A Whole Lotta Love
Moving forward in my timeline of influential music, I present to you another band that has had an impact on my life. The artistry of Jimmy Page combined with Robert Plant’s chilling vocals, John Paul Jones’ creative talents, and John Bonham’s outrageous drum solos make up, you guessed it, Led Zeppelin.
A couple of months ago, I was riding in the car with my dad and my 9-year-old younger sister, McKala. Out of nowhere she says, “This is Led Zeppelin, right, Dad?” I was amazed and proud to call her my little sis.
Ever since I could remember, Zeppelin has always been played in my house. Seeing McKala’s excitement about a band that she knew my dad and I took a common interest in made my day. Listening to Led Zeppelin is about the only thing we have in common. With the 13-year gap in age, and her obsession with horses (I have a huge fear of them), it is hard to relate to her. However, through music, we are able to relate to one another.
Another artist that we both completely obsess over is Taylor Swift. I know, a 22 year old listening to the country-pop songs of TSwift is probably something I shouldn’t admit, but McKala and I have seriously bonded while performing our own concert inspired by Taylor Swift.
Just for kicks, in case you do not know who Taylor Swift is:
But enough of TSwift, although, as much as I do love her and her ability to bring my sister and I together, let’s get back to Zeppelin.
I read Hammer of the Gods a couple of summers ago, and developed a greater understanding and appreciation of Led Zeppelin. They struggled in the beginning (as most bands do) and created a style of music unknown to the world. They broke the mold creating a new kind of rock and roll, and established a precedent for future bands (in my opinion) such as Queen and Wolfmother just to name two.
Zeppelin experimented with their music using synthesizers and melotrons. Their music evolved through experimenting and often times stumbling across some of their most famous chords and riffs. They strayed from the bluesy sound of their early days and started focusing on a more “heavy metal” aspect (not metal by today’s standards, though, but an intial precedent, remember).
I believe that Zeppelin’s stage presence also broke the mold of their time period and influenced others to do the same. Here’s a video of Zeppelin performing a popular song “The Ocean.” Pay close attention to Robert Plant and the way he moves and becomes one with the music. Also, notice his attire. I do believe the clothing speaks for itself (I’m not sure if he was the first to rock out the super tight pants, but I know he has started a trend here).
I would have loved to have been the publicist for Zeppelin back in the day. Traveling with them on concert tours and having to constantly defend their actions would have been an interesting and challenging job to say the least. However, I probably would quit after they continued to trash hotels and wreak havoc everywhere they went. Again, mixing pleasure with work doesn’t seem to work out for me.
