY 🤣 and that night was my introduction to the greatest band of all time. He was eager to geek out with me on his favorite band, and could see from my reaction and expression that I was in. All in with Zeppelin. And we were musical kindred. That very night. That very moment. The very moment I heard “Living Loving Maid” blaring though my friend’s bedroom wall, it was if the heavens opened wide, and the angels were singing and it was music from the heavens themselves. And with a full on floodgate, so started my introduction to The Mighty Led Zeppelin. He went on full Zeppelin overdrive. Proclaimed that I was now listening to the greatest band that ever was. He started quickly going through stacks of tapes, albums were shuffled, drawers opened and closed. He Started playing Zeppelin’s fist album and said I had to listen to albums in their entity, and to start in sequential order, or it would mess up the flow and interpretation of the music. He started piling cassette duplicates into my eager hands, said I could keep them he had “the actual vinyl albums” 😂 He gave me cassettes of LZ 1, 2 and 3. So Literally the very moment I heard them, something in my very soul stirred. Truly. It was a musical awakening unlike any other musical moment for the rest of my life thus far. Sarah got bored and went downstairs to make popcorn. But I couldn’t tear myself away from the music. When she came back upstairs, being a good friend and all, I reluctantly cleaved myself away. However, I played the cassettes in her room and he stood outside the door, grooving. Looking very proud and joyous that he could now bestow this music on someone who felt it the second they heard it. He looked very happy and kind of weirdly parental. Or Like I was a puppy from the Zeppelin pound who was finally getting a forever music home😂but that was how Zeppelin entered my life. The next weekend I went over he rented the VHS of The Song Remains The Same. We were ate up. We watched it five times in a row 🤣 analyzing, pausing and rewinding, singing and playing imaginary air drums. The music he shared with me that night went on to be the soundtrack of my youth, my life, my memories of friends and good times. The music I always turned to, longed for, and never got tired of hearing. I in turn shared the music with other firmed who’d never heard them. And so the song remained the same generation after generation. He was and still is my musical brother. Although he’s in his 50’s now and I’m in my 40’s, we have teens of our own now getting ready to venture off into the o world. I owe him a debt of gratitude forever though. He gave me my favorite band of all
time. He gave me music that stirred my soul like no other. He gave me the soundtrack of my life. Music that has sustained me in times of trouble. Music that I shared with a good fiend and she loved it like I did. And we always blasted it in the car and knew and sang every word. If not for that night and his generosity, she would have never heard it from me and we both would have missed out on everything this music gave us. The three of us then passed that music on to our own kids. Who love it just as much as we did and do. And that is the story of how I discovered the greatest band of all time. 😌 Sarah still rolls her eyes when I mention Led Zeppelin. But I love her just the same and never expected her to “get” Zeppelin. After all, she was a a huge Warrant fan 🤢🤮😂
I love sharing my love of Zepp. Know what I mean?
They were huge from the moment they arrived! They were played EVERYWHERE. There's a reason all Led Zep reactions get so manyviews..all of us who know how special they are CAN'T WAIT to see and hear the uninitiated discover the genius that is LZ
Was 14 when i saw them at MSG. And Yes we knew. You couldn't see them live and not know. Nobody was close. You didn't watch them or listen to them. You experienced them. They penetrated you, went home with you and stayed with you...And it is just as much fun listening to them today as it was 45+ years ago. Don't know if Stairway is my favorite rock song, but for the life of me i can't think of a rock song i like more.
Led Zeppelin Rock legends
There was a lot of "great music" back then. But, for me the 1st time I heard them I was 12yrs old. I personally knew they were something special, they had a gift. A lot bands didn't have. I remember sitting with my head phones listening to that live album, I must have worn it out. I was a fan an never turned back I realized there GREATEST! No one better for me!
they ruled the world of rock!!!!!!!!!
The Most Iconic Rock Song Of All Time. . .And at one time, the most requested song on FM Radio.
