@@amandajstar They don't like having to talk about their own emotions about John Bonham's death. It's too painful to have to reveal them in public. I saw an interview once where an American interviewer said to Plant, 'didn't you ever think of finding a replacement for John Bonham and carrying on?' Plant's expression was a mixture of anger and upset. He curtly said no they didn't think of that. They'd lost a good mate. He shut the subject down.
Ha Ha. Sure. But Jimmy’s red face also shows, as in some other interviews, playing just the one show, made him pretty upset. But everyone must realize that at the one show and later for the DVD release, Robert got run over with the auto tune thing. Imagine Jimmy playing a Les Paul which can cover his mistakes or bad notes. He does play a few guitars which correct out of tune-ness, but that’s the guitar.
The emotion on their faces still shows the pain even years later. Bonzo seemed to have not only been a band member, but a truly very dear friend. I seen Zeppelin in 1977 in Louisville, Ky. When they called it quits after Bonzo's death, at the time I was really upset. I adored the band. Listened to them constantly, wore a Zep. necklace, or pendant. I did not want the band to break up, or call it quits back then and was really disappointed. But, I soon realized the band had no other option. There was no way for Zeppelin to continue without John Bonham! Bonzo was Zeppelin, they all were Zeppelin, but none of them were Zeppelin without each other. The 4 of them together were Zeppelin, and that's how I remember them. RIP John Bonham. I knew you as a great musician, but your family and friends also as a great Dad, and friend.
Very nice! If you have ever listened to bootlegs of them recording their music, you can always hear the contribution Bonzo made, which he wasn't just the drummer, he was as much a part of the songwriting process as anyone else, there's even one where he's guiding Robert with some vocal stuff, and sadly it had to end. My favorite band of all time!
Led Zeppelin was my band. From 10 yrs old, when my aunt brought over LZ II And Whole Lotta Love, blasted through my parents stereo speakers. It changed my life, who I was, and who i became. I saw them 6 times in my youth. 75-77. , in Hollywood, my buddy and i drove in the Gremlin, to the midnight show of "the Song Remains the Same", Every Friday in the summer of 76. Crazy. When news of Bonzo's death, came to Southern California. it created a hole in my soul that has never been filled.
Amazing :) had a similar experience when I was 5 after my dad showed me how the way was won in the car (1st album I heard) and I just cried when my dad said 'the drummer died 40 years ago' and I just wanted to see them :'( man that stuff hits me as an 18 year old today... can never get enough led zep and looking at the world now even though there is amazing music there was something mystical about 70's groups... purple... zeppelin... Skynyrd... sabbath.. Hendrix.. cream you know..:)
Dr Elvis Valentino my 2nd concert was Page and Plant in 94. I was 14 years old and it was beyond incredible. I can't imagine seeing Led Zeppelin live in the 1970s. With Jones and Bonham. Greatest Rock Band ever !!!
Of course he's upset. It was in his house where it happend. He later sold that house because of it. It's probably still hard for him to talk about. Poor Pagey.
Jazzlover Well said. Jimmy's not an open book. If you read about the 1980-1982 timeframe, without it being said, Jimmy was devastated to his core. Pictures of him in this period are tragic. Pale, skeletal, unkempt and hiding. Probably the most difficult event in his life to come to terms with - and he still hasn't fully. He just lives with it. Plant lost his biological child, Jimmy lost a child too - Zeppelin.
Stephanie Sandlin It's nice to see him looking so well now, isn't it? The odd thing is, he's probably a lot healthier now at 71 than he was back with Zep.