My late brother Jimmy emulated Jimmy Page in the 70s. He played a mean guitar and he even had a double neck guitar like his.We saw Led Zeppelin three times in the 70s at San Diego sports Arena.My fondest memory of him is sitting in our seats until the first song started,Every time my brother would get up and say,See you later. And I would watch him go down and work his way through the crowd until he was upfront staring up at Jimmy Page for two hours😊And The first time I saw them tickets were $8.00 :) Love your show man😉
My first concert ever was when I was 17 and traveled to see them in Montreal at the forum in 1969,needless to say will never forget that day. Returned in 1970 same place for their return concert. Price of ticket was $8.50
My first concert was Zeppilin in 1969, I was 17. I saw them in Evansville, Indiana.
the first time i heard them i knew they were special,and all there albums were a journey of musical enlightenment
Absolutely knew from the first listen they were best ever for me....this was when all I did was listen to all great bands in 70s when I was teenager....
Zepp and Pink Floyd spoiled me for now 50 yrs......still timeless music and probably will be in the far distant future....
Their “specialness” didn’t occur to me until I was grown and understood what objectivity meant. As a kid, I loved them, but thought my feelings were rooted in adolescence. As an adult, I now get that Zeppelin were gifted.
1973 I was 10 at the time. From then on. The words and music were, are, magical. Its like they were able to transcend time and consciousness, encapsulating it all into their music
I was a little too young to see Led Zep live, I was 14 in 1980 but when I was 15 I discovered them for me by "Stairway to Heaven" which was very often played in German Radio in a weekly broadcast. Because of that song I immediately bought the double live album "The Song remains the Same", and only two months later I bought every album. In my humble opinion the first four albums are the best, and of course "Physical Grafiti". What I always admired about them was that they were playing in the same lineup all that years and that they did not replace the great John Bonham, when he died. I was also astounded that they reformed the music business by their great manager Peter Grant. Truly a remarkable band.
Soul Train Bro. When Zeppelin 1 came out, I was 16. I remember being blown away by Dazed & Confused. The vocals, guitar and drums. I mean listen to Bonham do the rolls. None are exactly alike. But the bluesy Babe, I'm Gonna Leave You ("I ain't joking women I've got to ramble") and I Can't Quit You. Please. I knew they were SPECIAL right off. But when Zep4 came out with Stairway to Heaven, it was almost a spiritual re-awakening. I judge a song on 3 things, the musical composition, the lyrics and the spirit. It hit at 100% in all 3 categories. If you haven't already, listen to the studio version and read along. Best rock song ever written. Seen them live 3 times, back when I was still in my right mind.
Over 20 million people tried to buy tickets to see Led Zeppelin with Jason Bonham on drums in 2007
Let that sink in
I LOVED them before but BURNED into my memory is a time when i was !8 maybe early 19. I went to the lake alone to cruise and get in the 420 mood. Had a new Cassette Led Zeppelin Houses of the Holy. Put it in and drove around the beach area. Fond a good parking spot and just got TOTALLY into the tunes. I can still see it in my head 44 years later. I play and can play EVERY song on their 4th album, only 4 on this one, The Rain song i learned most of but work got in the way (Hell of a song look up the chords) but i forever had them as my #1 band after that afternoon.
Tunes were so good i totally forgot about the babes i went to scout out :-)
The First Album blew everyone away from day 1 of it's release. I was 14 yrs old when it came out, and knew they we're SPECIAL and still are today. Thanks Man, love your videos, welcome back. Tim
My brother had a lot of different albums around 1979 or 1980, when I was 12.Ramones, talking heads, b-52s, but then he had this other band that sounded totally different. It's new album was called "in through the outdoor" and I listen to through it and was stunned at the diversity of it even though I didn't like all of it. There are so many different styles of music that it was almost astonishing to hear. I really liked "in the evening." Unfortunately Bonham died around this time so the amount of Zeppelin music on the radio exploded. As I started recognizing the voice in the music across the different genres, and recognizing how powerful the music was, I became hooked. Never looked back. I like the Beatles, I like the stones, I like the who, I Love Led Zeppelin. For a while in late 80s and early 90s U2 was at their apogee and had some greatness, but they never had the musicianship. Only one of the grunge bands had the amazing talent, Stone Temple pilots, but they were shredded by drugs before they could even get there. Motley Crue was the only hair band that I thought could play live and be great. No one else has ever bumped up. What do I listen to in my car now? I just had the live Achilles from Knebworth. What's better?
The first song theirs that I heard, around 1969 at 15 years old, was Good Times Bad Time. The drummer did a roll on the bass drum with one foot! Page did the pentatonic run down the neck and I was blown away. However, it wasn’t until I started revisiting their music recently that I realized they were truly special.
Yes, I knew they were special. First time I ever heard them. Love loads of different people and different genres. Love Neil Young too and Leonard Cohen. Whatever changes or feeds your emotions at the time...
When I heard "Over the Hills and Far Away" on the radio, which was the first Zeppelin song I'd heard knowing it was Zeppelin, the lightbulb went off. And down the rabbit hole I went.
I first heard Led Zeppelin via Led Zeppelin II and I thought it was amazing. I remember playing it over and over very loudly. The thing is that there were so many good bands at the time that I don't remember thinking they were exceptional at the time, but I remember thinking they did sound very different. They had a very heavy rock sound, much heavier than I'd heard before, but it really grabbed you. There wasn't a bad song on the album either. In fact I don't think there are any bad songs on their albums.
you blitzed my youtube feed this morning haha, welcome back! youre the best reactor on youtube and im not kidding
Hammer of the gods
1976, 12 years old and my older brother had the 4th album. Snuck it from his bedroom and listened to it in my bedroom. That was the start for me, and wasn’t even smoking weed yet.
My favorite Zep tune is Ten Years Gone! Resonates with my life…
MY brother introduced me to zeppelin when i was eleven in 74. then he brought me to see them live at the montreal forum in 1975 , imagine it only costed $8.75 for a ticket
It wasn’t so much as a reckoning, it was just a time period where we did not have the future to compare our music which was abundantly available to us all during that time period against music in the future. I do remember being surprised that instead of rock continuing to produce giants, the 80’s changed all that. I did not like 80’s music in the 80’s except for some choice bands like the police.
However, at the time in the 70’s, with all those superstar bands, there were three basic categories of great bands. There was Led Zeppelin all alone at the top. There was Pink Floyd who could not be touched with their music all by themselves. Finally there was everyone else.
When Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd released a new album, it was an event. We lost our minds to get to the record stores.
I remember the MEGA HUGE HYPE for the new upcoming Fleetwood Mac album TUSK and then the major letdown listening to it.
Zep and Floyd walked the walk.
Stairway to Heaven is unique. I could never rank it or ever say it’s my favorite. It’s like a patron Saint. It’s holy.
I saw led Zeppelin Live in Seattle in 75 I loved their music and when I saw them live in the Seattle center coliseum they literally blew my mind Physical graffiti just came out also they played for almost 3 1/2 hours which is unheard of now. But anyway I could not believe that guy could sing like that for so long it was just an incredible experience. I will tell they let you know who was the best and then I saw them in the Kingdome in Seattle in 77. It was so wonderful growing up at that time To this day there is no one that can match Led Zeppelin. I love your reactions you need to do Achilles last stand live at knebworth. Pure genius
I've listened to all of their music growing up and I loved them from day one! I must admit there was really good music back then but they stood out. I can honestly say they didn't have one song I didn't like. Everyone I knew listened to them, including my parents, siblings and friends. They were loved by all!
I love your reactions. So calm and you really understand music. Love your intellectual take on things! Thx &keep it coming!