BubbaZen10 I agree it's lovely seeing him probably the healthiest he's been since the early 70s. Sharp, lucid, sober. Just imagine if they (JPJ/Plant/JP) could've found a way to make it work following the 02. Not necessarily as Led Zeppelin, but as something with a different name. I think he is entirely capable of a Physical Graffiti style and quality of writing right now. He just needs that synthesis with other musicians to bring it out of him. The '77 - '85 heroin and malnutrition haze only allowed him to shine in brief moments. It's tragic too they never found a way (JP/JPJ/Plant). Zeppelin's later period and inconsistency (Presence/ITTOD) is directly tied to Page's drug use. Today, with him clean and proper drummer under a different name, the potential is there for for renewal in writing. I did see a piece about U2's tour manager, whom worked with Zep. In Plant's statement, he praised the Dennis Sheehan for being there when Karac died - a subtle note that he still feels Page and Jones weren't there. It got me thinking, Page and Plant deal with grief differently. Jimmy goes and sequesters himself away from nearly all contact. Robert mourns for a short period then tries to get on with it and attempts to recreate himself. This fundamental difference in response to trauma may be a core issue that drove a wedge between them in '77-'78. Robert felt he didn't get the support from he needed. JPJ and Page both preferred to give space and deal with loss personally. It wasn't they didn't care, it's reflective of how those guys respond to loss on their own individual levels.
Stephanie Sandlin I never really thought about that. That is a great point. It never dawned on me that Robert may still harbor feelings about that. Jimmy was in horrible shape at that time, and, while i don't know him, he doesn't strike me as the type that is gonna be real touchy feely when something tragic happens. Robert may have needed it from him, and he just wasn't able. Not how he deals with things. (especially being in the grips of that. his natural response was probably to medicate and make it go away) I'm really torn about the reunion thing. It's clear that they put a lot of work into it, and they sounded incredible. I get Page wanting to give it one last hurrah, and also cash in, but i really do get Robert's side of "Let's just leave this in the past. It was what it was. A beautiful thing, but time to move on." The only thing that pissed me off was when Robert got all coy about it, and suggested in some interviews he was open to it, and free, when it was VERY clear he wasn't, and didn't wanna do it. While i surely would have been there, paying an ungodly amount for the tickets, i am also fine "thinking how it used to be, ... remember(ing) times like (those).
I thought it looked more like he was going to lose his temper and just managed to bite it back when Plant took the answer and made the best he could of it, being the diplomat.
Excellent question, and it was great Robert answering it, as he likely penned the original statement about Zep's dissolution. Personally, I hear his father's dna in Jason's playing.
Respect to robert not shying away but ye you could see how gutted jimmy was there even after all these years must be a feeling losing a great friend and legend like that love them both total respect
Yeah. I saw a 86’ Firm show front row 2 seats off center. Only at the encore “Everybody Needs Somebody” when Jimmy finally plays his Les Paul , was he smiling. No kidding, Jimmy was bloated a bit and likely drunk, he barely moved and looked like the stage was the last place he wanted to be. Actually the Firm drummer wasn’t bad, but Jimmy had to come to grips that he would never play with someone like Bonzo again. I can’t imagine Jimmy’s frustration, this probably considerably lengthened Jimmy’s booze and drug habits. Personality wise Jimmy also turned into a bit of a loose cannon verbally, sometimes being rather prickly in interviews.
Jim Bryant Yes there was no question of the band carrying on once John Bonham had died. And for me it is Robert Plants closeness to him that has prevented the band from reforming on a more regular basis and quite rightly so.
It is SO DIFFICULT for the band to discuss John Bonham's death so many years later. You can see the feelings come heavily over each of them. I recall that when I was watching Robert Plant at the Kennedy Honors during the "Stairway to Heaven" tribute. RIP John Bonham.
BrawnyLion The Death of Bonham really impacted them, they have every right to be upset when his name gets mentioned. Not mad, but just sad, upset that it happened.
32 years later, I think the death wore off. I think it's the repetitive nature of the question, year after year, about the same subject, not the question itself.
Saddened by virtually all of the comments I see below, talking such utter tripe about body language, guilt, analysing the way someone scratches their backside won't tell you anything about their personality. I met Jimmy Page in 2005 and he's one of the warmest, down to earth and extremely gifted musicians the world has ever seen. So what if he appears nervous in front of the camera! have any of you people below actually sat and held a public press conference? It's one thing putting on a rock concert, because the musician has a job to do, and has a 'prop' such as a guitar, drum kit etc, to channel their nervous energy through - that's not available to them here. These men have devoted their lives to giving great pleasure to their millions of fans the world over. Leave them be. Go and pick on Rupert Murdoch or David Cameron instead please.