I was in high school in the 70's when these guys came out. I was learning and playing guitar. A lot of Cat Stevens and similar stuff which is easy to learn with. When I heard Led Zeppelin and Jimmy Page - besides being floored - I realized what awesome sounds a human being can make with a guitar. Jimmy Page would win the Guitar Player top guitarist for a bunch of yrs straight, tickets for 40K seat venues sold out in 15 minutes and you could never get tickets. - And to Me, Jimmy just always seemed to play the perfect solo or part. Some of his songs and solos on Led Zep III and Physical Graffiti are my favorites. He was like a reference for what a guitarist SHOULD play. He could hear it (make it up) AND play it - So I knew they were pretty badass.
I did manage to see them live twice. Once at Madison Sq Garden in 77 where there was an ad in the Sunday NY Times and a mail in coupon - probly cuz they didnt want a riot at the ticket ofc. - and I sent in for the max 8 at $10 or 12 dollars each - which was high cuz other concerts I went to at MSG like Bowie and Dylan were only $7.50. I went w a group of high school friends and they were nose bleed seats - but we were there - no big screen TVs or anything at the time, so we basically heard a live album. Heres a better view of it than I ever saw..
th-cam.com/video/uV3jVUYFqEg/w-d-xo.html
The other time is when I was living in Berlin in 1980 and they came to town. I was extremely stoked of course and got tickets with a friend - easy in Berlin. It was a more laid back, still rockin but shorter show - and they were dressed in normal get ups - normal shirts and pants from what I remember and little did I know at the time - it was the Very Last Time the band played a concert. The final show of their 1980 European Tour... I dont have the stub but I found a copy online... The last time Bonzo banged a stick on a drum before he put them down - live - forever - I heard it. I dont remember it, but I heard it...
I was 14 and i was in boarding school, and I had heard led zeppelin before, stairway to heaven and a few others. but i remember where i was even, i was in the class room, preparing for prep and listening to the radio, and on came black dog. and it was like those hollywood movies, you know, where the main character stands still but all the background moves up behind him? yeah, it was like that. All I wanted was to play it and play it and play it ever after. I to, am also 60 now and since those days my teastes have mellowed and I have discovered a lot more about led zeppelin since those days. I think my favourites today would be the songs that are more like when the levee breaks. love you stb.
Just to add an answer to your 14:00+ querry. I grew up on rock and funk/soul but yes, there were some that stood out for me like the Beatles, Zeppelin, Sabbath, and Pink Floyd. I saw Led Zeppelin in 1977 and my mouth was agape the full concert. I knew when Physical Graffitti came out that this band was "special". Like the Beatles, only with a harder sound, they experimented and offered a taste of whatever you may be looking for in music.
Beatles, Stones, Who, Led Zep.
Zep was admittedly the junior member of that Quadrinity - but transcended the rest of them.
PS Yeah, some fans can be touchy. "HOW IN GOD'S NAME COULD YOU NOT KNOW THE PROPER TRACK ORDER OF ZEP IV?" etc LOL
Now I kind of get this feeling that the one downvote/dislike on this was simply looking for a reaction by doing so ..because I just cannot believe anyone could actually dislike such an epic piece of work.
Loved your reaction sir! Rock on :)
I knew they were going to be my favorite band forever, i came in late in order of albums and Houses of the Holy was my first album at the age of 7, then i knew i had to go back to beginning to get a time line and it was then it all started to make sense to me, I also knew that it would be them that would be my main influence in becoming a musician myself, I love music from many genres and from all around the world and incorporate all that influence into my songwriting, nobody has ever heard it other than my own family because that is why i wrote it, to leave my story behind for them, and honestly i dont think anyone could tell those stories more perfect than Zeppelin could, all in all i can't even imagine a world without this song it is a staple song in bridging that gap between all laguages worldwide and these four men from another dimension of sort are real soul grabbers with this one especially this version, thx for sharing
I first was made aware of Led Zeppelin in the very early seventies by a college lecturer while on day release from the UK telecommunications company then known as G.P.O (General Post Office). It must have been the album cover from "Led Zeppelin", because I do remember the burning Zeppelin, who could ever forget that Icon. After that apart from hearing songs on radio stations I did not own any LP or CD until the last few years, starting with IV for obvious reasons. Was going to get "Physical Graffiti" before lockdown in the UK, but I guess after so long without I can wait a little longer.
My favourite rock song has always been Let's Work Together by Canned Heat, featuring Alan "Blind Owl" Wilson. As I suspect you know it was first made famous as "Let's Stick Together" it is a blues-based rhythm and blues song written by Wilbert Harrison, released in 1962 by Fury Records. He further developed the song and in 1969, Sue Records issued it as a two-part single called "Let's Work Together". Although Harrison's original song did not appear in the record charts, his reworked version entered the U.S. Top 40.
Several artists subsequently recorded the songs; "Let's Work Together" by Canned Heat (1970) and "Let's Stick Together" by Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music (1976) and were both chart successes.
Your reactions and subsequent analysis are the most detailed and insightful on TH-cam by far.
I especially liked your reference to the crowd, but it also pertains to the other band members especially Robert. Genuine class from all the four genius's
It was the movie. This song was on such heavy rotation for like five years, it drove me crazy. I still have it memorized. Watching a newbee revitalizes it.
First album I knew !!! they were very special. I was 12 had 3 older bros and I heard The mighty Zep playing stayed with me all my life.
They were so good that in wash dc at the time they came out it felt like we needed them and young people at the time attached to the group like they were ours. We needed them and im sure much of the rest of the country embraced their tour de force in a simialer way.
Around mid-70's was the golden age of rock, heavy rock like Led Zeppelin to Prog rock like YES. These music are timeless.
Measured lovely thoughtful. Marvellous guy. Yapp!!!
I love your reactions to Led Zeppelin I can tell you I new they were Special after I went to see them when I was 16 almost 17 in March of 1975 in the Seattle center coliseum which was my first concert and back then they played for over 3 hours which is unheard of today. Days and Confused lasted 40 minutes the power they displayed during this concert dumbfounded me I could not believe it especially Plant being able to sing with such power, emotions and range for actually with encores over 3 hours. I new at 16 that there was NOBODY like these four guys and I actually am not surprised that people still almost 50 years later find them so incredible. What is so amazing is that I don't believe that anyone in those 50 years has matched them. Like you buddy those 4 guys were touched.
You hit the nail on the head when you speculated that some of us might have taken this band for granted. The "English Invasion" had taken place. "Rubber Soul", Sargent Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the "White Album" had been released. The Stones were hot. "The summer of love" and Woodstock and all of the incredible artists associated with it were in the rear view mirror, and the draft and Vietnam were in our faces. So I can't really pinpoint when it started dawning on me that they were more than just another good band. I do know that my respect for them has continued to grow for decades. I appreciate the time and effort and personal viewpoints that you bring to reacting to them.
Thank you Lee.
It dawned on us immediately! There was never a question!
“The meaning of "Stairway to Heaven"
When I run or hike my mind often plays songs repetitively. If I don't like the song or don't know enough of the lyrics to make it a pleasant experience the resulting monotony can get quite burdensome. But if I'm lucky, a beautiful ballad that I know and love will play and I can enjoy the experience. "Stairway to Heaven" is one such song. Written in 1971 by Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, performed by the incomparable Led Zeppelin, it played endlessly on the radio when I was in high school. And every time it came on, I turned up the volume and let the spell of that song carry me away. At over 8 minutes long, with lyrics scattered sparsely throughout, it's arguable that the lyrics aren't central to the song. It's one of the greatest rock anthems of all time - who even listens to the lyrics? I certainly didn't. Not until it started playing endlessly in my head. When you are forced to listen to a song 15 times in a row, you get past the awesome guitar solos and the ethereal mood of the song and you start to wonder, "What the F--- is this song really about?" At least I do.