I would pick at Pagey a bit even if I actually knew him. Page isn't really nervous as a result of some little interview I don't think. Probably just a fidgety personality. I'm sure glad he needed something to do with his hands when he came out with all those great tunes ... Poking a little fun every now and then at a friend is a show of fondness for me. I wouldn't do it where he would get embarrassed though, there's a time for kidding around..
I too have met Mr Page on a couple of occasions. My friend who introduced me to him knows him very well. Whilst I will concede that he is capable of being extremely charming (the charm of the devil?) when he wants to be, I would hesitate from describing him as being particularly warm and as for being "down to earth", I'm not quite sure how that can be so for somebody so utterly absorbed in the occult! The claim that he is one of the most "extremely gifted musicians the world has ever seen", is truly one of the funniest things I've read in a very long time. Thank you for making me laugh hysterically. I owe you one!
John Bonham was a man who simply couldn't handle being away from his family, therefore he turned to alcohol. It changed who he was whilst he was under the influence, but as a sober man John was nothing more than a man who loved his family and just wanted to be with them. He was no real "thug".
A documentary makes that "away from his family" claim, then goes on about John _choosing_ to leave his family while they were supposed to be on vacation together..to go drinking. Seems like any reason was reason enough.
The interviews of people who were close to John also state that he missed his family more than anything and got sick and tired of being on tour. He even collected dolls for his daughter when travelling and said "these are for Zoe, I don't get to see her enough." If you have watched any video's of people who were close to him you'd know he was a completely different man sober than drunk and that he just wanted to be with his family.
Im Yu He was an alcoholic and as many alcoholics will do, he chose to drink over family time on that particular vacation. He really did love his family and missed them terribly when he was on tour or rehearsing away from home. And also just like many alcoholics he became a different person when he drank and in his case he became mean. He was a mean drunk. Jimmy Page on the other hand was a happy drunk. Yes he too got fall down drunk and indulged in most of the drugs that were popular in the seventies especially pot and cocaine which when mixed with alcohol rendered some of the inebriated states we often saw Page in on stage back then. Robert Plant often got pissed at Jimmy for not holding off on his partying before performing and was at times disgusted with Page's inebriated condition during concerts because it affected his playing and timing although he was still a great guitarist even when he was drunk and loaded. All told the boys of Led Zep had demons just like all the rest of us do and like most of the rest of us at times struggled with them but still didn't let those afflictions affect who they really were. And what they were was 4 really cool guys that happened to form one of the greatest rock n roll bands of all time IMO. As far as I'm concerned LZ music was most of the fodder for the soundscape of my formative years between 72' and 80'. I know they have their detractors but as far as I'm concerned they can all go to hell. I'm not interested in why they don't like them or why they think I shouldn't like them. Their detractors and critics only wish they could ever attain half of the cool factor that the boys of Led Zep did. I graduated from HS in 75 and Led Zepplin tunes accompanied some of the most awesome times in my life. When I think back to those days there always seems to be some Led Zep playing in the background. The Rain Song in particular seems to invoke memories of long ago loves, parties, life events, fun times and turning points in my life. When I watch the video of them playing the Rain Song at Earl's Court in 75' I often wonder what I was doing, who I was with and where I was on that summer night. There's a pretty good chance that whatever it was that I was doing that at some point a LZ tune was being played on the 8-track.
Alex Jackson Exactly right. If you see the (short video) John Bonham documentary, there's a shot of Bonzo in the limo, and he had such a lost, miserable look on his face. Really sad to see, and it was well known that he hated to be away from his wife & family for long stretches, especially while on tour. Sure Bonzo liked to booze, but it was because of the mental anguish of being away from his family for so long, that it manifested into the Jekyll & Hyde personality when Bonzo went into his SERIOUS benders.
Jimmy Page's jestures are interesting in this interview. Looks uncomfortable and fidgety while trying to mask his emotions. Obviously, the loss of Bonham still affects him greatly.