When I first heard the song it seemed to be about some rich lady who bought her way into heaven. The line "your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know" seemed appropriate to the endless loop I was experiencing. But it took a long time for the story to come together in my mind.
As I got into it, there seemed to be a lot of non-sequiturs. Consider the line "in a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven." Where did THAT come from? We were just talking about the Stairway lady. It made me wonder.
In time I realized the song is not a linear story. It's a series of images altered by the later context. It's kind of like a movie that starts in the middle of the story and only later supplies the context to understand what you've seen.
"There's a lady who's sure all that glitters is gold, and she's buying a stairway to heaven." The lady and her stairway represent materialism. There's also a hint that she may be misguided because all that glitters is NOT gold. "When she gets there she knows, if the stores are all closed, with a word she can get what she came for." Money, privilege and power. Pretty simple so far. "There's a sign on the wall, but she wants to be sure, 'cause you know sometimes words have two meanings." She doesn't trust anyone. Money has cut her off from people.
Then comes the apparent non-sequitur. "In a tree by the brook, there's a songbird who sings, sometimes all of our thoughts are misgiven." So far the song has been about a lady and a stairway, or if we're already on the metaphorical bandwagon, it's about materialism and the way that cuts us off from other people. We can't understand this line except in the context of the rest of the song, but we'll soon see that a change from an old way of thinking to a new one is the real theme of this song. So eventually we'll understand that this line starts the real theme of the song and everything that came before it is a metaphor for the old way of thinking.
The refrain is "Oooo, it makes me wonder." Wonder what? The singer is rethinking something. But what?
The story takes a personal turn with the line, "There's a feeling I get when I look to the west and my spirit is crying for leaving." This is a lovely poetic line that boils down to "Facing death makes me think about what's important in life." Because the sun sets there, west has been a metaphor for death since at least ancient Egyptian times.
"In my thoughts I have seen rings of smoke through the trees and the voices of those who stand looking." Rings of smoke denote campfires, indicating that people live there, despite being hidden. Those who stand looking are people who witness evil, but say nothing. The people in his thoughts are coming out of hiding to stand up for what's right.
"And it's whispered that soon, if we all call the tune, then the piper will lead us to reason." The vision continues.The tune and the piper are musical metaphors connoting the spread of the goodness and truth seen in the vision. "And a new day will dawn for those who stand long and the forest will echo with laughter." As the vision gathers momentum, the people are no longer hiding in the trees.
But we're still not sure what this great vision really is. Does it have anything to do with the lady or the materialism she represents?
In the next few lines, we the listener are brought into the song somewhat ambiguously. "Your" and "you" could refer to the lady, but as we'll see later, they don't. "If there's a bustle in your hedgerow, don't be alarmed now. It's just a spring clean for the May queen." Very poetic again, and very British. Some translation is needed. In rural England the hedgerow is the line of shrubs denoting the property line between your estate and the next, so a "bustle in your hedgerow" means something is changing in your life or your mind. The May queen was chosen by a village to represent youth, beauty, newness, and hope for a better future. So this line boils down to "if your old ideas start crumbling, don't be alarmed, you have new and better ideas forming in their place." It's also possible that the May queen is another reference to the lady, though significantly changed in her ways.
"Yes there are two paths you can go by, but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on." This is a major clue to the still nebulous vision. It's a vision about a change for the better, one that we the listener can make.
"Your head is humming and it won't go, in case you don't know. The piper's calling you to join him." Since the bustle, hedgerow and May queen were so mysterious, this stanza restates and clarifies the previous one. The piper, as mentioned earlier, represents the vision, now evidently an idea because it is humming in our head. It's also a popular idea because here the piper is portrayed like the Pied Piper whose pipe magically lured rats and children to follow him.
"Dear lady can you hear the wind blow, and did you know, your stairway lies on the whispering wind." There's a lot going on here. Blowing wind is a metaphor for popular opinion, just as it was in many other songs from this era. Now we see the flaw in materialism, represented by the lady. Her money is only good if people accept it. And her reliance on it has cut her off from those people to the point where she may not be able to hear them at all. "Dear lady" is a clue that the lady also represents the materialist part of ourselves, one of the "two paths you can go by."
"And as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our souls." I really love this image. This song could have been about other people's flaws, but it's not. As time goes by, we inevitably grow more materialistic. One day we realize that we haven't lived up to the idealism of youth. Our material selves are now more important to us than our spiritual selves.
But why shadows? A close inspection of the entire song shows a consistent differentiation between things seen and things heard. Things seen are false and misleading. Things heard are real and from the heart. This might seem strange, but remember, we're listening to a song. The truth is coming to us aurally, not visually.
"There walks a lady we all know, who shines white light and wants to show, how everything still turns to gold." The shadows of the previous line come from the shining white light of a materialistic point of view. If we cast a shadow, it's because our materialism is showing.
"And if you listen very hard, the tune will come to you at last." The tune returns. Like last time, the tune is the new way of thinking, the second path, the non-materialist way of living that is more genuine, and keeps us connected to other people.
"When all are one and one is all. To be a rock and not to roll." It's too bad this line is so hard to understand in the recording because it really ties everything together. If the new way of thinking is good for one person, it's even better for a group. If enough like-minded folks get together and form a community then we'll live in a real, solid and reliable paradise.
"And she's buying a stairway to heaven." If not, the materialists will take advantage of the rest of us.
So that's how I interpret the song. It has added immensely to my enjoyment of Stairway to Heaven. I hope it does the same for you.
Brian Robinson”
This is the best interpretation of “Stairway to Heaven” lyrics I encountered so far. If you/anyone knows a better one, please share.
“... It's one of those songs where… if you have a moment, with either someone else or just a moment where you're watching the sun rising or something… It's one of those moments that, this piece of music, if it connects, it's going to connect fully, into every vein you've got going, and makes something inside you… Your little atoms are stirred by it. Your being… it's one of those songs that actually connects with your being.”
Krusher
More than a Rock band, Led Zeppelin is an experience. An emotional rollercoaster able to show you places and feelings deep within yourself, that you, yourself, never knew existed.
At least that's how I felt back in my teenage heroin addict self tripping with their music, in places and realms I didn't want to come back from. Today I find myself binging on people's reactions to their music trying to somehow get a glimpse of that. If that makes sense…
As much as I like and respect other bands, that is the reason why, I personally think, Led Zeppelin is the greatest Rock band of all time.
Oh, and as to where it ranks as my favorite song to date, well, let me put it this way:
If this isn't played at my funeral, I'm going to raise up and cause a scene.
This has also been my interpretation of the song too. At the end the message is that there is a better way to live without materialism, greed and selfishness. That if we listen and take the right path and all stand together as one we will be able to live in a better world.
From day one and ever since .It was around a friends house that is the way we found new music back then (no streaming )like with you now sharing with friends was the way we discovered the best.
For me, I was in the early years of high school and had a good pal named Paul , who always seemed to discover the latest trending phenomenon in music at that time! But as much as he touted the very first album, it took me until the Led Zeppelin 2 album, before I really appreciated how great their blues themed music was! So, I still love all of their albums ,but have to love the second album best. Stairway to Heaven is the exceptional song that surpassed all songs for me!
I discovered them in 1975. Their music will take you on a journey
still gettin goose bumps 2020 ...bella....
Led Zeppelin 1 is still one of my favorite record ever, especially: Dazed and Confused . I was very young, but love all music till this day, but Led Zeppelin stays one of my ever favorites
First song first album...I had their posters all over my walls at 14...got to see them live at 17...they took over the world in the 70s!
Led Zeppelin 1 record has been my favorite no1 record forever especially: Dazed and Confused. You are right, on every corner there was a great band a great artist. The list is endless.