Plant was very close to Bonzo. Childhood friends, Bonzo was the only band member to travel back home with Plant from America when his young son died. He stayed with him.
Why all this judgement on their appearance? We all age. So much anger here. These guys were a part of something incredible, it's great to just see them. Misery is a choice folks.
Yeah, shut up with the age thing. Also people get too fascinated with the occult stuff, touring madness, underage girls, the gangster elements. Zep provided so much joy, energy and artistic achievements with their music alone. And even the abysmal Live Aid performance shook the ( at the time)usually cynical Robert Plant to maybe reform Zep. The crowd response was so extreme, they so dearly missed the band. Remember the 70’s ; Rock was practically a religion then, and much of that gospel or magic came from Zep.
As Robert talks just watch Jimmy it looks like he's about to cry and he has no words for the loss of John. Losses like that or Too Deep for words!!RIP JB✌😟😦
monokhem you are a fucking idiot I have seen you comment on multiple posts, literally pulling words straight out of that second asshole you call a mouth lmao
@monokhem fucking loser like you are a dime a dozen so go out and smile and think you're smarter than others you're a dick you can pretend you're smart but we're all laughing at you so keep it coming🖕🖕🖕💩💩💩
These guys have had incredible lives but have also conversely had to endure a lot of heartache and pain through losses. They are very resilient and always present themselves with optimism while I feel they carry deep sadness with them under the surface. They're gentleman, all of them, and wonderful musicians. RIP John Bonham.
I really think it comes with age. You don’t get to the age they are without enduring so much. I am speaking from experience too (I’m a little younger than they are i am 63)❤
I think Jimmy is acting like that because usually when a person feels that his every move is being watched by a big amount of people, he tries to act normal but tries too hard and ends up looking jacked
Plant and Bonham were already playing before LZ. I loved the O2 show. Wished I could've bought a ticket. The DVD was fantastic. It was truly a gift to the fans. Jason was fantastic. His dad would be proud.
So strange, seeing the guys here. Makes me realize how fleeting youth is - I mean, it's almost as if they were young rockstar and the next moment, older men. Gotta respect Plant for not just trying to eternally milk the LZ cash cow and singing overplayed versions of "Stairway" every night. He's made some great music apart from LZ, made some good and rather eclectic choices. Pagey must well realize that except for rehashing Led Zep songs, the music industry no longer lusts after new output of his genius, as the mass popularity of Rock has seen it's day. So he wants to tour, but Plant doesn't need all of the hoopla or the money. Plus he wants to make fresh music in other genres, not just on the road with the nostalgia circus.
I love the detail in Robert's very thoughtful answer. You spoke well, Robert. Your friend John would be proud and he must be so proud of his son as well.
You can see how it hit Jimmy even here at that time...changing colour ..fighting tears... We just love you guys....my hero's of the 70s I grow up with....that's why your symbols are on my right arm for ever.............
Just guessing it was a loss that none of them fully recovered from. In my very humble opinion, Bonham was the true soul of the band and his drumming was certainly unique. Certainly irreplaceable, but most importantly, he was never a show-off (no ridculous fills, half hour solos, etc) he never insulted the listener with his drumming. Likewise, their music (again, my opinion) always seemed respectful of the listener and always seemed to somehow raise your expectations of what music could be (and how to really enjoy the experience). I doubt they ever really envisioned what await them as they began to produce together in the late 60's, but lucky for us they did, and we have a songbook for the ages to always treasure. Truly unique, wonderful people who brought precision and joy to a great genre of art.
Call me silly but I see moby dick as his too long solo but I still love it. My favorite part is when he's moving faster than the cameras have frames per second... It's impressive but long
Leave Zep alone you lot, they are head and shoulders above so called bands these days even now as the O2 show proved. I once threw a bloke over a hedge for hassling my son so I dont blame John for doing what he did. Leave the man alone he aint here to defend himself. I am a drummer and he was and still is a massive influence on me. Long live Bonzo and Led Zep
On this day, Sept, 25, 1980. The world lost John Bonzo Bonham at the age of 32. So on behalf of the millions of fans, I thank you John with a heavy heart for all you have given to us all. R.I.P. You are and always will be a legend.