"Stairway To Heaven" is more than THE antheme of the whole rock history, is THE revelation at all.
For me it was the 1st song "Good times, Bad Times" on the 1st album released in 1969
When did it dawn that they were special....from the first listen...this music hit so many as it was released...and we couldn't wait for the next album....a popular t shirt..read And the eighth day...He created Led Zeppelin
We knew....we were hearing amazing art
As much as it was derided as 'the most expensive home movie ever made', the totality of the musicianship, the many, many unforgettable solos, and the sheer length and breadth of the selections make this 'concert' a must listen to complete one's rock and roll journey. Thank god this exists.
I come back and watch this often. ✌️
we knew from day 1 bud. Nice reaction, ty for sharing.
When I first heard them it was whole lot of love I'm 58 and still listen to them everyday I was about 14 then the song remains the same movie came out man amazing must of seen it 50 time at least.
Through my teens all i did was sit play the album over and over again. I would wear my records out then renew. The whole family was hooked in such good times and feelings. Its just amazing you people finding this music this blows my mind watching reactions when you see how real this.
I saw this movie in 76’ when it hit the theaters. There was a lot of buzz about it. I was a fan but didn’t think about how special they were. But they were the most popular at the time.
Love your reaction and comments. I was in my late teens early twenty's when they became popular. I lived in a party house with two other guys and we had a house full of people and put Zep on and people just stopped what they were doing and were absolutely blown away. Yes we knew we were experiencing something so incredibly special that nothing could ever compare. They were so far ahead of their time. True Rock Gods.
Saw them twice 75 and 77 Richfield Colosseum Cleveland Ohio mesmerizing then still feel the same way!
SKILL! must be particularly hard not to laugh during the "forests will echo with laughter...does anyone remember laughter?" moment. But this guy does a great job!
Excellent reaction & questions. Yes, I think we were complacent & thought that this originality & genius was part of the scenery. I was 12 years old in 1973 when this concert was performed at MSG. Knowing what I know now, I would have sold everything my parents owned (I might have been in bother, but heh!😂) to get on a plane & be at that concert. There were some great trailblazers in the 60s & 70s, bit imo there were but 2 rock bands above ALL others - LZ & Pink Floyd.
Always knew...just grew up with it... people worked hard on their craft... students of music blues jazz read write music like we read write words. Gifted yes but well studied and not limited to who they listened and learned from
I was around 13 when I started listening to Zepp and eventually went to Knebworth '79 when I was 18
They were by far my favourite band, but I think the sheer genius and special status really only became clear as you realised that no one else in the blues/rock genre ever came along.
Only Floyd reaching a similar status for me in Prog.
Other bands like Sabbath, Rush, and even Thin Lizzy all had their place, but Led Zepp were special.
Great in-depth well thought out comments as usual brother..
I was 6 years old, 1971, my Dad would play this album,my babysitters were teenage hippies
Incredible Classic Song.
Here are my top five greatest rock anthems: 1 Stairway to Heaven 2 Bohemian Rhapsody 3 Light My Fire 4 Hey Jude 5 Heartbreak Hotel...... Your reactions are the best on TH-cam by far. THANK YOU SOUL TRAIN BRO.
I was real young when they came out if was even born lol but now that you mention it I had no idea how good these guys were going to be Iam a drummer and I feel the way you do bro I get chills to
I lov this version better than the studio version absolutely awesome
mate we started listening to these guys 40 years ago...they still grow on me...best band of all time....the reference of fusion rock and the base of metal with roots in blues and jazz....no quarter was the song for me that put them in a strarosferic thinking in the 90s...early 90s....and before was dazed and confused...i would just hear it 10 times a day some times...especially after some emotional times members of the opposite sex
I bought my first album when I was 13, knew they were great. but time and the ability for the music to touch people beyond just one moment is what makes a band legendary. Glad you enjoyed this.