Some of the classiest guys in rock'n'roll. I don't have anything against bands which have replaced their deceased members. But it's still a very honourable thing to call it quite after one of the original lineup dies
Growing up, there were a few talented acts of musicians who carried themselves with an air of responsibility to their audience (of mostly teenagers). I'm not old enough to speak on Zeppelin, but I'm glad to see that they are real people who care about others.
How hard it must of been to talk about such a tragic loss as bandmates and friends. The memory for jimmy to have it happen at his home......no wonder he sold it.
I love the way Robert talks about John from Jason’s perspective. It’s not about them losing John, it’s about Jason losing his dad and Jason’s family being there to see him.
Not knowing the exact history of how it all went down..etc It looks to me like Page was being courteous, looking to Robert about answering the question and was possibly expecting Robert to look back at him in return. Instead, Plant just went on with it.
In a private conversation between myself and Jimmy Page (yes really) he was very complimentary about Jasons attitude and playing at the reunion gig and couldn’t praise him highly enough.It was bad enough having lost his Dad as a young kid but also having the pressure and comparisons of playing with the mighty Zeppelin could not be easy.Having said that Jason would drop everything in a heartbeat if they were to do anything again.
with all that said they were, and are the best music group to have played. there is not any other rock band from that time that just made great song after great song they are legend in my eyes and lots of others agree...... Bonham was the best
In the history of the music industry, there are only 5-6 artists/bands that have worldwide record sales of 300 million or more. Saying "other bands were as successful," would be over simplifying the fact.
I know Jimmy very well... he is my mom's friend... they grew up in epsom Surrey... He's a sweet and unaffected man. Jim is just Jim.. a privilege to call him my friend...
I am looking at the back photos on the first album they did, I cannot recognize these two chaps here, can anyone help? All I know is that the drummer had died, so I suppose these two here must be from the remaining three band members, right?
Led Zepplin load of talent and family men did a wonderful way carrying on for Jon with his own brilliant son . Jon Bonham presented the world with his unforgettable touch. And he blessed us again with his very talented and inspired son. Its a hardest thing in the known world loosing a father.
You can tell it hits them hard....understandably May they all find peace on this Earth An all together as band mates and forever friends in the next world I have a feeling Jesus digs Led Zeppelin too What a concert that will be ...eh? I'll be there too
Jason, my mother lost her mother at 2 1/2 in an auto accident. She had a memory of her mother holding her, and the pattern of her dress. A memory of that same dress, on a clothes line, blowing in the wind. And a crib story when her sister ( 4) and her were in the crib, at the hospital. They were mad at the nurses, because they wouldn’t let them see their mom. So when, what turned out to be a News Paper photographer took their picture, they switched names. I saw their picture, and name/ age swap. Later to lose all in storage unit, when she died. Your father’s love for you, your sister, and mother is quite beautiful. Best to you, sorry for your loss.
0:22 Poor Planty that look ( oh no they are asking about Bonzo again, they want a different answer every time , now i have to deal with the millenials)
Well said .The trouble is Not many have ears for a real one. Al the Drum boys after were mediocre . Nobuddy ,created or designed Like John .Including the Sib. Sorry..."Listen to Richie Hayward on Plants Solo's" .That's a real Drummer...
Dang, It never really sunk in to me til now, just how young Bonzo was when he passed away. I was 20 years old and had a press pass secured for their Chicago date of that upcoming tour. Didn't seem that long ago.
Awesome concert. Jason bonham rock's just as badass as his dad was. His dad would be very very proud of him it's a shame they didn't get to do a whole tour Robert should given him a chance
Years ago I had Jason do a clinic for my drum department. I was to!d ahead of time to not ask questions about his father john. Once I started talking to him, all that went right out the window. I coukdnt help but to ask about his dad
As I mentioned previously and didn't explain, destiny happens, I had it happen to me with someone who I used to love. My friend also had a previous mishap before he died. You can see destiny if it continues to keep happening. Again, sorry for your loss.
